Analysis of Lattices with Non-linear Interphases

Anti-plane deformation of square lattices containing interphases is analyzed. It is assumed that lattices are linear elastic but not necessarily isotropic, whereas interphases exhibit non-linear elastic behavior. It is demonstrated that such problems can be treated effectively using Green’s functions, which allow to eliminate the degrees of freedom outside of the interphase. Illustrative numerical examples focus on the determination of applied stresses leading to lattice instability.     

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Host-Guest Framework Derived Layered Double Hydroxide Composites for High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitor†

Metal organic frameworks have been employed as high-performance layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite supercapacitor electrode materials but have shown unsatisfactory redox ability and stability. Herein, a host-guest CuMo-based polyoxometalate-based metal organic framework (POMOF) with copious electrochemically active sites and strong electrochemical redox activities has been effectively coupled with POM-incorporated CoNi-LDH to develop a nanocomposite (NENU-5@CoNi-LDH) by a simple solvothermal method. The designed electrode shows a high specific capacity of 333.61 mAh·g^–1 at 1 A·g^–1. In addition, the novel hybrid symmetric supercapacitor NENU-5@CoNi-LDH/active carbon (AC) demonstrated a high energy density of 80.8 Wh·kg^–1 at a power density of 750.7 W·kg^–1. Interestingly, the nanocomposite of NENU-5@CoNi-LDH exhibits an outstanding capacitance retention of 79% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at 10 A·g^–1. This work provides a new strategy and will be the backbone for future energy storage research.      

Key Strategies for Enhancing H2 Production in Transition Metal Oxide Based Photocatalysts

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) were one of the first photocatalysts used to produce hydrogen from water using solar energy. Despite the emergence of many other genres of photocatalysts over the years, TMO photocatalysts remain dominant due to their easy synthesis and unique physicochemical properties. Various strategies have been developed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TMOs, but the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of TMO photocatalysts is still very low (<2 %), which is far below the targeted STH of 10 % for commercial viability. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of several widely used strategies, including oxygen defects control, doping, establishing interfacial junctions, and phase-facet-morphology engineering, that have been adopted to improve TMO photocatalysts. By critically evaluating these strategies and providing a roadmap for future research directions, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals seeking to develop efficient energy materials for green energy solutions.