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In this study, a chloride-assisted boro/carbothermal reduction method was employed to prepare HfB 2 whiskers, aiming to address the challenges associated with large-scale preparation of HfB 2 whiskers and the development of high-temperature resistant electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. When the precursors were mechanically stirred, the resulting mixture underwent calcination at 1450 °C for 3 h, leading to the formation of single-phase HfB 2 whiskers. The as-synthesized HfB 2 whiskers showed exceptional resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 700 °C. The microwave absorption performance and mechanism of the HfB 2 whiskers/paraffin composite were also investigated. The results revealed that the composite achieved a minimum reflection loss of −41.29 dB when the HfB 2 whiskers content reached 80 wt%, while the widest effective absorption bandwidth of the composite reached 3.6 GHz when the HfB 2 whiskers content increased to 82.5 wt%. This work presents a novel candidate for high-temperature resistant materials used in absorbing electromagnetic wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a chloride-assisted boro/carbothermal reduction method was employed to prepare HfB 2 whiskers, aiming to address the challenges associated with large-scale preparation of HfB 2 whiskers and the development of high-temperature resistant electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. When the precursors were mechanically stirred, the resulting mixture underwent calcination at 1450 °C for 3 h, leading to the formation of single-phase HfB 2 whiskers. The as-synthesized HfB 2 whiskers showed exceptional resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 700 °C. The microwave absorption performance and mechanism of the HfB 2 whiskers/paraffin composite were also investigated. The results revealed that the composite achieved a minimum reflection loss of −41.29 dB when the HfB 2 whiskers content reached 80 wt%, while the widest effective absorption bandwidth of the composite reached 3.6 GHz when the HfB 2 whiskers content increased to 82.5 wt%. This work presents a novel candidate for high-temperature resistant materials used in absorbing electromagnetic wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with common monoanionic high entropy ceramics, polyanionic high entropy ceramics, with better performance, are more difficult to prepare. Since transition metal carbides have high hardness and transition metal nitrides have good toughness, it is hoped that high entropy carbonitride ceramics can combine the advantages of the two. In this paper, a series of novel (Ti 0.25 Nb 0.25 Hf 0.25 Ta 0.25)C x N 1–x (x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7) high entropy ceramics were successfully synthesized for the first time using spark plasma sintering at 1850 °C with metal carbides and metal nitrides as raw materials. The phase evolution, microstructure, hardness and fracture toughness of high carbonitride entropy ceramics were investigated. X-ray diffraction indicates the ceramics with the single-phase face-centered cubic structure were successfully prepared. It was found that the high entropy ceramics sintered at 1850 °C with four cationic components have excellent performance on fracture toughness (KIC = 7.1746 MPa m1/2). With the increase of carbide proportion, the hardness of the ceramics increased, but the fracture toughness and bending strength decreased slightly. And it was found that the differences of grain size and porosity content were the main reasons for the mechanical properties difference. The excellent hardness properties, good bending strength and outstanding fracture toughness of the high entropy ceramics provide the possibility for the application of high entropy ceramics in aerospace and other applications requiring high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the increasingly severe electromagnetic (EM) wave pollution requires high-performance EM wave absorbing materials. Multi-principal-element materials are acknowledged as promising for broadening the applications owing to their tunable chemistries and structures in many fields, including as EM wave absorbers. Herein, we prepared a high-entropy MXene, (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x. Furthermore, multi-principal-element (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x /FeCoNi and (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x /FeCoNiCu composites were synthesized via an in-situ hydrothermal process by combining high-entropy MXene with medium-entropy magnetic alloys. In contrast with the relatively narrow effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x MXene (2.56 GHz), (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x /FeCoNi composite with 50 wt% MXene can attain an optimum EAB of 4.88 GHz with the matching thickness of only 1.73 mm. As for (Mo 0.25 Cr 0.25 Ti 0.25 V 0.25) 3 C 2 T x /FeCoNiCu composites, both the absorption efficiency and absorption bandwidth are significantly enhanced. The combination of multi-principal-component strategy and composite construction endows the composites with synergistic dielectric and magnetic losses, optimized impedance matching as well as enhanced attenuation ability, thus improving EM wave absorption performances. In addition, radar cross section (RCS) simulation confirms that the prepared composites have broad application prospects as radar stealth materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the chemical elements of high-entropy boride (HEB) ceramics and their hardness is important for the prediction of high-hardness HEB ceramics. In this work, by designing four HEB ceramics with different chemical elements, the effect of lattice parameter difference factor (δ, represents the difference-degree in lattice parameters among the five individual constitute diborides) on phase composition and lattice-distortion, and the effect of rule of mixture (ROM) average hardness and lattice-distortion on HEB ceramics hardness were studied. The results indicated that, as δ value increases, more severe lattice-distortion occurs inside the HEB ceramics, and a single solid-solution is difficult to be formed. Furthermore, lattice-distortion and the ROM average hardness codetermine the HEB ceramics hardness. The greater lattice-distortion brings about significantly higher hardness for HEB ceramics than their ROM average hardness. Among the four HEBs, (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 exhibits the high hardness of 26 GPa measured using a load of 9.8 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the lack of a conformal, load-bearing, lightweight, and high-temperature resistant integrated microwave-absorbing composites for applications under extremely complex conditions, this study successfully applies gel casting craft to porous Si 3 N 4 microwave-absorbing composites. The high-temperature decomposition reaction of Ti 3 SiC 2 powder was utilized to generate uniform Ti-C x -N 1−x grains in situ and to enhance the mechanical and microwave-absorption properties of porous Ti-C x -N 1−x /Si 3 N 4 composites. The bending strength, fracture toughness, density, maximum reflection loss value, absorption bandwidth and matched thickness in P-band of the composite with 30 wt% Ti 3 SiC 2 addition were 164.87 ± 7.56 MPa, 2.61 ± 0.13 MPa·m1/2, 2.077 g/cm3, 32.42 dB, 1.74 GHz and 4.2 mm, respectively. The fracture toughness and bending strength of the composite were increased by 71.71% and 58.13%, respectively, compared with monolithic porous Si 3 N 4. The electromagnetic wave loss mechanisms of the composites are proposed as a combination of conductivity loss, multiple reflections and scattering, interfacial polarization and defect polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TiB 2 fibers were prepared by a chloride-assisted carbothermic method accompanied with the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism. The influences of TiO 2 , B 2 O 3 , C 12 H 22 O 11 , and calcination temperature on the yield of TiB 2 fibers were investigated. In addition, the effects of TiB 2 fibers content on the electromagnetic (EM) parameters and microwave absorption (MA) properties of TiB 2 fibers/paraffin composite was studied in detail. The TiB 2 fibers/paraffin composite showed excellent microwave absorption performance, with an optimized reflection loss (RL) of −46.63 dB at 14 GHz and a thickness of 1.5 mm. Moreover, it exhibited a broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) (RL < −10 dB) of 3.9 GHz, ranging from 12 to 15.9 GHz. TiB 2 fibers exhibit promising potential as materials for high-temperature applications in the field of MA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the recent years, MXenes (2D transition metal carbides, carbon nitrides and nitrides) and its precursor MAX phases have been widely investigated in electrochemical research. In this research, we successfully prepared a core-shell structured compound——Ti 3 C 2 @Ti 2 SnC/CNFs (MXene@TSC/C) as an anode material for lithium ion battery via electrospinning method. Results showed that this type of compound has a specific capacity of 288.9 mAh·g−1 at the current density of 0.4 A g−1 after 300 cycles, accompany with a retention rate of capacity of 105.4% in the rate performance test. These performances were benefit from the core-shell structured CNFs and Ti 3 C 2 MXenes. This work supported a novel way to improve the electrochemical property of MXene and MAX phases, which was expected to further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sol-gel method was employed for the synthesis of new High-entropy boride (HEB) powders, (Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Cr 0.2 Ta 0.2 Mo 0.2)B 2 , with nanoscale. The as-synthesized powders were obtained at a relatively low temperature of 1650 °C, and had small average particle size of 62.09 nm. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the (Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Cr 0.2 Ta 0.2 Mo 0.2)B 2 powders were hexagonal single-phase without any oxide impurities. In particular, electrochemical performance of the (Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Cr 0.2 Ta 0.2 Mo 0.2)B 2 powders with multiphase and high-entropy single phase were investigated using a three-electrode system. The improved electrochemical performance of the HEB powders is realized, with 27% higher in specific capacitance compared to the powders with multiphase. The HEB powders electrode exhibits a high capacitance retention of 97.03% after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and synthesis approach of high entropy ceramics have significant influences on their microstructures and mechanical properties. A new (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 high entropy diboride ceramic with excellent mechanical properties was successfully prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a relatively "low temperature" (1800 °C) in this work. The effects of two mixing strategies, grinding and ball milling, on the solid solubility of the calcined powders were studied. Furthermore, the effects of these two mixing strategies on the phase and morphology of the calcined powders and the mechanical properties of the SPS sintered ceramics were analyzed. Experimental results indicated that, compared with a single solid solution phase within the high entropy boride powders obtained by ball milling, incomplete solid-solution presented in the high entropy boride powders obtained using grinding treatment. It promoted the solid-state diffusion and in-situ reaction of the diborides in the ceramics during the sintering process, thereby improving the densification and the hardness of the high entropy diboride ceramics. By grinding treatment, (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 high entropy ceramic with a relative density of 94% and a hardness of up to 25.34 ± 1.5 GPa at an indentation load of 9.8 N was obtained at 1800 °C. This work not only expanded the family of high-entropy diboride ceramics but also proved the advantage of grinding treatment in preparation of high entropy diboride ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fracture toughness and oxidation resistance are crucial factors affecting the practical applications of high-entropy diboride ceramics (HEBs). In this study, silicon carbide whiskers (SiC w) were introduced as a reinforcement for HEBs for the first time. To achieve a uniform dispersion of SiC w within the HEB powders, a combination of simultaneous ultrasonic dispersion, mechanical agitation, and freeze-drying technology was employed. Consequently, a series of composites, (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 -nSiC w (n = 0–20 vol%), were densified by spark plasma sintering. The effect of SiC w on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the HEBs were studied, as well as the toughening mechanism involved. The results revealed that the introduction of SiC w led to grain-size refinement in (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 , along with significant improvements in relative density, hardness, fracture toughness, and oxidation resistance. The relative density, hardness and fracture-toughness of (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 -SiC w composites exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease with increasing SiC w content. Specifically, the (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 –15 vol% SiC w composite simultaneously obtained the highest hardness of 25.6 GPa and fracture-toughness of 4.8 MPa·m1/2, representing a 26% improvement compared to (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 ceramics. • The effect of SiC w on microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of HEBs were studied for the first time. • The K Ic of (Hf 0.2 Zr 0.2 Ta 0.2 V 0.2 Nb 0.2)B 2 ceramic was increased by 26% without loss of hardness by introducing SiC w. • The oxidation resistance of HEBs was greatly enhanced due to the addition of SiC whiskers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their intriguing properties, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) with large lateral size and high crystallinity have great promise for many applications. However, the quantitative exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into good quality BNNSs still remains a key challenge. Herein, we report a scalable method to exfoliate BNNSs in ionic liquids (ILs) via shear-assisted thermal treatment. Few-layer BNNSs with well-preserved structural integrity are successfully prepared by this method. The synergistic effects of strong physical adsorption and intercalation of IL molecules, chemical interactions between hydrogen fluoride (HF) and h-BN, activation energy provided by heat treatment, and shear forces generated by repetitive stirring effect contribute to the exfoliation of BNNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel ferrite owns a lot of advantages as electrode materials for supercapacitor, such as high energy density and excellent theoretical capacity. Whereas, the electrochemical performances of NiFe 2 O 4 in terms of rate performance and cycle stability are not satisfactory due to the low conductivity. While carbon fiber is a kind of material with high conductivity. Hence, NiFe 2 O 4 @ slit modified hollow carbon fiber is obtained through the coaxial electrospinning method. The slits on hollow carbon fibers are beneficial to the contact of inner NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles with electrolyte. Results of electrochemical tests show that at a current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of NiFe 2 O 4 @ slit modified hollow carbon fiber is calculated to be 225.4 F/g, higher than that of NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles of 134.8 F/g. Moreover, a better cycle and rate performances (100 % vs 80 %; 71.9 % vs 47.5 %) are achieved. This work displays that slit modified hollow carbon fiber can improve the electrochemical performance of NiFe 2 O 4 efficiently. [Display omitted] • Carbon fibers are introduced to enhance the rate and cycle performances of NiFe 2 O 4. • Slits are obtained utilizing Al 2 O 3 sacrificial hard templates. • Slits are beneficial to the contact of NiFe 2 O 4 and electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell hierarchical structured composites have demonstrated great advantages in numerous energy storage devices. In particular, structured composites with rationally structural components and controllable morphology are the most effective in enhancing electrochemical properties. In this work, MnO 2 @NiCo 2 O 4 @Ti 3 SiC 2 /CC (carbon cloth) core-shell hierarchical structured composites were designed and successfully synthesized via electrospinning followed by a two-step hydrothermal reaction. The Ti 3 SiC 2 /CC nanofibers and core-shell nanoarrays were able to improve the specific capacitance and cycling stability. In the three-electrode system, the specific capacitance of MnO 2 @NiCo 2 O 4 @Ti 3 SiC 2 /CC was observed as 1938.2 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, while the rate capability retention was observed as 81.7% between 1 and 10 A/g. Furthermore, a superior cycling stability was observed following 5000 cycles with a specific capacitance retention rate of 55.4%. Employing MnO 2 @NiCo 2 O 4 @Ti 3 SiC 2 /CC as the all solid-state supercapacitor positive electrode exhibited a high energy density of 58.0 W h/kg at the power density of 800 W/kg. Results demonstrate the potential of the MnO 2 @NiCo 2 O 4 @Ti 3 SiC 2 /CC as an electrode material with phenomenal electrochemical properties for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)/magnesium oxide (MgO) composites were prepared via hot pressing. Mechanical properties of MgO ceramics were improved obviously in virtue of adding BNNSs. The bending strength of the 1 wt% BNNSs/MgO composite increased by about 85% than that of the monolithic MgO. The fracture toughness increased by 34% with the addition of 1.5 wt% BNNSs. Microstructural analyzes have shown that the toughening mechanisms are combinations of the pull-out and bridging of BNNSs, crack deflection, and crack bypassing mechanisms. The addition of a small amount of BNNSs don't destroy the excellent dielectric properties of composites. The dielectric constant of the sample doped with 1 wt% BNNSs was about 9.5 in the whole X-band and the vast majority of P-band, and the loss tangent was less than 5 × 10−3 in 10–15.8 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets were discovered and efficiently synthesized by the one-step coprecipitate method. • This method is simple, high yield and low cost to prepare Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets. • The nanosheets have good thermal stability, and their decomposition temperature reaches 414 °C. With the rapid development of two-dimensional materials, the exploration of new two-dimensional materials has become a research hotspot. In this work, novel Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets were efficiently synthesized by the one-step coprecipitate method using the water bath reaction at 70 °C for 24 h. The preparation of Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets by this method has the advantages of a simple preparation process, low cost, low equipment requirements, and mass production. The microstructure and morphology of nanosheets were characterized in detail. In addition, the nanosheets have good thermal stability properties, and their decomposition temperature reaches 414 °C. This allows the nanosheets to adopt higher processing and service temperatures when applied to polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the most important ceramic-toughening candidates due to its outstanding physical and chemical properties. In this paper, nacre-like alumina ceramics reinforced with GO have been prepared by freeze casting followed by hot pressing. The experimental results showed that a laminated structure with homogeneous distribution of GO was obtained in the composites. Microstructural analysis, relative densities, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the samples were investigated to reveal the effect of GO. Higher flexural strength and fracture toughness (~380 MPa and ~7.5 MPa m1/2, respectively) were achieved and the multiple length-scale toughening mechanisms of composites contributed to the improved mechanical properties. The results show that it is a promising method to enhance the mechanical properties of nacre-like alumina by the addition of GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bimetallic carbides with high activity and stability are promising potential materials for energy-storage application. However, the researches about Fe 2 MoC as electrode material on supercapacitors are comparatively weak, and the processing methods of Fe 2 MoC were also relatively few. Herein, a simple hydrothermal method, combining with carbothermic treatment at 900 °C, is explored to fabricate molybdenum iron carbon (Fe 2 MoC) successfully. Chitosan is not only a carbon source, but also a chelating agent to form bimetallic carbide rather than two separated monometallic carbide during the high-temperature treatment. Fe 2 MoC nanoparticles possessing large specific surface, high activity, stability and small resistance were the promising candidate for electrode material. Systematic electrochemical characterizations have verified the Fe 2 MoC (chitosan as carbon source) possesses a specific capacitance (97.7 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g), high rate capability (97.0% capacitance retention from 0.5 to 10 A/g) and cycling stability (83.9% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles) in 1 M KOH. In addition, it offers the energy density of 6.74 Wh/kg at a power density of 21 kW/kg. In view of the low-cost and excellent performance, Fe 2 MoC will hold great promise in energy-storage field for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-dispersed boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) reinforced fused silica composites were successfully fabricated by surface modification assisted flocculation method. Surface modification can enhance the performance of flocculation process. BNNSs were homogeneously mixed with fused silica through the electrostatic interaction between hydroxylated BNNSs with negative charge and amino-modified fused silica with positive charge. The BNNSs can act as excellent nanofillers for enhancing the mechanical properties of fused silica composites. Approximately 74% and 48% increases in flexure strength and fracture toughness can be achieved for the 1.5 wt% BNNSs/fused silica composite, respectively. The toughening mechanisms were analyzed by microstructural characterization, especially for pull-out mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced graphene oxide@boron nitride nanosheet (RGO@BNNS) hybrids were prepared for the first time using template-assisted autoclave pyrolysis technique at the temperature as low as 600 °C. The developed method can be scaled into gram-scale synthesis of the material. The BNNSs combine with RGO through van der Waals interplanar interaction without damaging the structures of RGO. Such ultrathin BNNSs on the surface of RGO can serve as high-performance oxidation-resistant coatings in oxidizing atmospheres at high temperatures. The RGO@BNNS hybrids can sustain up to 800 °C over a relatively long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to overcome intrinsic brittleness and poor mechanical properties of fused silica (FS), boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) as a novel reinforcement were employed for fabrication of BNNSs/fused silica composites. BNNSs with micron lateral size were homogeneously dispersed with FS powder using a surfactant-free flocculation method and then consolidated by hot pressing. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composite with the addition of only 0.5 wt.% BNNSs increased by 53% and 32%, respectively, compared with those of pure FS. However, for higher BNNSs contents the improvement in mechanical properties was limited. Microstructural analyzes have shown that the toughening mechanisms are combinations of the pull-out, crack bridging, and crack deflection mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BNNSs were prepared efficiently by magnesium borate nitridation. BNNSs/eutectic-composition Al 2 O 3 /YAG/YSZ ceramics were prepared by hot pressing sintering. The addition of BNNSs did not change the phase composition of BNNSs/eutectic-composition Al 2 O 3 /YAG/YSZ ceramics. The bending strength and fracture toughness of 1.5wt%BNNSs/ eutectic-composition Al 2 O 3 /YAG/YSZ ceramic were increased by 19.0% and 18.9% respectively. Doped BNNSs exist at the grain boundary between two or more different grains. The toughening mechanism of BNNSs contains mainly crack deflection, BNNSs pullout and BNNSs bridging. • BNNSs/eutectic-composition Al 2 O 3 /YAG/YSZ ceramics were originally prepared with excellent mechanical properties. • The toughening mechanism of BNNSs was discussed. • The effects of temperature and BNNSs doping amount on the mechanical properties of ceramics were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, BNNSs/Al 2 O 3 composite powder was prepared by in-situ reaction using borate nitridation method and BNNSs/Al 2 O 3 composite ceramics were prepared by hot-pressing sintering. This method achieves uniform mixing of BNNSs and Al 2 O 3 ceramic matrix and reduces the introduction of impurities in the processing process. The BNNSs/Al 2 O 3 composite ceramics have excellent bending strength (549.4 MPa), fracture toughness (5.18 MPa m1/2) and hardness (21.3 GPa). The high hardness of composite ceramics is attributed to high grain boundary strength and density. The reinforcing mechanisms of ceramics include BNNSs pull-out, BNNSs bridging, crack deflection as well as the transgranular fracture and intergranular fracture of Al 2 O 3 matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the precursor of MXenes (2D transition metal carbides, carbon nitrides and nitrides), MAX phase materials have attracted ever-increasing attention in electrochemical applications. In this work, we have successfully hybridized a MAX phase, Ti 2 SnC, with various ratios of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) via electrospinning. The results show that the Ti 2 SnC/CNFs compounds possess a stable lithium ion storage ability as an anode material, reaching a stable specific capacity of up to 367.5 mAh·g−1 after 500 charge/discharge cycles at the current density of 1.0 A g−1, which are drastically better than some other MAX phase materials such as Ti 3 SiC 2 and Nb 2 SnC. This strategy provides a new pathway for the improvement of the electrochemical stability of MAX phase, which has a wide application prospect. • Ti 2 SnC/CNFs was successfully prepared by an electrospinning method. • CNFs retard the volume expansion of Ti 2 SnC during the charge/discharge process. • Ti 2 SnC/CNFs performed stable lithium ion capacitance (367.5 mAh·g−1 at 1.0 A g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The partial S-doping NiFe 2 O 4 was obtained through a facile hydrothermal method. • The d-spacing of NiFe 2 O 4 was expended caused by partial S-doping. • The impact of partial S-doping to NiFe 2 O 4 is exposed by VASP analysis. • The optimal electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 284 F/g. Nickel ferrite exhibits many advantages as electrode materials in the application of supercapacitor, such as high energy capacity and excellent cycle stability. Whereas, compared with identical-metal sulfides, the specific capacitance of NiFe 2 O 4 is still insufficient. Hence, to combine the superiorities of oxides and sulfides, partial sulfur doping NiFe 2 O 4 is obtained through hydrothermal synthesis method. Analyzed by Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP) software and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, the lattice parameters of NiFe 2 O 4 are confirmed to be expanded by introducing sulfur atoms, which is beneficial to electrochemical performances. At a current density of 1 A/g, the specific capacitance of partial sulfur doping NiFe 2 O 4 is calculated to be 284 F/g, higher than that of the original NiFe 2 O 4 of 182.2 F/g. Moreover, a maximum energy density of 21.14 Wh/kg is achieved at a power density of 375 W/kg. This work shows that partial sulfur doping could improve the electrochemical performance of NiFe 2 O 4. To sum up, this work provides an effective way to enhance the poor electrochemical performance of oxides, greatly encouraging the application of oxides in energy storage field. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAX phase materials, the precursors of MXenes (2D transition metal carbides, carbon nitrides, and nitrides), have become increasingly popular in electrochemical applications. In this study, we have successfully prepared Ti 2 SnC with high lithium capacity via the in-situ formation of SnO 2. Results show that there are TiC nanowhiskers and SnO 2 inside the Ti 2 SnC MAX calcined at 800 ℃, and the initial specific capacity could reach 377 and 371 mAh·g−1 at high current densities of 400 mA·g−1 and 1.0 A·g−1, respectively. These values are higher than those of most MAX phase materials reported in previous studies, such as Ti 3 SiC 2 and Nb 2 SnC, but the stability and rate performance are inferior, which is a direction for the future. This paper provides a new pathway for the application of MAX phases in electrochemistry, which has more in-depth application prospects. ● Ti 2 SnC with in-situ formation of SnO 2 was successfully prepared by a calcination method. ● The Ti 2 SnC layered structure slows down the volume expansion of in-situ prepared SnO 2. ● This anode material performed a better specific capacitance, arriving at 377 mAh/g at the current density of 1.0 A/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitional metal nitrides (TMNs) are regarded as comparatively promising electrode materials for supercapacitor due to the high electronic conductivity, good corrosion resistance and special electron structure. Herein, in this work a heterostructure Co 2 N-Ni 3 N nanosheets-nanowires arrays grown on Ni foam (NF) are designed and synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reaction and nitriding treatment. The prepared Co 2 N-Ni 3 N/NF nanoarrays has a high electrical conductivity, abundant surface active sites, charge transfer channels and the synergy effect between each component, which makes it exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance. Electrochemical test results revealed that the areal capacitance of Co 2 N-Ni 3 N/NF was 2.17 F cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 using a three-electrode system in 1 M KOH. Meanwhile, when the current density increases to 20 mA cm−2, it can still retain 62.21% of the original capacitance, suggesting a good rate capability. In addition, in two-electrode test with Co 2 N-Ni 3 N/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, a maximum energy density of 145.65 μWh cm−2 is shown when the power density is 0.75 mW cm−2. And it has 85.90% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. [Display omitted] • Unique Co 2 N-Ni 3 N nanoarray heterostructure was successfully synthesized. • Co 2 N-Ni 3 N/NF achieves an areal capacitance 2.17 F cm-2 at current density of 1 mA cm-2. • The Co 2 N-Ni 3 N/NF // AC exhibits good electrochemical performance in two-electrode tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic oxidation method has been massively reported as an effective method to functionalize the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, these corrosive acids are extremely dangerous. In this paper, CNTs are firstly oxidized in alkaline solution consisting of sodium hypochlorite and potassium permanganate instead of strong acids, and subsequently the mixture is neutralized by hydrogen peroxide solution to complete the secondary oxidation in the process. Experimental results indicate that more defects in CNTs are more likely to form and functional groups are successfully grafted onto CNTs after oxidation. Moreover, zeta potential result shows that the treated CNTs with negative groups have superior suspension stability. Furthermore, the treated CNTs, length of which is shorter than that of the pristine ones, are separated from each other. Meanwhile, the treated CNTs can remain as a colloidal (well dispersed) solution for 30days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The layered transition metal oxides are an essential class of cathode materials in sodium-ion batteries. However, the capacity decay mechanisms of many materials at a wide voltage window are still ambiguous. Therefore, research on the intrinsic structure of materials at the electronic or atomic level is of great significance to unlock the potential of more materials. In this study, a new family of layered NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 M 0.05 O 2 (M = Nb/Mo/Cr) has been demonstrated to combine high specific capacity (NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Cr 0.05 O 2 , 12 mA g−1, 185.7 mAh g−1, 2-4.2 V) with preferable Na+ insertion/extraction activity (1920 mA g−1, 111.2 mAh g−1). The participation of Ni2+/Ni3+ and Cr3+/Cr4+/Cr6+ in the redox reaction upon cycling significantly contributes to the superior specific capacity, and the diffusion kinetics calculation indicates that the substitution of Cr for Ni can create a more suitable path with a low energy barrier for Na+ movement, which is particularly crucial for the rate performance. Besides, the unfavorable cycling stability is affected by the distortion of the crystal structure, suggesting that the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+/Ni3+ and the second-order Jahn-Teller effect of Nb5+/Mo6+ (d0 transition metal) together with Cr6+ migration caused by disproportionation of Cr4+ have inescapable responsibilities. Additionally, the reversible phase transition between the O3 and P3 phases upon Na+ insertion/extraction at a wide voltage window is identified by in situ XRD measurements and verified to be the key factor of the high coulombic efficiency for NMTCr. An in-depth understanding of NMTNb and NMTMo can provide new insights for material design and exploitation. The composition-structure-property relationships behind the electrochemical performance can be comprehended profoundly by coupling the experimental verification with density functional theory calculations. • A new family of layered NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 M 0.05 O 2 (M = Nb/Mo/Cr) has been prepared. • The participation of Ni2+/Ni3+ and Cr3+/Cr4+/Cr6+ contributes greatly to the capacity. • The substitution of Cr provided a suitable path with low energy barrier for Na+ movement. • The Jahn-Teller effect of Mn3+/Ni3+ and second-order JT effect of Nb5+/Mo6+ are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative and convenient method has been performed to stabilize the surface of O3-type NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 composited electrode by ultrathin MgO film. There are few reports on the modification on the fabricated electrode instead of the active material powder, especially by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Besides, the surface stability and capacity retention of MgO coated cathode are superior compared to the bare one under the high rate. The protective effect could physically enhance electrochemical performance because the MgO coating has been identified strictly. Three main reasons are discovered by investigating the mechanisms. Firstly, the MgO layer suppresses the dissolution of the active material into electrolyte; this might be the origin for more stable electrode structure. Secondly, the MgO layer boosts sodium-ion and electron transport owing to its location of the deposition. Finally, the appropriate thickness of MgO can minimize transmission resistance and SEI formation. Particularly, the half-cell constructed with NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 –MgO cathode delivers a good rate performance (80.3 and 70.3 mA h g−1 at 1200 and 1920 mA g−1) and a long cycle life (71.6 mA h g−1 at 240 mA g−1 for 300 cycles) when sputtering time is 10 s; meanwhile, the reversible discharge capacity (140.7 mA h g−1 at 12 mA g−1) with a cut-off voltage of 2–4 V is also a considerable achievement. The work provides a broad idea to apply MgO as a protective coating. • MgO film is performed via magnetron sputtering on NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 electrode. • The surface stability and capacity retention of MgO coated cathode are superior at high rate. • MgO layer boosts sodium-ion and electron transport owing to its location of deposition. • The appropriate thickness of MgO can minimize transmission resistance and SEI formation. • The NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 –MgO cell delivers 80.3 and 70.3 mA h g−1 at 1200 and 1920 mA g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Based on compressive sensing and double random encryption strategy, a novel color image compression and encryption scheme is proposed. • DRPP is presented to shuffle sparse coefficient matrices of three components of plain images. • ADMMCP is produced to measure the sparse coefficients for CS. • SDRDIC is utilized to attain the diffusion of inter-intra components of color images. • The proposed encryption algorithm is highly sensitive to the plain image. Based on compressive sensing and double random encryption strategy, a novel color image compression and encryption scheme is proposed in this paper. The architecture of compression, confusion and diffusion is adopted. Firstly, the red, green and blue components of color plain image are converted to three sparse coefficient matrices by discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and then a double random position permutation (DRPP) is introduced to confuse the coefficient matrices. Subsequently, Logistic-Tent system is utilized to generate the asymptotic deterministic random measurement matrix based on chaotic system and plain image (ADMMCP), which is used to measure the coefficient matrices to obtain measurement value matrices. Moreover, simultaneous double random pixel diffusion between inter-intra components (SDRDIC) is presented to modify the elements of measurement value matrices to obtain the final cipher image. A 4-D hyperchaotic system is applied to produce chaotic sequences for confusion and diffusion, the initial conditions of the used chaotic systems are controlled by the SHA 512 hash value of plain image and external keys, such that the proposed image cryptosystem may withstand known-plaintext and chosen-plaintext attacks. Experimental results and security analyses verify the effectiveness of the proposed cipher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphology of transition metal oxide largely affects its electrochemical energy storage properties. This also applies to its composites. In this paper, NiFe 2 O 4 /Graphene nanosheets composites (NFO/GNSs) are successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. NiFe 2 O 4 (NFO) in the sample exhibits a unique nanosheet morphology, vertically arranging on the graphene nanosheets (GNSs). Microscopically, NFO nanosheets interpenetrate on the surface of graphene to form a continuous network structure. The sample exhibits excellent specific capacitance and rate performance. It is worth mentioning that the specific capacitance increases to 140% after 5000 cycles, showing superior cycle stability. This may be due to the conductive network formed by NFO nanosheets and GNSs. Excellent electrochemical performance indicates excellent application prospects of materials in supercapacitor electrodes. Image 1 • Unique NiFe 2 O 4 nanosheets structure with graphene nanosheets was successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. • NiFe 2 O 4 nanosheets/graphene performed a better specific capacitance, arriving at 464.15 F/g at current density of 1 A/g. • The network structure formed between NiFe 2 O 4 nanosheets and graphene nanosheets provides excellent cycle performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the low cost and abundance of sodium, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) show great potential as energy storage devices. As far as the current research is concerned, cathode materials are still the bottleneck for boosting the performance of SIBs. O3-type layered NaNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 is considered as an important cathode material of SIBs, but its irreversible phase transition, poor stability in air, and sluggish kinetics usually lead to reduced capacity, poor rate performance and high cost for material storage, which largely limit the large-scale application. Herein, a remarkable O3-type layered material NaNi 0.5-x Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr x O 2 (NaNMTZ, x = 0.02, 0.05), with stable phase structure has been synthesized by the solid-phase method. The partial substitution of electrochemical inactive Ti/Zr brings about higher electronic delocalization and entropy of mixing leading to enhanced structural stability. In addition, the enlarged interlayer spacing and good conductivity contribute to better rate capability. The micro-nano structure leads to faster Na+ diffusion rates and shorter diffusion paths for both ions and electrons. Therefore, NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 141.4 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 98.8% and remarkable capacity retention of 70% after 200 cycles at 0.05C, presenting better electrochemistry performance than the conventional NaNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2. This study provides a new angle to design high capacity cathode materials with high rate capability and cycling stability through crystal lattice modulation. Image 1 • A remarkable O3-type layered NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 is designed as cathode material for sodium ion batteries. • The structural stability and rate performance of NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 are superior. • The higher electronic delocalization and better conductivity of NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 are provided. • The difference value about entropy of mixing between NaNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 and NaNi 0.45 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.05 O 2 is calculated. • The enlarged interlayer spacing and micro-nano structure contribute to the high rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic carbides have aroused wide attention for energy-storage applications recently. In this work, one-dimensional Fe 2 MoC/CNFs (Fe 2 MoC/C nanofibers) are successfully synthesized via a facile electrospinning method for the first time. To obtain the most integrated structure between the Fe 2 MoC nanoparticles and carbon nanofibers, we explore the optimal heating rate during the carbonization treatment. Fe 2 MoC/CNFs exhibits an integrated one-dimensional structure under 800 °C with a heating rate of 5 °C/min. As revealed in the experimental results, Fe 2 MoC/CNFs possesses a high specific surface area of 196.9 m2/g, a high specific capacitance of 347.8 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g, an excellent rate capability of 91% capacitance retention from 1 A/g to 40 A/g, and shows superior cycling stability with the capacitance retention of about 85.6% and Coulombic efficiency of about 100% after 5000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor coin-cell device using Fe 2 MoC/CNFs as the positive electrode displays an energy density of 14.5 Wh/kg at a power density of 300 W/kg and an outstanding cycling life of 93% retention after 5000 cycles. The impressive electrochemical performance indicates that the Fe 2 MoC/CNFs composite is a promising material for efficient supercapacitors. Image 1 • Fe 2 MoC nanofibers can be prepared via a facile electrospinning method. • Fe 2 MoC/CNFs-5 exhibits a superior rate capability and cycle stability. • ASC coin-cell device shows a promising energy and power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniformly dispersed boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) reinforced silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4) composites were prepared by surface modification assisted flocculation combined with SPS sintering. In order to improve the dispersibility of the BNNSs in the composites, the liquid phase stripped BNNSs are surface functionalized by a two-step covalently modification. The amino-modified BNNSs (NH 2 -BNNSs) and Si 3 N 4 powders have opposite surface potential, mixed evenly by electrostatic interaction during flocculation. The results showed that mechanical properties of Si 3 N 4 composites were obviously enhanced by adding NH 2 -BNNSs. The fracture toughness and bending strength of Si 3 N 4 composites added 0.75 wt% NH 2 -BNNSs were increased by 34% and 28%, respectively, compared with monolithic Si 3 N 4. Toughening mechanisms are synergistic action of the torn, pull-out or bridging of BNNSs and crack deflection mechanisms with microstructural analyzes. The dielectric properties of the Si 3 N 4 ceramics are also improved after the addition of NH 2 -BNNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) with relatively low dielectric constant and excellent mechanical strength were employed for fabrication of BNNSs/fused silica (FS) composites. High-temperature mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution of the composites were investigated. The addition of BNNSs can improve the mechanical properties of FS efficiently, and the reinforcement from BNNSs can be preserved during the high temperature service. The flexural strength of BNNSs/FS composites exhibited anomalous gains at certain high temperature range, which can be explained by the softening of FS matrix, the heal of defect tips, and the reinforcement from BNNSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract NiFe 2 O 4 (NFO) with different morphologies were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method of different precipitants. Results showed that the NFO obtained using urea as precipitant (NFO-U) formed a nanosheet shape, while the powders prepared using CH 3 COONa (NFO-C) exhibited a nanoparticle structure. Both of the two NFO showed a good crystallinity. Conclusion was reached through the results of BET and electrochemical tests that layer structure would improve the properties through a larger specific surface area. Encouragingly, the specific capacitance of NFO-U could arrive 240.9 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g. It was worth noting that the cycle performance of NFO-U was excellent, of which the specific capacitance improved to 128% after 2000 cycles. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) system was constructed utilizing NFO-U as positive electrode while activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode. The two-electrode system showed a good performance with energy density of 10.15 Wh/kg at a power density of 140 W/kg. Therefore, the construction of sheet-like structures greatly improved the electrochemical performance of NiFe 2 O 4 materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to deal with the brittleness of ceramic materials is always one of the hot topics in the field of materials science. Design of layered ceramics with textured structure is one of the effective methods to improve their fracture toughness. The introduction of additives as interlayer phases can balance fracture toughness and flexural strength. However, the research about addition of interlayer phases and their mechanisms in the layered ceramics is still limited. In this work, nacre-like alumina ceramics were successfully fabricated by freeze casting followed by hot pressing. Silicon nitride was incorporated as the interlayer phase, and the effect on the mechanical properties of the nacre-like alumina was investigated. The addition of silicon nitride was beneficial to improvement of interlayer bonding between the alumina layers due to formation of sialon phase, leading to increase of flexural strength but decease of fracture toughness. When the content of silicon nitride was 3.3 wt%, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the sample was 468 MPa and 6.2 MPa m1/2, respectively. Compared with the sample without silicon nitride, the flexural strength was enhanced significantly. Additionally, both flexural strength and fracture toughness were improved as compared the sample without any additives. This work can provide available references for design and fabrication of high-strength and high-toughness ceramics by properly tuning the layer structure and interlayer phase composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three non-resonant SiOC-based meta-structures are synthesized by 3D printing. • The metamaterials achieve good impedance matching through structural design. • The reflection loss is −55.68 dB with an ultra-wideband absorption of 11.88 GHz. • The mechanisms between meta-structures and electromagnetic wave are investigated. Lightweight, wide-band ceramic-based electromagnetic (EM) absorbers have great application demand in the field of high-temperature EM wave absorption. However, it is difficult for traditional ceramic-based structural EM absorbing materials (EMAMs) to balance the contradiction between broadband absorption and good impedance matching due to resonance effect. Herein, three novel non-resonant SiOC-based triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) meta-structures named Schoen G (SG), Schwarz D (SD) and Schwarz P (SP) with a density of 0.556 g/cm3 were successfully synthesized by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) method. Through the structural design of multilayer arrays and holes, three metamaterials achieve good impedance matching and broadband EM absorption. The effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of all three meta-structures reaches 9.80 GHz (8.2–18.0 GHz) in a wide matching thickness range, covering the entire X-Ku band. In addition, the minimum reflection loss (RL min) of −55.68 dB is obtained at a matching thickness of 3.02 mm for SD meta-structure in X-band. Besides, the SG meta-structure tested by the arch method has an ultra-wide EAB of 11.88 GHz (6.12–18.0 GHz), exhibiting ultra-broadband EM absorption properties. It is significant that the intrinsic relationships between TPMS meta-structures and EM responses are explored by CST simulation. This work provides a new perspective for the design of lightweight, broadband ceramic-based EM metamaterial absorbers under high-temperature, harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets were synthesized through a one-step coprecipitation process and employed as both a boron source and substrate templates for the fabrication of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), which were synthesized efficiently at low temperatures by the borate nitration method using ammonia as the nitrogen source. The thickness of the synthesized BNNSs ranged from 3 to 10 nm with a flake dimension of about 2.56 μm. The prepared BNNSs using this method realized 98.8% boron source utilization and single batch yields up to gram level. In addition, BNNSs/SiO 2 microwave-transparent composites were prepared to investigate the potential for large-scale applications of the BNNSs produced by using this method. The composites demonstrated a remarkable increase in bending strength and fracture toughness, reaching 122.02 MPa and 2.31 MPa·m1/2, respectively, with the addition of only 0.5 wt% BNNSs. Compared with SiO 2 without BNNSs, the fracture toughness of the composites is increased by 106%. A novel crack plugging strong toughening mechanism of BNNSs is proposed. Simultaneously, the composites exhibit exceptional microwave-transparent properties, with dielectric constants below 4 in the real part and below 0.03 in the imaginary part. Therefore, this study has successfully achieved the low-temperature and efficient synthesis of micron-scale BNNSs, laying the groundwork for their large-scale application. [Display omitted] • Zn 8 B 3 H 3 O 14 nanosheets were used as substrate templates for the synthesis of BNNSs. • BNNSs were synthesized with high efficiency at low temperatures (900 °C). • The single batch yield of BNNSs reached up to the gram level. • The BNNSs/SiO 2 wave-transparent composites with ultrahigh toughness were obtained. • A novel mechanism for strengthening and toughening (BNNSs plugging) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and mechanical properties of (Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2)B 2 high-entropy boride (HEB) were first predicted by first-principles calculations combined with virtual crystal approximation (VCA). The results verified the suitability of VCA scheme in HEB studying. Besides, single-phase (Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2 Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2)B 2 ceramics were successfully fabricated using boro/carbothermal reduction (BCTR) method and subsequent spark plasma sintering (SPS); furthermore, the effects of different amounts of B 4 C on microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated. Due to the addition of B 4 C and C, all samples formed single-phase solid solutions after SPS. When the excess amount of B 4 C increased to 5 wt%, the sample with fine grains exhibited superior comprehensive properties with the hardness of 18.1 ± 1.0 GPa, flexural strength of 376 ± 25 MPa, and fracture toughness of 4.70 ± 0.27 MPa m1/2. Nonetheless, 10 wt% excess of B 4 C coarsened the grains and decreased the strength of the ceramic. Moreover, the nanohardness (34.5–36.9 GPa) and Young's modulus (519–571 GPa) values with different B 4 C contents just showed a slight difference and were within ranges commonly observed in high-entropy diboride ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergic effect of graphene oxide (GO) and silicon nitride whisker (Si 3 N 4 w) on the mechanical properties of nacre-like alumina was investigated in this study. A comprehensive analysis on the composites, including microstructure, relative densities, flexural strength and fracture toughness, was carried out. The experimental results showed that, GO promoted the fracture toughness of the composites, but reduced the flexural strength slightly; while adding a certain amount of Si 3 N 4 w improved both flexural strength and fracture toughness. With the incorporation of GO and Si 3 N 4 w, the highest flexural strength reached 520 MPa and the fracture toughness reached 9.59 MPa m1/2. Microstructure observation revealed that the enhanced mechanical properties were ascribed to the synergistic toughening mechanisms induced by the nacre-like structure of alumina, GO pull-out, Si 3 N 4 w pinning and pull-out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 2 O 3 nanospheres co-doped with Yb3+/Er3+ upconverting ions pair have been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method followed by a heat treatment. The resulting Bi 2 O 3 :Yb3+,Er3+ nanospheres show a monodisperse spherical morphology with narrow size distribution (~180 nm) and display intense upconversion luminescence under 980 nm laser excitation. It is found that the crystal structure, morphology and upconversion luminescence properties of nanospheres have a direct relationship with the doping concentration of Yb3+ and the subsequent calcination temperature. These Bi 2 O 3 :Yb3+,Er3+ nanospheres can be prepared in large quantities and can be easily modified with a layer of biocompatible polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecules. The yielded nanospheres could not only maintain uniform size and morphological characteristics, but also show good water dispersibility and biocompatibility. Remarkably, these Bi 2 O 3 :Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanophosphors could also act as an effective contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, which show higher contrast efficacy than commercial iodine-based contrast agent. The proposed facile synthetic route and inexpensive matrix materials pave the way for broad use of these Bi 2 O 3 :Yb3+,Er3+ nanospheres as ideal dual-mode bioimaging probes in biomedical field. Image 1 • Colloidal Bi 2 O 3 :Yb3+,Er3+ nanospheres were synthesized by hydrothermal method. • The obtained nanospheres show spherical morphologies with narrow size distribution. • Intense red upconversion luminescence is achieved under 980 nm laser excitation. • The Yb3+ doping content will affect the morphology and luminescence properties. • The as-prepared nanospheres could act as effective CT imaging contrast agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SiC nanotubes were synthesized on porous Si 3 N 4 matrix by polysilazane immersion-pyrolysis. The β-SiC and free C contents increased with the increasing dipping times, which cause some clear vibration and loss peaks of the dielectric constant patterns emerged at around 12.9 GHz and 14.7 GHz in the samples of 20 wt% and 30 wt% benzoic acid, respectively. The reflectivity of the obtained ceramics were −7dB ∼ −10dB from the frequency of 8 GHz–18 GHz, which means that the amount of 80%–90% electromagnetic wave could be attenuated. The ceramics containing 40 wt% benzoic acid showed the high loss, low reflectivity and a wide absorbing band, indicating the high absorbing efficiency and good dielectric properties. Image 1 • The SiC NTs were synthesized. • 80%-90% EMI was attenuated for 10GHz. • The low R values means good absorbing ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have attracted increasing attention in the field of two-dimensional materials. In the paper, the BNNSs/alumina composites were fabricated by a flocculation method and hot pressing. It is found that the BNNSs were dispersed uniformly in the alumina matrix by the flocculation technique via pH adjustment. The experimental results showed that with the increasing BNNSs content, the density of the composites decreased. Compared with the monolithic alumina, bending strength of the composite with 1.0 wt% BNNSs was increased by 58.6%; while the fracture toughness was increased slightly. The addition of BNNSs changed the fracture pattern, refined the grains of composites and inhibited abnormal grain growth, which contributed to the improvement of mechanical properties of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-entropy carbides powders were synthesized by carbothermal reduction method. • The solid-solution elements have a great influence on EMW absorption capability. • The intrinsic characteristics make the high-entropy carbides promising EMW absorbing materials. The electromagnetic wave absorption performance of high-entropy transition metal carbides, including (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C, (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Mo 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C and (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Cr 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C, was investigated in the frequency from 2 GHz to 18 GHz. The electromagnetic parameter measurement and subsequent electromagnetic wave absorption evaluation showed that the high-entropy transition metal carbides possessed good electromagnetic wave absorbing properties, which had a great relation to the solid-solution elements. The (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Mo 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)C with a 1.50 mm thickness displayed a minimal reflection loss of -32.1 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (<-10 dB) was in the frequency range of 13–18 GHz. Intriguingly, the minimum reflection loss reached -36.6 dB at the thickness of 2.50 mm. The electromagnetic wave absorption performance was mainly associated with conductivity loss and dipole polarization, which originated from intrinsic conductivity of the high-entropy carbides and lattice distortion resulting from solid solution of multiple elements, respectively. The experimental results show that the high-entropy transition metal carbides may be promising structural-functional integrated ceramics in wide applications. The single-phase high-entropy transition metal carbide powders without complex structure and multi phases design present excellent EMW absorption properties, including minute reflection loss and broad absorption bandwidth. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile, low-cost, and room-temperature UV-ozone (UVO) assisted solution process was employed to prepare zirconium oxide (ZrO x ) films with high dielectric properties. ZrO x films were deposited by a simple spin-coating of zirconium acetylacetonate (ZrAcAc) precursor in the environment-friendly solvent of ethanol. The smooth and amorphous ZrO x films by UVO exhibit average visible transmittances over 90% and energy bandgap of 5.7 eV. Low leakage current of 6.0 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 at 3 MV/cm and high dielectric constant of 13 (100 Hz) were achieved for ZrO x dielectrics at the nearly room temperature. Moreover, a fully room-temperature solution-processed oxide thin films transistor (TFT) with UVO assisted ZrO x dielectric films achieved acceptable performances, such as a low operating voltage of 3 V, high carrier mobility of 1.65 cm 2 V −1 s −1 , and on/off current ratio about 10 4 –10 5 . Our work indicates that simple room-temperature UVO is highly potential for low-temperature, solution-processed and high-performance oxide films and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A distinctive strategy of Sb doped quaternary oxide material is proposed. • The enhanced Na+ diffusion kinetics and meliorative equilibrium conductance is due to the Sb substitution. • The prepared cathode O3-NaNi 0.5-x Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 Sb 0.03 O 2 reveals discharge capacity of 147.8 mAh g −1. The poor cycle stability and rate capability for sodium-ion batteries is largely due to electrochemical irreversibility and sluggish mobility of Na+ in the cathode materials. Herein, a new strategy of introducing Sb ions into the ternary oxide NiMnTi-based layer-structured cathode material is designed. Reversible phase transition in this cathode NMTSb 0.03 restraint the rapid capacity decay issued from intense volume variation, exhibiting a reversible capacity of 147.8 mAh g−1 and retaining 103.5 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles at 1C. The enough space after Sb substitution allows the effective accommodation of Na+ intercalation and deintercalation, affording a specific capacity of 90 mAh g−1 at 8C. The improvement is attributed to the enhanced Na+ diffusion kinetics with the meliorative equilibrium conductance and the higher cohesive energy after Sb doping. Considering its simple preparation and scale-up capability, the O3-type NaNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Ti 0.2 O 2 with Sb5+may find extensive applications in designing electrode for sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nanoscale thermal sensors with high sensitivity to ambient temperature change is crucial to monitor the biological processes from living forms. In this work, we report on the Nd3+-doped Bi 2 SiO 5 nanospheres acting as nanothermometers in the first biological window. Uniform Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanospheres are synthesized by the diffusion and reaction between the bismuth-based precursor core and the silica shell. The as-synthesized Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanospheres can be effectively excited by 808 nm near infrared laser diode and emit in the near infrared range due to the characteristic transitions of Nd3+. The luminescence intensity ratio of two spectrally separated emission peaks located at 867 nm (P1) and 898 nm (P2) from the 4F 3/2 → 4I 9/2 transition of Nd3+ is found to be noticeably temperature-dependent, which can be used for luminescent ratiometric thermal sensing. The results reveal that the yielded Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanothermometers possess suitable values of relative sensitivity, temperature uncertainty and repeatability within the physiologically relevant temperature range. These Nd3+-doped Bi 2 SiO 5 nanospheres emerge as very promising temperature probes for luminescence nanothermometry. Uniform Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanospheres are explored for stable ratiometric optical thermometry based on luminescence intensity ratio of two spectrally separated emission peaks located at 867 nm (P1) and 898 nm (P2) from the 4F 3/2 → 4I 9/2 transition of Nd3+. [Display omitted] • Uniform Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanospheres have been synthesized. • The formation process of nanospheres is studied in detail. • Intense NIR emissions of Nd3+ are observed under 808 nm laser excitation. • The potential of Bi 2 SiO 5 :Nd3+ nanospheres as nanothermometer is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]