Negative Refraction in the Visible and Strong Plasmonic Resonances in Photonic Structures of the Electride Material Mg2N

Natural hyperbolic materials have recently attracted great attention due to their capability of supporting spatial mode frequency much higher than artificial metamaterials and the advantage that they do not require nanofabrication processes. For practical applications, however, hyperbolic bulk materials with lower optical losses in shorter wavelength range should be developed. This work presents the electronic structure and dielectric response of an electride Mg₂N, revealing that this material exhibits hyperbolic responses with low optical loss in the visible and plasmonic responses with high-quality in the near-infrared range. Negative refraction in the red spectral range has been analytically and numerically demonstrated. In particular, nanoantenna structures of Mg₂N generate strong plasmonic resonances in the near-infrared and the intensity enhancement in the gap region is one order of magnitude higher compared with silver nanoantenna due to its much higher quality factor, which can find potential applications for nanoplasmonic purposes such as single molecule detections by surface-enhanced hyper-Raman spectroscopy and nonlinear wavelength generations at the nanoscale.     

Two dimensional inorganic electride-promoted electron transfer efficiency in transfer hydrogenation of alkynes and alkenes

A simple and highly efficient transfer hydrogenation of alkynes and alkenes by using a two-dimensional electride, dicalcium nitride ([Ca₂N]⁺·e^–), as an electron transfer agent is disclosed. Excellent yields in the transformation are attributed to the remarkable electron transfer efficiency in the electride-mediated reactions. It is clarified that an effective discharge of electrons from the [Ca₂N]⁺·e^– electride in alcoholic solvents is achieved by the decomposition of the electride via alcoholysis and the generation of ammonia and Ca(OⁱPr)₂. We found that the choice of solvent was crucial for enhancing the electron transfer efficiency, and a maximum efficiency of 80% was achieved by using a DMF mixed isopropanol co-solvent system. This is the highest value reported to date among single electron transfer agents in the reduction of C–C multiple bonds. The observed reactivity and efficiency establish that electrides with a high density of anionic electrons can readily participate in the reduction of organic functional groups.     

Small Cation‐Based High‐Performance Energetic Nitraminofurazanates

Large nitramino‐substituted furazan anions were combined with small cations (hydroxylammonium, hydrazinium, and ammonium) to form a series of energetic salts that was fully characterized. The structures of several of the compounds ( 1 a , 2 a , 3 a , and 4 a ) were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Based on their physiochemical properties, such as density, thermal stability, and sensitivity, together with the calculated detonation properties, it was found that they exhibit good detonation performance and have potential application as high‐energy‐density materials.     

Crystal structures and in-situ formation study of mayenite electrides

Mayenite inorganic electrides are antizeolite nanoporous materials with variable electron concentration [Ca12Al14O32]2+ square5-deltaO1-delta2-e2delta- (0 < delta < or = 1), where square stands for empty sites. The oxymayenite crystal structure contains positively charged cages where loosely bounded oxide anions are located. These oxygens can be removed to yield electron-loaded materials in which the electrons behave like anions (electrides). Here, a new preparation method, which allows synthesizing powder mayenite electrides easily, is reported. Accurate structural data for the white (delta = 0) and green electride (delta approximately 0.5) are reported from joint Rietveld refinements of neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and also from single-crystal diffraction. The electride formation at high temperature under vacuum has been followed in-situ by neutron powder diffraction. The evolution of mayenite crystal structure, including the changes in the key occupation factor of the intracage oxide anions, is reported. Furthermore, the stability of mayenite framework in very low oxygen partial pressure conditions is also studied. It has been found that C12A7 decomposes, at 1373 K in reducing conditions, to give Ca5Al6O14 (C5A3) and Ca3Al2O6 (C3A). The kinetics of this transformation has also been studied. The fit of the transformed fraction to the classic Avrami-Erofe'ev equation gave an "Avrami exponent", n = 2, which indicates that nucleation is fast and the two-dimensional linear growth of the new phases is likely to be the limiting factor.     

四维扫描透射电子显微镜技术：从材料微观结构到物性分析

扫描透射电子显微镜(Scanning transmission electron microscopy,STEM)目前已经达到了原子级分辨率,并且由于其具有灵活的多通道成像能力以及强大的与谱学分析相结合的特点,因此在材料科学、生命科学等领域展现出强大的微尺度表征能力。但传统STEM的探测器受单像素积分式探测机制的限制,使其只能收集特定角度的散射电子,这导致不仅丢失了散射电子的角分辨信息,还降低了入射电子的剂量效率,因此迫切需要发展全新成像技术来实现高通量、高电子剂量效率成像。近年来,电子探测技术和分区或像素化探测器的研发联合计算机运算、存储能力的大幅提高,推动了四维扫描透射电子显微镜技术(Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy,4D-STEM)的蓬勃发展,并为最大化、最高效挖掘散射电子信息带来希望。在采集4D-STEM数据时,会聚电子束在样品平面上进行二维扫描,与此同时使用一块具有高帧速、高动态范围以及高信噪比的像素化阵列式探测器在远场收集二维的衍射数据。因为这些衍射数据是角度解析的,所以既可以用来进行常规的...     

Characteristics and design procedure of hyperbolic dies

Nozzle profiles capable of generating constant extensional strain rates are termed hyperbolic dies. When used in polymer extrusion, they exhibit greater potential in inducing and retaining polymer molecular orientation than conventional capillary dies. Most mathematical expressions found in the literature involve several processing variables in describing and designing such nozzle profiles. This report reveals that a hyperbolic die profile, although rather complicated, can be expressed with equations in terms of two ordinary geometrical parameters—the exit diameter and the hyperbolic length. This finding greatly simplifies the design procedure of hyperbolic dies. The extensional strain rate of a hyperbolic die can be related to the length-to-diameter ratio for any given exit diameter. Examples of various types of die profiles are presented and their constant extensional strain-rate characteristics are discussed.     

Ultralight Mesoporous Magnetic Frameworks by Interfacial Assembly of Prussian Blue Nanocubes

A facile approach for the synthesis of ultralight iron oxide hierarchical structures with tailorable macro‐ and mesoporosity is reported. This method entails the growth of porous Prussian blue (PB) single crystals on the surface of a polyurethane sponge, followed by in situ thermal conversion of PB crystals into three‐dimensional mesoporous iron oxide (3DMI) architectures. Compared to previously reported ultralight materials, the 3DMI architectures possess hierarchical macro‐ and mesoporous frameworks with multiple advantageous features, including high surface area (ca. 117 m² g^?1) and ultralow density (6–11 mg cm^?3). Furthermore, they can be synthesized on a kilogram scale. More importantly, these 3DMI structures exhibit superparamagnetism and tunable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, thus allowing for efficient multiphase interfacial adsorption and fast multiphase catalysis.     

How Does Bridging Core Modification Alter the Photovoltaic Characteristics of Triphenylamine-Based Hole Transport Materials? Theoretical Understanding and Prediction

Perovskite solar cells have gained immense interest from researchers owing to their good photophysical properties, low-cost production, and high power conversion efficiencies. Hole transport materials (HTMs) play a dominant role in enhancing the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and long diffusion length of holes and electrons in perovskite solar cells. In hole transport materials, modification of π-linkers has proved to be an efficient approach for enhancing the overall PCE of perovskite solar cells. In this work, π-linker modification of a recently synthesized H−Bi molecule ( R ) is achieved with novel π-linkers. After structural modifications, ten novel HTMs ( HB1–HB10 ) with a D−π−D backbone are obtained. The structure–property relationship, and optoelectronic and photovoltaic characteristics of these newly designed hole transport materials are examined comprehensively and compared with reference molecules. In addition, different geometric parameters are also examined with the assistance of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT. All the designed molecules exhibit narrow HOMO–LUMO energy gaps (E_g=2.82–2.99 eV) compared with the R molecule (E_g=3.05 eV). The designed molecules express redshifting in their absorption spectra with low values of excitation energy, which in return offer high power conversion efficiencies. Further, density of states and molecular electrostatic potential analysis is performed to locate the different charge sites in the molecules. The reorganizational energies of holes and electrons are found to have good values, suggesting that these novel designed molecules are efficient hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells. In addition, the low binding energy values of the designed molecules (compared with R ) offer high current charge density. Finally, complex study of HB9:PC₆₁BM is also undertaken to understand the charge transfer between the molecules of the complex. The results of all analyses advocate that these novel designed HTMs are promising candidates for the construction of future high-performance perovskite solar cells.     

Nanocomposites composed of P3HT:PCBM and nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation of a bulk PbS target in liquid

Nanoparticles synthesized by laser ablation of bulk target materials in liquids have ligand-free surfaces since no chemical precursors are used for their synthesis, and thus, they are ideally suited for applications in the fabrication of organic solar cells in which the properties of the interface between the nanoparticles and the polymer blend matrix largerly determine the exciton splitting and transport of carriers to the external electrodes, properties crucial for the device operation and performance. Narrow band gap semiconducting quantum dots can act as sensitizers, increasing the absorption of the device active layer in the infrared part of the solar spectrum. In this work, a bulk PbS target was laser ablated (450 fs, 1,064 nm, 1 kHz) in ethanol for the synthesis of nanoparticle colloidal solutions. The solutions exhibit a broad absorption which extends at the longest wavelength measured of ~1,700 nm and beyond. The nanoparticles were directly mixed with the blend P3HT:PCBM for the formation of nanocomposites. The nanocomposites with the nanoparticles exhibit lower transmission in the whole spectral range as compared to the blend without the nanoparticles.     

An Overview of the Antimicrobial Properties of Lignocellulosic Materials

Pathogenic microbes are a major source of health and environmental problems, mostly due to their easy proliferation on most surfaces. Currently, new classes of antimicrobial agents are under development to prevent microbial adhesion and biofilm formation. However, they are mostly from synthetic origin and present several disadvantages. The use of natural biopolymers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, derived from lignocellulosic materials as antimicrobial agents has a promising potential. Lignocellulosic materials are one of the most abundant natural materials from renewable sources, and they present attractive characteristics, such as low density and biodegradability, are low-cost, high availability, and environmentally friendly. This review aims to provide new insights into the current usage and potential of lignocellulosic materials (biopolymer and fibers) as antimicrobial materials, highlighting their future application as a novel drug-free antimicrobial polymer.     

Deep Eutectic Supramolecular Polymers: Bulk Supramolecular Materials

Application of new strategies for supramolecular self‐assembly can significantly impact the properties and/or functions of supramolecular polymers. To realize a facial strategy for the development of solvent‐free supramolecular polymers in bulk, “deep eutectic solvents” were employed. Cyclodextrins and natural acids were used to prepare deep eutectic supramolecular polymers ( DESP s). Deep eutectic solvents have special characteristics that endow DESP s with unique macroscopic properties and excellent processability. DESP s exhibit supramolecular adhesion and temperature‐dependent behavior originating from the combined effects of deep eutectic solvents and supramolecular polymerization. Because DESP s are solvent‐free and display interesting macroscopic properties, they have potential as new adaptive materials.     

Novel superalkali superhalogen compounds (Li3)+(SH)- (SH=LiF2, BeF3, and BF4) with aromaticity: new electrides and alkalides.

Optimized structures, with all real frequencies, of superalkali superhalides (Li(3))(+)(SH)(-) (SH=LiF(2), BeF(3), and BF(4)), are obtained, for the first time, at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ and MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ computational levels. These superalkali superhalides possess three characteristics that are significantly different from normal alkali halides. 1) They have a variety of structures, which come from five bonding mode types: edge-face, edge-edge, face-face, face-edge, and staggered face-edge. We find that the bonding mode type closely correlates with the Li(3)-SH bond energy. 2) The valence electrons on the Li(3) ring are pushed out by the (SH)(-) anion, and become excess electrons, conferring alkalide or electride characteristics on these Li(3)-SH species, depending on the bonding mode type. 3) The highest occupied molecular orbital of each Li(3)-SH species is a doubly occupied delocalized sigma bonding orbital on the Li(3) ring, which indicates its aromaticity. It is noticeable that the maximum negative nucleus-independent chemical shift value (about -10 ppm) moves out from the center of the Li(3) ring, owing to repulsion by the SH(-) anion. We find that these superalkali superhalides are not only complicated "supermolecules", but are also a new type of alkalide or electride, with aromaticity.     

Inorganic electride: theoretical study on structural and electronic properties

We report self-consistent ab initio calculations of structural and electronic properties for a kind of recently synthesized inorganic electride. The optimized geometry gives zigzag cesium chains within the sinusoidal channels of the zeolite. Among the wide energy gap of the zeolite, near the conduction bands, there are two interstitial electride bands mainly contributed by 6s electrons of Cs atoms, which have a delocalized real space distribution along the channels. For all different doping rates studied, we find that a finite density of states appears at the Fermi level, which predicts a metallic behavior of this material. Detailed electronic structure reveals all the essential properties of the electride model. The shift of Fermi level and the delocalization of the highest occupied bands cause this material to be a powerful reducing agent.     

Structure and electrons in mayenite electrides

One major goal in materials chemistry is to find inexpensive compounds with improved capabilities. Stable inorganic electrides, derived from nanoporous mayenite [Ca12Al14O32]O, are a new family that has very interesting properties such as electronic conductivity combined with transparency. However, an intriguing fundamental problem is to understand the structures of these cubic materials and to characterize their free-electron loadings. Here we report an accurate structural study for three members of the series [Ca12Al14O32]O(1-delta)e(2delta) (delta = 0, 0.15, and 0.45), from single-crystal low-temperature synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The complex structural disorder imposed by the presence of the oxide anions into the mayenite cages has been unravelled. Furthermore, the final electron density map for delta = 0.45 black mayenite has shown electron density localized into the center of the cages, which is the first experimental proof of their electride nature. The reported structural findings challenge theorists to improve predictive models in this new family of materials.     

二维光催化材料电子结构和性能调控策略研究进展

Two-dimensional photocatalytic materials have potential applications in the fields of environmental purification and energy conversion owing to their rich surface active sites, unique geometric structures, adjustable electronic structures, and good photocatalytic activities. At present, the main two-dimensional photocatalytic materials include metal oxides, metal composite oxides, metal hydroxides, metal sulfides, bismuth-based materials, and non-metallic photocatalytic materials. The absorption of photons in bulk materials or nanoparticles is often limited by the transmittance and reflection at the grain boundary, while the two-dimensional structure can provide a large specific surface area and abundant surface low-coordination atoms to obtain more UV visible light. In addition, the smaller atomic thickness of two-dimensional photocatalytic materials can shorten the carrier migration distance. Thus, in two-dimensional photocatalytic materials, the carriers generated in the interior migrate to the surface faster than that in the bulk materials, which can reduce the recombination of photogenerated carriers and facilitate the photocatalytic reaction. For the surface redox reaction, the two-dimensional structure can provide more abundant surface-active sites to accelerate the reaction process. Additionally, when the thickness is reduced to the atomic scale, the escape energy of atoms is relatively small, thereby increasing the surface defects, which is helpful for the adsorption and activation of target molecules. Thus, the synthesis methods and performance enhancement strategies of two-dimensional photocatalytic materials have been developed rapidly. The former strategies mainly focus on the adjustment of morphology and geometric structure characteristics, which cannot fully meet the design requirements of efficient and stable photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance and stability can be improved by surface design to construct abundant active sites and adjust the electronic structure. Research on the reaction mechanism of photocatalysis can help us understand the demand for photocatalytic structure characteristics in different reactions, thereby guiding the design of photocatalysts. In this paper, the advances in surface design and electronic structure regulation strategies of two-dimensional photocatalytic materials are reviewed from three aspects: light absorption; charge separation; and active sites, including element doping, heterojunction design, defect construction, single atom modification, and plasmonic metal loading. The effects on the reaction mechanism for typical air pollutant purification by regulating the electronic structure of two-dimensional photocatalytic materials are summarized. Finally, the problems and challenges associated with the development of two-dimensional photocatalytic materials are analyzed and discussed.      

Three‐Dimensional MoS2 Hierarchical Nanoarchitectures Anchored into a Carbon Layer as Graphene Analogues with Improved Lithium Ion Storage Performance

Much attention has recently been focused on the synthesis and application of graphene analogues of layered nanomaterials owing to their better electrochemical performance than the bulk counterparts. We synthesized graphene analogue of 3D MoS₂ hierarchical nanoarchitectures through a facile hydrothermal route. The graphene‐like MoS₂ nanosheets are uniformly dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix produced in situ by hydrothermal carbonization. The interlaminar distance between the MoS₂ nanosheets is about 1.38 nm, which is far larger than that of bulk MoS₂ (0.62 nm). Such a layered architecture is especially beneficial for the intercalation and deintercalation of Li⁺. When tested as a lithium‐storage anode material, the graphene‐like MoS₂ hierarchical nanoarchitectures exhibit high specific capacity, superior rate capability, and enhanced cycling performance. This material shows a high reversible capacity of 813.5 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 1000 mA g^?1 after 100 cycles and a specific capacity as high as 600 mAh g^?1 could be retained even at a current density of 4000 mA g^?1. The results further demonstrate that constructing 3D graphene‐like hierarchical nanoarchitectures can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of electrode materials.     

Visualizing Lithium‐Ion Migration Pathways in Battery Materials

The understanding of lithium‐ion migration through the bulk crystal structure is crucial in the search for novel battery materials with improved properties for lithium‐ion conduction. In this paper, procrystal calculations are introduced as a fast, intuitive way of mapping possible migration pathways, and the method is applied to a broad range of lithium‐containing materials, including the well‐known battery cathode materials LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and LiFePO₄. The outcome is compared with both experimental and theoretical studies, as well as the bond valence site energy approach, and the results show that the method is not only a strong, qualitative visualization tool, but also provides a quantitative measure of electron‐density thresholds for migration, which are correlated with theoretically obtained activation energies. In the future, the method may be used to guide experimental and theoretical research towards materials with potentially high ionic conductivity, reducing the time spent investigating nonpromising materials with advanced theoretical methods.     

Physical and Chemical Properties of Dissolved Electrons (Excess Electrons)

Electrons produced in a gaseous, liquid, or solid solvent are called dissolved electrons or excess electrons. These excess electrons can exist as quasi-free particles of high mobility in a delocalized state, comparable with electrons in a metal; or as bound particles of low mobility they can be localized within narrow limits—in a solvent cavity formed by repulsive forces. Localized electrons can also be solvated like normal ions. Characteristically, such solvated electrons exhibit broad and extensive absorption spectra in the visible to near infrared spectral range. The localized and delocalized states of the excess electrons can be in equilibrium with each other, such that a continuous transition of the properties between the limiting extremes can be observed. The reactions of the excess electrons with suitable acceptors (substrates) are initiated by an attachment-detachment equilibrium A + e^? ? A^? which is followed by further chemical rearrangements. The rate constants of these reactions vary by more than 15 powers of ten depending on the substrates and the solvents. Most of the properties of excess electrons in solution can be interpreted by means of a model which is easily understandable but quantitatively evaluated only with considerable effort.     

Mechanical properties of diboron-porphyrin sheet under strain: A density functional theory study

The mechanical properties of a new two-dimensional semiconductor material named diboron-porphyrin (DP) are studied based on density functional theory. The behavior of DP monolayer under uniaxial and biaxial loadings as well as shear stress is investigated. The in-plane stiffness, Poisson's ratio, bulk and shear moduli of the DP monolayer are found to be close to those of a graphene sheet. It can be concluded that the DP monolayer has stiffness close to the graphene sheet. The difference in magnitude of in-plane stiffness and Poisson's ratio along x- and y-directions shows slightly anisotropic mechanical properties of DP monolayer. It is also observed that DP monolayers can bear high tensile strains before failure. The high stability and hardly deformable structure of DP monolayer are due to its high planar packing density which is comparable with graphene sheet. The fantastic mechanical properties of DP show these materials are desirable for application in nanomechanical devices.     

Understanding and Manipulating Inorganic Materials with Scanning Probe Microscopes

Scanning probe microscopies, such as scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, are uniquely powerful tools for probing the microscopic properties of surfaces. If these microscopies are used to study low-dimensional materials, from two-dimensional solids such as graphite to zero-dimensional nanostructures, it is possible to elucidate atomic-scale structural and electronic properties characteristic of the bulk of a material and not simply the surface. By combining such measurements with chemical synthesis or direct manipulation it is further possible to elucidate relationships between composition, structure, and physical properties, thus promoting an understanding of the chemical basis of material properties. This article illustrates that the combination of scanning probe microscopies and chemical synthesis has advanced our understanding of charge density waves, high-temperature superconductivity, and nanofabrication in low-dimensional materials. This new approach to studying materials has directly contributed to our knowledge of how metal dopants interact with charge density waves and elucidated the local crystal chemistry of complex copper oxides, microscopic details of the superconducting states in materials with a high superconducting transition I_c, and new approaches to the fabrication of multi-component nanostructures. Coupling scanning probe microscopy measurement and manipulation with chemical synthesis should provide an approach to understanding material properties and creating complex nanostructures in general.