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The flexible memristor synapses based on binary metal oxides have significant potential in building artificial neural networks to meet people's demands. To obtain flexible memristor synapses with high linearity of conductance update, herein, the effect of Al doping and SiOx layer adding on the flexible TiOx‐based memristor synapse even under bending is studied. The results show that the doping Al and adding SiOx layer improves the linearity of conductance update by 3 times. The bending test results of the SiOx/Al:TiOx‐based memristor synapse show that the linearity decreases slightly with the decrease of the bending radius. When the bending radius is reduced to 5 mm, the total nonlinearity (NL) value of the device is about 0.42. It is still much smaller than the total NL value of TiOx‐based memristor synapse in flat state (about 0.76). The test results of conducting atomic force microscopy show that the improvement of linearity is due to the optimization of conductive filaments. The results provide a feasible program for improving linearity of TiOx‐based flexible memristor synapse even under bending, which can support for the development of high‐performance binary metal oxide flexible memristor synapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance degradation of a TiO2-film-based RRAM (resistive random access memory) is investigated in a proton irradiation experiment with an energy of 25 MeV. The results reveal that the fabricated Au/TiO2 film/Ti devices exhibit typical I–V of bipolar resistive switching behavior under an irradiation of 1 × 1011 protons/cm2. The low-resistance state (LRS) resistance remains nearly constant, but the high-resistance state (HRS) resistance decreases with an increasing proton fluence. The value of the HRS resistance decreases by approximately one order of magnitude when the value of proton fluence reaches 1 × 1011 protons/cm2. Moreover, the SET voltage decreases with a decreasing proton fluence, while the RESET voltage remains almost constant. Material characterization via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that the decrease in SET voltage and HRS resistance is mainly caused by radiation-induced oxygen vacancies and non-lattice oxygen. Based on the Voltage Threshold Adaptive Memristor model, a mathematical model of the I–V curve which demonstrates the variation in the RRAM resistance and voltage as a function of proton irradiation is constructed. The simulation results conformed to the experimental results under different proton fluences. Our results form a fundamental guide for the study of radiation performance degradation and radiation hardening of the RRAM with oxygen vacancy conducting filament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increase in the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes worldwide, and the similar trends may be observed in young adults. Since 2014, e-cigarettes have become the most commonly used nicotine products among young adults (Sun et al., JAMA Netw Open 4:e2118788, 2021). With the increase in e-cigarette use and the decrease in use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, however, there is limited information about Chinese smokers, e-cigarettes users and trends in cigarettes and e-cigarettes use among university students. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the using status of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and smoking behavior among the students from 7 universities in Guangzhou, China. Methods: Students at 7 different universities in Guangzhou were investigated online in 2021 through a cross-sectional survey. A total of 10,008 students were recruited and after screening, 9361 participants were adopted in our statistics. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to explore the smoking status and influencing factors. Results: The average age of the 9361 university students was 22.4 years (SD = 3.6). 58.3% of participants were male. 29.8% of the participants smoked or used e-cigarettes. Among the smokers and users of e-cigarettes, 16.7% were e-cigarettes only users, 35.0% were cigarettes only users, and 48.3% were dual users. Males were more likely to smoke or use e-cigarettes. Medical students, students from prestigious Chinese universities, and students with higher levels of education were less likely. Students with unhealthy lifestyles (e.g., drinking alcohol frequently, playing video games excessively, staying up late frequently) were more likely to smoke or use e-cigarettes. Emotion can have significant impacts on both cigarettes and e-cigarettes dual users when choosing cigarettes or e-cigarettes to use. More than half of dual users said they would choose cigarettes when they were depressed and e-cigarettes when they were happy. Conclusion: We identified factors influencing the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among university students in Guangzhou, China. Gender, education level background, specialization, lifestyle habits and emotion all influenced the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among university students in Guangzhou, China. Male, low education level, from non-prestigious Chinese universities or vocational schools, non-medical specialization, and presence of unhealthy lifestyles were influencing factors for the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among university students in Guangzhou and students with these factors were more likely to smoke or use e-cigarettes. Besides, emotions can influence dual users' choice of products. This study provides more information to better understand young people's preferences for cigarettes and e-cigarettes by elucidating the characteristics of cigarettes and e-cigarettes use, as well as related influencing factors, among university students in Guangzhou. Further research involving more variables connected to the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes will be required in our future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high similarity to biological ion channels, low power consumption, small footprint, and the fact that they do not require reset circuits, threshold switching memristors have been intensively studied for simulating neurons in neuromorphic chips. Switching speed is one of the key challenges which limit the application of threshold switching memristors in chips. In this study, Ta2O5 threshold switching memristors with high switching speeds were prepared by doping with silver. The results show that 14 wt. % Ag doped Ta2O5 threshold switching memristors exhibit excellent bi-directional threshold switching performance, featuring fast switching speeds (<20 ns, <18 ns), low leakage currents (<10 pA), and high switching ratio (>107). According to the field nucleation theory, the rapid switching speed can be attributed to the low nucleation energy (0.26 eV) of silver within the Ta2O5 matrix, which is achieved by incorporating 14 wt. % Ag during the doping process. Based on Pspice, a LIF (leaky integrate-and-fire) neuron based on the silver nanoparticles doped Ta2O5 threshold switching memristors is built, and its firing function has been simulated. The results show that the LIF neuron with a short switching time is able to excite pulse spiking with high frequencies. These results demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles doped Ta2O5-based threshold switching memristors hold significant potential for constructing high-speed artificial neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the epitaxial hexagonal LuFeO ( h-LuFeO) thin films with c-axis-oriented single phase, smooth surface were grown on YSZ (111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition method. Furthermore, a structural distortion of increased lattice constant of c is found in the epitaxial h-LuFeO thin films. Moreover, the epitaxial h-LuFeO thin films show room-temperature ferromagnetism. The coercive field and remnant magnetization of the epitaxial h-LuFeO thin film decrease with the increase in the test temperature from 50 to 300 K. The study would be of benefit to the room-temperature single-phase multiferroic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Cigarette smoking, which leads to abnormalities in the airways or alveoli and persistent obstruction of the airway's flow, is a significant risk factor of COPD. Cryptotanshinone (CTS) is the active ingredient in Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and has many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties, but its impact on COPD is uncertain. In the present study, the potential effect of CTS on COPD was investigated in a modified COPD mice model induced with cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. CTS significantly reversed the decline in lung function, emphysema, inflammatory cell infiltration, small airway remodeling, pulmonary pathological damage, and airway epithelial cell proliferation in CS- and LPS-exposed mice. Additionally, CTS decreased inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α), interleukins IL-6 and IL-1β, and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and L -Glutathione (GSH), and repressed the expression of protein hydrolases matrix metalloprotein (MMP)− 9 and − 12 in pulmonary tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The protective effects of CTS were also observed in human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B simulated with cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and LPS. Mechanistically, CTS can repress the protein level of Keap1, resulting to activation of erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), finally alleviating COPD. In summary, the present findings demonstrated that CTS dramatically ameliorates COPD induced by CS and LPS via activating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. [Display omitted] • Firstly, cryptotanshinone was found to have good therapeutic effect in COPD. This study demonstrated that cryptotanshinone can treat COPD by regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. • Animal model innovation: using CS oral and nasal inhalation exposure method combined with nasal drip LPS to construct a mouse COPD model. The smoking machine is connected to the animal oral and nasal inhalation exposure system, and the smoking machine simulates the process of human smoking and delivers smoke to the mice. The nicotine exposure concentration was quantified, which made the animal model more scientific and better simulated the disease process of COPD induced by human smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) device is one of the promising candidates for non-volatile memory used in space because of its features such as simple structure, high speed, low power consumption, durability and lightweight with reduction in thickness. Al-In-O/InO x self-mixing layer can be applied for flexible RRAM due to its low annealing temperature (i.e. temperatures<180 °C), forming-free resistive switching characteristics and low SET and RESET voltage. Herein, effects of the total ionizing dose of 60Co- γ ray radiation on the resistive switching, the bending performance of the prepared flexible RRAM devices based on the Al-In-O/InO x films were studied. The results indicated that the resistance decreases with the bias in high resistance state (HRS) and the SET voltages of the device decrease very slightly after irradiation, while the low resistance state (LRS), RESET voltage, and retention parameters are almost immune to radiation. Moreover, after irradiation, the decrease of resistance with the bias in HRS becomes more exacerbated when bended. Mechanism of bending on the RS is studied by the first-principles calculation, and the mechanism underlying the irradiation effect is studied from the viewpoint of the origin of RS. • 60Co-γ ray radiation on the Al-In-O/InOx-based flexible resistive switching device. • The HRS and the SET voltage decrease slightly after irradiation. • Bending aggravates the decrease of resistance for the HRS after irradiation. • Underling mechanism of bending on RS studied by the first-principles calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a flexible resistive switching memory is developed based on TiO 2 nanorod arrays with interstice between the nanorods to release the bending stress/strain. The device shows a stable forming-free bipolar resistive switching behavior with low operating voltage of below 3 V, high ON/OFF ratio of above 102, good retention for more than 105 s, good endurance of 107 cycles, and good thermal stability of the high resistance and low resistance state at 85 °C during the retention and fatigue tests. Moreover, under the different bending radius from 12 mm to 5 mm, the electrical performances referring to operating voltage and ON/OFF ratio of the device show few changes, and under the bending cycles of 400 times with the bending radius of 12 mm, all of the devices show no interfacial crack or delamination as well as keep the bipolar resistive switching behavior with the low operating voltage and high ON/OFF ratio. The good performances of the devices suggest that the TiO 2 nanorod arrays resistive switching device may open up new possibilities in realizing high-performance flexible memory. • Interstice between the nanorods to release the bending stress/strain. • Little changes of the operating voltage and ON/OFF ratio under the different bending radius. • No interfacial crack or delamination from SEM image and keep good resistive switching behavior under bending of 400 cycles. • Good thermal stability with stable high resistance or low resistance state at 85 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have rapidly gained popularity as alternatives to traditional combustible cigarettes. However, their long-term health impact remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosol (ECA) in mice compared to conventional cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. The mice were exposed to air (control), low, medium, or high doses of ECA, or a reference CS dose orally and nasally for eight months. Various cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments have been conducted to determine the biological and prosthetic effects. Histopathological analysis was used to determine structural changes in the heart and lungs. Biological markers associated with fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress were investigated. Cardiac proteomic analysis was applied to reveal the shared and unique protein expression changes in ECA and CS groups, which related to processes such as immune activation, lipid metabolism, and intracellular transport. Overall, chronic exposure to ECA led to adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary effects in mice, although they were less pronounced than those of CS exposure. This study provides evidence that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than combustible cigarettes for the long-term health of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in mice. However, further human studies are needed to clarify the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the miniaturization of electronic devices, controlling heat dissipation has become a key factor, which affects the service life of devices and energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the heat conduction mechanism of nanomaterials inside microelectronic devices. Herein, the thermal conductivity of MoS2 and graphene/MoS2 heterojunctions using the bond‐order–length–strength theory and the local bond average method is quantitatively analyzed; the functional relationship between the thermal conductivity and the number of layers, temperature, and pressure is established; and the variation trend of thermal conductivity of materials with these factors is studied. The results show that the thermal conductivity of MoS2 and graphene/MoS2 heterojunctions is inversely proportional to the number of layers and temperature, proportional to the pressure. The work provides a simple and effective method for the study of thermal transport properties of 2D materials and heterojunction systems from the perspective of chemical bonding changes at the atomic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional phosphorus carbides are predicted to be promising anode materials for Na-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, low diffusion barrier, low volume expansion rate and excellent electronic conductivity. However, previous theoretical calculations show that most phosphorus carbides have weak adsorption for Na atoms, which may lead to the fact that Na atoms are prone to aggregate to form Na dendrites during the charging and discharging process. Here, the effects of Si and B doping on the structural stability, and the adsorption and diffusion behaviors of Na atom of PC 3 were investigated using first-principles calculations. The results show that single Si and B atom doping has more negative formation energy at the P site. Si and B doping enhances the adsorption properties of PC 3 for Na atom, and the maximum adsorption energy of Na on the Si-doped system is decreased to −1.87 eV. B-doped PC 3 monolayer has more Na atom adsorption sites than the undoped ones. Therefore, it can be concluded that Si and B doping is a feasible way to improve the weak Na adsorption in the PC 3 monolayer. This work provides guidance for improving the electrochemical performance of phosphorus carbides. • The adsorption and diffusion behavior of Na atom on Si and B-doped PC 3 monolayer is considered. • The adsorption properties of Si-doped PC 3 for Na atom is more significantly enhanced compared to B-doped PC 3. • The diffusion barrier of Na atom on B-doped PC 3 lower than Si-doped PC 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combustible cigarettes produce many toxic substances that have been linked to diseases, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For those smokers unable or unwilling to quit, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) could be used as an alternative to cigarettes. However, the effects and mechanisms of e-cigarette aerosol (ECA) on respiratory function have not been fully elucidated, and in vivo studies of its safety are limited compared to cigarette smoke (CS). In this article, we chose nicotine levels as dosing references and C57BL/6 mice for a 10-week subchronic inhalation toxicity study. A comprehensive set of toxicological endpoints was used to study the effect of exposure. Both CS (6 mg/kg) and ECA (6 or 12 mg/kg) inhalation had decreased the animal's lung function and increased levels of inflammation markers, along with pathological changes in the airways and lungs, with ECA displaying a relatively small effect at the same dose. Proteomic analysis of lung tissue showed greater overall protein changes by CS than that of ECA, with more severe inflammatory network perturbations. Compared with ECA, KEGG analysis of CS revealed upregulation of more inflammatory and virus-related pathways. Protein–protein interactions (PPI) showed that both ECA and CS significantly changed ribosome and complement system-related proteins in mouse lung tissue. The results support that e-cigarette aerosol is less harmful to the respiratory system than cigarette smoke at the same dose using this animal model, thus providing additional evidence for the relative safety of e-cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the design and preparation of infrared stealth coatings adapted to wear environments by multi-arc ion plating is researched. The coating has a micrometer and nanometer scale multilayer structure which has been verified by SEM and TEM. At the micrometer scale, the coating has a sandwich layer structure of nitrides/Cr/nitrides. At the nanometer scale, the nitride coating exhibits a nano-multilayer structure of (AlCrSiN/CrN) n. The modulation period of the (AlCrSiN/CrN) n /Cr/(AlCrSiN/CrN) n coating is adjusted by changing the substrate revolution speed (0.5–2.0 r/min) to optimize infrared stealth and wear resistance. At the revolution speed of 1.5 r/min, the XRD pattern indicates that the Al-Cr-N crystalline sizes of the (111) and (200) planes are the smallest (11.68 and 14.54 nm, respectively). When the cycle period n is set to 6 (r=1.5 r/min), HR-TEM shows that the AlCrSiN layer exhibits semi-coherent epitaxial growth with the CrN layer. The multiscale multilayer design results in the lowest infrared emissivity of the coating at wavelengths of 3–5 and 8–14 μm (0.235 and 0.133, respectively). Furthermore, the coating has excellent scratch and wear resistance (L c 3 =85.1 N, 25℃-2.42×10−6 mm3/(N·m), and 550 ℃-4.81×10−5 mm3/(N·m)). The design concepts of multilayer and multiscale provide a framework for the application of coatings in wear and infrared composite environments. [Display omitted] • Low infrared emissivity can be obtained by adjusting the modulation period of (AlCrSiN/CrN) n /Cr/(AlCrSiN/CrN) n coating. • The coating offers both wear resistance and excellent adhesive strength. • The coating has excellent wear resistance at 550 ℃, showing low friction coefficient and wear rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiAlN/AlCrSiN multilayer coatings were prepared by arc ion plating. The implements of various thickness ratio (0, 0.89, 1.04, 1.14 and 1.49) of TiAlN/AlCrSiN on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal stability of TiAlN/AlCrSiN multilayer coatings were investigated. The AlCrSiN single coating without TiAlN inserted layer exhibits a mixed-phase structure of c-AlN and c-CrN, while TiAlN/AlCrSiN multilayer coatings show a single-phase cubic structure. As the thickness ratio of TiAlN/AlCrSiN increases, the critical load of multilayer coating gradually increases up to 99 N, the hardness decreases and the thermal stability improved. The TiAlN/AlCrSiN multilayer coating with a high thickness ratio of 1.49 was able to maintain a single (200) preferred c-TiAlN/AlCrN solid solution phase structure after annealing at 800°C in Ar for 2 h. The obtained single-phase cubic structure of AlCrSiN at room temperature and the improved thermal stability properties can be explained by the template effect of TiAlN on the AlCrSiN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple and efficient technique of interlayer interface Ar+ etching is presented to regulate the microstructure and properties of the TiSiN/TiAlN coating deposited by arc ion plating. SEM, AFM, XRD, and EIS of the TiAlN coating indicate that Ar+ bombardment can reduce the roughness and porosity density. HR-TEM reveals the presence of epitaxial growth at the interlayer interface. The TiSiN/TiAlN coating exhibits high bonding force (L c3 around 118.7 N) and excellent toughness (CPR s around 2230.2 N2) at − 300 V etching. The wear rate and COF of the coating are reduced to 4.26 × 10−5 mm3∙N−1∙m−1 and 0.295. The results demonstrate that interlayer interface Ar+ etching can effectively optimize the interlayer quality and enhance the wear resistance of the multilayer coating. [Display omitted] • This article reports a simple and effective process to control the structure and tribological properties of the coating through the interlayer interface Ar+ etching. • At the etching energy of –300 V, the crystalline sizes of TiAlN (111) and (200) are the smallest, 22.90 and 21.07 nm respectively. The etched interlayer interface has a low roughness and dense structure, which provides the epitaxial growth of the coating. • Meanwhile, Ar+ etching improves the strength and toughness of the coating (H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios around 0.097 and 0.280 GPa). • Improving the quality of the interlayer interface and mechanical properties is conducive to enhancing the wear resistance of the double-layer coating (CPR s around 2230.2 N2, COF 0.295, and wear rate 4.26×10−5 mm3∙N−1∙m−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been developed rapidly in recent years, representing the most promising candidates for photovoltaics. Regarding their application in spacecraft, it is essential to exploring the space radiation tolerance of PSCs. In this paper, the mechanism of performance degradation of ternary cation (methylammonium (MA), formamidinium (FA) and cesium (Cs)) lead trihalide perovskite planar heterojunction (PHJ) solar cells under gamma-ray radiation was analyzed layer by layer. The results demonstrate that PSCs experience obvious performance degradation under gamma-ray irradiation, especially undergoing apparent recession of short-circuit current density (J sc) and accordingly power conversion efficiency (PCE). They are mainly attributed to the phase transition of perovskite films and the color appearance of the glass substrate induced by the irradiation, deteriorating the perovskite film absorbance and the substrate transmittance. These results serve as a strong necessity to improve the stability of PSCs for the future application in aerospace. Image 1 • Perovskite solar cells experience obvious performance degradation under gamma-ray irradiation. • The perovskite films undergo a phase transition under gamma-ray irradiation. • The glass substrate exhibits the color appearance and decreased transmittance under gamma-ray irradiation. • It is strongly necessary to improve the stability of PSCs under gamma-ray irradiation for the application in aerospace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cadmium sulfide (CdS) and antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) quantum dot (QD) co-sensitized solar cells were fabricated using iodine-based gel polymer electrolytes. It was noticed that in comparison with TiO2/Sb2S3 QDs, the short-circuit current (Jsc) and the photoconversion efficiency (η) of the fabricated photovoltaic device based on TiO2/CdS/Sb2S3 QDs increased from 5.61 to 8.35 mA/cm2 and 1.06-1.61%, respectively. The presence of a CdS buffer layer between TiO2 and Sb2S3 was attributed to the enhancement of Jsc and η. The CdS buffer layer promoted the growth of Sb2S3 and facilitated the transfer of electrons from Sb2S3 to TiO2 through the reorganization of band levels between CdS and Sb2S3. It was also observed that the polymer electrolytes effectively prevented the corrosion of Sb2S3 QDs. Therefore, it can be concluded that the outcomes of this research could expedite future work on novel Sb2S3 quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) based on polymer electrolytes with improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional heterogeneous nanocomposites exhibit eminent cycling stability and rate capability as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. In this work, the composites of MoS 2 nanosheets uniformly coated TiO 2 nanowire arrays are fabricated by a glucose-assisted hydrothermal approach. The usage of glucose can be favorable to the uniform growth of MoS 2 morphology. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the composites exhibit good specific capacity, cycling stability and rate capacity. The enhanced electrochemical properties are attributed to uniformity of composites since the uniform composites can effectively integrate the good cycling stability of TiO 2 nanowire arrays and high capacity of MoS 2 nanosheets. The gentle synthesis procedure and excellent electrochemical properties make TiO 2 nanowire@MoS 2 nanosheet arrays promising in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This article designs (AlCrSiN/TiN) 20 /Ti multilayer multistage bionic (MB) coatings based on micrometer scale, nanometer scale, and sub-nanometer scales. • The coating sample with the negative bias voltage of −120 V of the Ti layers shows the best H / E * (0.073), H 3/ E *2 (0.131 GPa) values, and scratch crack propagation resistance (CPRs , 653.54 N2) in this study. • The results show that the hardness and toughness of tool coatings are excellent simultaneously. To obtain the high hardness and excellent toughness of tool coating, here, the (AlCrSiN/TiN) 20 /Ti multilayer multiscale bionic (MB) coatings were prepared on WC-6 wt% Co substrates with a TiAlN buffer layer by changing the negative bias voltage of the Ti layer. The results show that the hardness and toughness are outstanding simultaneously. The excellent hardness is mainly from the nanocrystalline AlN, CrN, TiN, and amorphous Si-N(O) formed a nanocomposite structure in the nano multilayer of the AlCrSiN/TiN, which was confirmed by the results of TEM, XPS, and XRD. The excellent toughness is mainly from the multilayer structure and the Ti layer which improves the ability resistance to crack damage. Moreover, the toughness is adjusted by the negative bias voltage of the Ti layer. The MB4 coating sample with the negative bias voltage of −120 V shows the best H / E * (0.073), H 3/ E *2 (0.131 GPa) values, and scratch crack propagation resistance (CPRs , 653.54 N2) in this study. The results may promote the application of the coated cutting tool in the high-speed cutting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable polymer/nanomagnetic (PVDF/Fe 3 O 4) composite nanofiber membrane is prepared on the Al current collector using electrospinning to serve as matrix for sulfur. The paramagnetic adsorption of polysulfides by Fe 3 O 4 can suppress the shuttling effect, and the PVDF reserves as an elastic skeleton for alleviating volume changes of sulfur cathode. The results show that the cathode with PVDF/Fe 3 O 4 composite nanofiber membrane has an initial discharge capacity of 1555.5 mA h g−1 at a rate of 0.1 C, and remains at 994.7 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles, showing a better cycle life than others without Fe 3 O 4 or PVDF. This work provides a strategy for further promoting the commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous phase W–Ge–Te material has been proposed and investigated for phase-change memory (PCM) applications. The crystallization temperature of GeTe is markedly improved by introducing W atoms. In the W–Ge–Te material, W atoms bonding to Ge and Te atoms serve as substitutional impurities. During the crystallization process, the diffusion of Ge and Te atoms is restricted by W atoms that have larger atomic mass, which further leads to more uniform crystallization of the material. W atoms serve as nucleation centers and attract the surrounding Ge and Te atoms, quickly building crystal grains. W0.1(GeTe)0.9 film has a 10-year data retention temperature of 225°C and an ultrafast crystallization time of 3ns. Specifically, W0.1(GeTe)0.9 film can withstand the Pb-free solder reflow temperature (260°C) for 4.6×104 s. A voltage pulse of as little of 10ns long can realize reversible operations for W0.1(GeTe)0.9-based PCM devices. In addition, good endurance (5×105 cycles) has also been obtained for the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, high pressure effect on the structure, mechanical and electronic properties of Mo 2 ScAlC 2 has been investigated with first-principles method. Results show that Mo 2 ScAlC 2 is much more compressible along a axis than along c axis. Besides, mechanical properties are explored. Elastic constants and moduli creep up with the increasing pressure. Especially, the sharp increment of C 33 also predicts a strong resistance to the compression strain along c axis. With the increasing of pressure, Mo 2 ScAlC 2 change from brittle to ductile. Furthermore, the electronic analysis indicates that Mo 2 ScAlC 2 is predicted to be metallic and the metallicity of Mo 2 ScAlC 2 reduces gradually with the increase of pressure. Finally, the deformation charge density distribution indicates that Sc-atom provides more electrons to C-atom obtains with increasing pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W-Sb-Te phase-change material has been proposed to improve the performance of phase-change memory (PCM). Crystallization temperature, crystalline resistance, and 10-year data retention of Sb2Te increase markedly by W doping. The Wx(Sb2Te)1-x films crystallize quickly into a stable hexagonal phase with W uniformly distributing in the crystal lattice, which ensures faster SET speed and better operation stability for the application in practical device. PCM device based on W0.07(Sb2Te)0.93 shows ultrafast SET operation (6 ns) and good endurance (1.8 × 105 cycles). W-Sb-Te material is a promising candidate for the trade-off between programming speed and data retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]