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2024 Vol. 3, No. 2

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Bouligand structure is a kind of fiber-reinforced structure that can achieves excellent mechanical performance through biomimetic design of multi-level oriented structures and their inherent strength and toughness mechanisms. This work focuses on the current situation where it is difficult to precisely manufacture the biomimetic Bouligand structures and regulate the mechanical performance. Based on modular design principles and digital additive manufacturing technology, a systematic study was conducted on the multi-level filaments orientation design and interface control of biomimetic Bouligand structures. 3D printed modular Bouligand dissipative structure arrays with adjustable mechanical performance were constructed in a hierarchical manner.

 

3D printed Bouligand dissipative structures


DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad22cf


The ease of oxidation of the highly reactive InP cores leads to high non-radiative recombination and poor photoluminescence quantum yield of the InP-based core/shell quantum dots, limiting the performance of the relevant QLEDs. Here, a fluoride-free synthesis strategy was proposed to in-situ passivate the InP cores, in which zinc myristate reacted with phosphine dangling bonds to form Zn-P protective layer and protect InP cores from the water and oxygen in the environment. Further by growing ZnSe/ZnS shell, a high-brightness green InP-based QLED was achieved.


green InP-based QLEDs, in-situ passivation of core surface


DOI: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad3a83

Topical Review
OPEN ACCESS
The issues on the commercialization of perovskite solar cells
Lixiu Zhang, Yousheng Wang, Xiangchuan Meng, Jia Zhang, Pengfei Wu, Min Wang, Fengren Cao, Chunhao Chen, Zhaokui Wang, Fu Yang, Xiaodong Li, Yu Zou, Xi Jin, Yan Jiang, Hengyue Li, Yucheng Liu, Tongle Bu, Buyi Yan, Yaowen Li, Junfeng Fang, Lixin Xiao, Junliang Yang, Fuzhi Huang, Shengzhong Liu, Jizhong Yao, Liangsheng Liao, Liang Li, Fei Zhang, Yiqiang Zhan, Yiwang Chen, Yaohua Mai, Liming Ding
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad37cf
Abstract(335)
Abstract:
AbstractPerovskite solar cells have aroused a worldwide research upsurge in recent years due to their soaring photovoltaic performance, ease of solution processing, and low cost. The power conversion efficiency record is constantly being broken and has recently reached 26.1% in the lab, which is comparable to the established photovoltaic technologies such as crystalline silicon, copper indium gallium selenide and cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. Currently, perovskite solar cells are standing at the entrance of industrialization, where huge opportunities and risks coexist. However, towards commercialization, challenges of up-scaling, stability and lead toxicity still remain, the proper handling of which could potentially lead to the widespread adoption of perovskite solar cells as a low-cost and efficient source of renewable energy. This review gives a holistic analysis of the path towards commercialization for perovskite solar cells. A comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art level for perovskite solar cells and modules will be introduced first, with respect to the module efficiency, stability and current status of industrialization. We will then discuss the challenges that get in the way of commercialization and the corresponding strategies to address them, involving the upscaling, the stability and the lead toxicity issue. Insights into the future direction of commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics was also provided, including the flexible perovskite cells and modules and perovskite indoor photovoltaics. Finally, the future perspectives towards commercialization are put forward.
OPEN ACCESS
Annual research review of perovskite solar cells in 2023
Qisen Zhou, Xiaoxuan Liu, Zonghao Liu, Yanqing Zhu, Jianfeng Lu, Ziming Chen, Canjie Li, Jing Wang, Qifan Xue, Feifei He, Jia Liang, Hongyu Li, Shenghao Wang, Qidong Tai, Yiqiang Zhang, Jiehua Liu, Chuantian Zuo, Liming Ding, Zhenghong Xiong, Renhao Zheng, Huimin Zhang, Pengjun Zhao, Xi Jin, Pengfei Wu, Fei Zhang, Yan Jiang, Huanping Zhou, Jinsong Hu, Yang Wang, Yanlin Song, Yaohua Mai, Baomin Xu, Shengzhong Liu, Liyuan Han, Wei Chen
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad42ba
Abstract(399)
Abstract:
AbstractPerovskite (PVK) solar cells (PSCs) have garnered considerable research interest owing to their cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. A systematic annual review of the research on PSCs is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current research trends. Herein, systematic analysis of the research papers on PSCs reporting key findings in 2023 was conducted. Based on the results, the papers were categorized into six classifications, including regular n-i-p PSCs, inverted p-i-n PSCs, PVK-based tandem solar cells, PVK solar modules, device stability, and lead toxicity and green solvents. Subsequently, a detailed overview and summary of the annual research advancements within each classification were presented. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for guiding future research endeavors in the field of PSCs.
OPEN ACCESS
Graphene quantum dots: preparations, properties, functionalizations and applications
Pin Tian, Libin Tang, Kar-Seng Teng, Shu-Ping Lau
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad08cb
Abstract(391)
Abstract:
AbstractZero-dimensional graphene quantum dots (GQDs) exhibit many different properties, such as strong fluorescence, nonzero bandgap and solubility in solvents, compared to two-dimensional graphene. GQDs are biocompatible and have low toxicity; hence, they are widely used in the biomedical field. The edge effect of GQDs is of particular interest because edge modification can regulate the performance of nanomaterials. In this review, various preparation methods for GQDs, which can be divided into three main categories, namely top-down, bottom-up and chemical methods, are discussed. The unique optical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of GQDs are reviewed. The functionalization of GQDs by doping with heteroatoms and forming composites with other materials is studied, and the characteristics of these GQDs are also discussed. The applications of these GQDs in the fields of optics, electricity, optoelectronics, biomedicine, energy, agriculture and other emerging interdisciplinary fields are reviewed to highlight the enormous potential of nanomaterials. This review reports on the recent advancement in GQD research and suggests future directions for the development of GQDs.
OPEN ACCESS
Recent advances in multimodal sensing integration and decoupling strategies for tactile perception
Huijun Kong, Weiyan Li, Zhongqian Song, Li Niu
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad305e
Abstract(302)
Abstract:
AbstractHuman skin perceives external environmental stimulus by the synergies between the subcutaneous tactile corpuscles. Soft electronics with multiple sensing capabilities by mimicking the function of human skin are of significance in health monitoring and artificial sensation. The last decade has witnessed unprecedented development and convergence between multimodal tactile sensing devices and soft bioelectronics. Despite these advances, traditional flexible electronics achieve multimodal tactile sensing for pressure, strain, temperature, and humidity by integrating monomodal sensing devices together. This strategy results in high energy consumption, limited integration, and complex manufacturing process. Various multimodal sensors and crosstalk-free sensing mechanisms have been proposed to bridge the gap between natural sensory system and artificial perceptual system. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of tactile sensing mechanism, integration design principles, signal-decoupling strategies, and current applications for multimodal tactile perception. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and present the future perspectives to promote the development of multimodal tactile perception.
Paper
OPEN ACCESS
3D printed modular Bouligand dissipative structures with adjustable mechanical properties for gradient energy absorbing
Junfeng Xiao, Mengxing Zhang, Fei Zhai, Hongrui Wei, Sen Liu, Peng Wang, Zhiyang Liu, Zhongying Ji, Xiaolong Wang
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad22cf
Abstract(364)
Abstract:
AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) printing allows for the creation of complex, layered structures with precise micro and macro architectures that are not achievable through traditional methods. By designing 3D structures with geometric precision, it is possible to achieve selective regulation of mechanical properties, enabling efficient dissipation of mechanical energy. In this study, a series of modular samples inspired by the Bouligand structure were designed and produced using a direct ink writing system, along with a classical printable polydimethylsiloxane ink. By altering the angles of filaments in adjacent layers (from 30° to 90°) and the filament spacing during printing (from 0.8 mm to 2.4 mm), the mechanical properties of these modular samples can be adjusted. Compression mechanical testing revealed that the 3D printed modular Bouligand structures exhibit stress-strain responses that enable multiple adjustments of the elastic modulus from 0.06 MPa to over 0.8 MPa. The mechanical properties were adjusted more than 10 times in printed samples prepared using uniform materials. The gradient control mechanism of mechanical properties during this process was analyzed using finite element analysis. Finally, 3D printed customized modular Bouligand structures can be assembled to create an array with Bouligand structures displaying various orientations and interlayer details tailored to specific requirements. By decomposing the original Bouligand structure and then assembling the modular samples into a specialized array, this research aims to provide parameters for achieving gradient energy absorption structures through modular 3D printing.
OPEN ACCESS
Fragility crossover mediated by covalent-like electronic interactions in metallic liquids
Hui-Ru Zhang, Liang Gao, Yu-Hao Ye, Jia-Xin Zhang, Tao Zhang, Qing-Zhou Bu, Qun Yang, Zeng-Wei Zhu, Shuai Wei, Hai-Bin Yu
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4404
Abstract(139)
Abstract:
AbstractFragility is one of the central concepts in glass and liquid sciences, as it characterizes the extent of deviation of viscosity from Arrhenius behavior and is linked to a range of glass properties. However, the intervention of crystallization often prevents the assessment of fragility in poor glass-formers, such as supercooled metallic liquids. Hence experimental data on their compositional dependence are scarce, let alone fundamentally understood. In this work, we use fast scanning calorimetry to overcome this obstacle and systematically study the fragility in a ternary La-Ni-Al system, over previously inaccessible composition space. We observe fragility dropped in a small range with the Al alloying, indicating an alloying-induced fragility crossover. We use x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, resistance measurements, electronic structure calculations, and DFT-based deep-learning atomic simulations to investigate the cause of this fragility drop. These results show that the fragility crossover can be fundamentally ascribed to the electronic covalency associated with the unique Al-Al interactions. Our findings provide insight into the origin of fragility in metallic liquids from an electronic structure perspective and pave a new way for the design of metallic glasses.
OPEN ACCESS
Highly stretchable kirigami-patterned nanofiber-based nanogenerators for harvesting human motion energy to power wearable electronics
Chuan Ning, Shengxin Xiang, Xiupeng Sun, Xinya Zhao, Chuanhui Wei, Lele Li, Guoqiang Zheng, Kai Dong
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad2f6a
Abstract(247)
Abstract:
AbstractWearable electronics are advancing towards miniaturization and flexibility. However, traditional energy supply methods have largely hindered their development. An effective solution to this problem is to convert human mechanical energy into electricity to power wearable electronic devices. Therefore, it is greatly attractive to design flexible, foldable and even stretchable energy harvesting devices. Herein, we use the electrospinning and kirigami approach to develop a type of highly stretchable kirigami-patterned nanofiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator (K-TENG). Due to its innovative structural design, the K-TENG can achieve a tensile strain of 220%, independent of the tensile properties of the material itself. When a person swings their arms, the K-TENG fixed to the clothing can convert mechanical energy from human movement into electrical energy. The produced electricity can directly drive 50 LED lights and a digital watch, or be stored in a lithium battery to charge the smartwatch and smartphone, respectively. This study employs a new method to fabricate a stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator and demonstrates its promising applications in wearable power technology.
OPEN ACCESS
High-brightness green InP-based QLEDs enabled by in-situ passivating core surface with zinc myristate
Yuanbin Cheng, Qian Li, Mengyuan Chen, Fei Chen, Zhenghui Wu, Huaibin Shen
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad3a83
Abstract(248)
Abstract:
AbstractThe performance of red InP and blue ZnTeSe-based quantum dots (QDs) and corresponding QD light emitting diodes (QLEDs) has already been improved significantly, whose external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and luminances have exceeded 20% and 80 000 cd m−2, respectively. However, the inferior performance of the green InP-based device hinders the commercialization of full-color Cd-free QLED technology. The ease of oxidation of the highly reactive InP cores leads to high non-radiative recombination and poor photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of the InP-based core/shell QDs, limiting the performance of the relevant QLEDs. Here, we proposed a fluoride-free synthesis strategy to in-situ passivate the InP cores, in which zinc myristate reacted with phosphine dangling bonds to form Zn-P protective layer and protect InP cores from the water and oxygen in the environment. The resultant InP/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell QDs demonstrated a high PL QY of 91%. The corresponding green-emitting electroluminescence devices exhibited a maximum EQE of 12.74%, along with a luminance of over 175 000 cd m−2 and a long T50@100 cd m−2 lifetime of over 20 000 h.
OPEN ACCESS
Critical state-induced emergence of superior magnetic performances in an iron-based amorphous soft magnetic composite
Liliang Shao, Rongsheng Bai, Yanxue Wu, Jing Zhou, Xing Tong, Hailong Peng, Tao Liang, Zongzhen Li, Qiaoshi Zeng, Bo Zhang, Haibo Ke, Weihua Wang
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad2ae8
Abstract(344)
Abstract:
AbstractSoft magnetic composites (SMCs) play a pivotal role in the development of high-frequency, miniaturization and complex forming of modern electronics. However, they usually suffer from a trade-off between high magnetization and good magnetic softness (high permeability and low core loss). In this work, utilizing the order modulation strategy, a critical state in a FeSiBCCr amorphous soft magnetic composite (ASMC), consisting of massive crystal-like orders (CLOs, ∼1 nm in size) with the feature of α-Fe, is designed. This critical-state structure endows the amorphous powder with the enhanced ferromagnetic exchange interactions and the optimized magnetic domains with uniform orientation and fewer micro-vortex dots. Superior comprehensive soft magnetic properties at high frequency emerge in the ASMC, such as a high saturation magnetization (Ms) of 170 emu g−1 and effective permeability (μe) of 65 combined with a core loss (Pcv) as low as 70 mW cm−3 (0.01 T, 1 MHz). This study provides a new strategy for the development of high-frequency ASMCs, possessing suitable comprehensive soft magnetic performance to match the requirements of the modern magnetic devices used in the third-generation semiconductors and new energy fields.
OPEN ACCESS
Triply degenerate semimetal PtBi2 as van der Waals contact interlayer in two-dimensional transistor
Bohan Wei, Yun Li, Tinghe Yun, Yang Li, Tianhu Gui, Wenzhi Yu, Hanran Mu, Nan Cui, Weiqiang Chen, Shenghuang Lin
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad47cf
Abstract(209)
Abstract:
AbstractThe low-energy electronic excitations in topological semimetal yield a plethora of a range of novel physical properties. As a relatively scarce branch, the research of triple-degenerate semi-metal is mostly confined to the stage of physical properties and theoretical analysis, there are still challenges in its practical application. This research showcases the first application of the triply degenerate semimetal PtBi2 in electronic devices. Leveraging a van der Waals transfer method, PtBi2 flakes were used as interlayer contacts for metal electrodes and WS2 in transistors. The transistor achieved a switching ratio above 106 and average mobility can reach 85 cm2V−1 s−1, meeting integrated circuit requirements. Notably, the excellent air stability of PtBi2 simplifies the device preparation process and provides more stable device performance. Transfer process reduces the Schottky barrier between metal electrodes and semiconductors while avoiding Fermi pinning during metal deposition to achieve excellent contact. This groundbreaking work demonstrates the practical applicability of PtBi2 in the field of electronic devices while opening new avenues for the integration of novel materials in semiconductor technology, setting a precedent for future innovations.
OPEN ACCESS
Predicting structure-dependent Hubbard U parameters via machine learning
Guanghui Cai, Zhendong Cao, Fankai Xie, Huaxian Jia, Wei Liu, Yaxian Wang, Feng Liu, Xinguo Ren, Sheng Meng, Miao Liu
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad19e2
Abstract(484)
Abstract:
AbstractDFT + U is a widely used treatment in the density functional theory (DFT) to deal with correlated materials that contain open-shell elements, whereby the quantitative and sometimes even qualitative failures of local and semi-local approximations can be corrected without much computational overhead. However, finding appropriate U parameters for a given system and structure is non-trivial and computationally intensive, because the U value has generally a strong chemical and structural dependence. In this work, we address this issue by building a machine learning (ML) model that enables the prediction of material- and structure-specific U values at nearly no computational cost. Using Mn-O system as an example, the ML model is trained by calibrating DFT + U electronic structures with the hybrid functional results of more than 3000 structures. The model allows us to determine an accurate U value (MAE = 0.128 eV, R2 = 0.97) for any given Mn-O structure. Further analysis reveals that M-O bond lengths are key local structural properties in determining the U value. This approach of the ML U model is universally applicable, to significantly expand and solidify the use of the DFT + U method.
OPEN ACCESS
Data-driven design of high pressure hydride superconductors using DFT and deep learning
Daniel Wines, Kamal Choudhary
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad4a94
Abstract(216)
Abstract:
AbstractThe observation of superconductivity in hydride-based materials under ultrahigh pressures (for example, H3S and LaH10) has fueled the interest in a more data-driven approach to discovering new high-pressure hydride superconductors. In this work, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to predict the critical temperature (Tc) of over 900 hydride materials under a pressure range of (0-500) GPa, where we found 122 dynamically stable structures with a Tc above MgB2 (39 K). To accelerate screening, we trained a graph neural network (GNN) model to predict Tc and demonstrated that a universal machine learned force-field can be used to relax hydride structures under arbitrary pressures, with significantly reduced cost. By combining DFT and GNNs, we can establish a more complete map of hydrides under pressure.
Commentary
OPEN ACCESS
Recent breakthrough in AI-driven materials science: tech giants introduce groundbreaking models
Miao Liu, Sheng Meng
2024, 3(2) doi: 10.1088/2752-5724/ad2e0c
Abstract(311)
Abstract:
AbstractA close look at Google’s GNoME inorganic materials dataset (Merchant et al 2023 Nature  624 80-85), and 11 things you would like to know.

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