Progress in Materials Science最新文献

Corrosion is a serious problem, which reduces the efficiency and lifespan of various technologies, such as thermal power plants, aviation, nuclear reactors, etc. It starts from the interactions of corrosive species with alloys to various subsequent processes, such as oxide-formation, growth, and delamination, void and crevices-formation, etc., which all have different lengths and time-spans. Resolving such a problem requires a complete understanding of these processes, necessitating multi-scale computational modeling (MSCM). Available literature focuses mainly on single aspects of corrosion, such as the adsorption of corrosive agents on alloy or cracking, which requires the application of single computational modeling (SCM). Applying SCM is inadequate for addressing and describing some essential corrosion processes as spatial and temporal scales increase, as well as designing corrosion-resistant alloys, which also requires MSCM to couple various properties along their hierarchical structures. Thus, this paper critically and comprehensively reviews the MSCM of high-temperature corrosion and its control. The structure–property relationships during alloy design were discussed. Also, challenges and hot spots for further research directions were identified. We foresee that, in the future, there will be wide applications of MSCM to uncover the hitherto unknown corrosion processes, and alloys will be designed from atomic/molecular structures. Hence, this review paper will provide several computational options for corrosion investigation and connecting alloy structures to properties during alloy designing.

Fluid manipulation behavior is crucial for the survival of various living organisms and industrial applications. However, traditional techniques are no longer sufficient due to advancements in technology and increasing demands of modern life and industry. To enhance flexibility and practicality, scientists have explored the use of external conditions and stimuli to achieve intelligent control over liquid. Intelligent liquid manipulation strategies based on bio-inspired wettability structure surfaces appear to be an innovative and promising direction. This paper presents a systematic review of current research on intelligent manipulation of liquids using bionic wettability structure surfaces. The initial section of this paper outlines relevant theoretical basis of liquid wetting, transport, and droplet bouncing. Subsequently, the intelligent manipulation strategies of liquid on different bionic wettability structure surfaces under various external stimuli are reviewed. Furthermore, intelligent control of underwater oil droplets and bubbles is also discussed. Then, typical preparation techniques of bionic wettability structure surfaces are presented. Lastly, the limitations and prospects of intelligent liquid manipulation techniques for bionic wettability structure surfaces are discussed. The objective of this paper is to explore the progress of intelligent liquid manipulation on bionic wetting structure surfaces, and to provide guidance for designing effective intelligent liquid manipulation structures.

Polymer composites have progressively found applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and energy storage. Their high performance can be mainly attributed to their compositions (e.g. the types of fillers and matrices) and structures (e.g. the orientation and dimension of fillers). Filler orientation has long been a crucial subject for the composite community. While the emerging discontinuous fillers offer new attributes to the next generation composites and new composite manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, their orientation, however, has been much less understood and controlled as compared to that of the continuous fillers, mainly due to their small scales. Focusing on the role of filler orientation in the processing-structure–property relationships of polymer composites, the present Review critically discusses recent progress on the modelling, characterization, control and applications of the orientation of discontinuous fillers, with the advantages and disadvantages of the representative approaches analyzed. Their correlations are revealed under a proposed theoretical framework based on the rotational degree of freedom and translational degree of freedom of the fillers. Some selection criteria are proposed to guide future selection of composite manufacturing techniques for customized filler orientation. Finally, unaddressed fundamental issues and future perspectives on research and development in this field are highlighted.

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) hold immense promise for energy storage due to their potential advantages over existing technologies in terms of electrochemical performance, cost, and safety. Nevertheless, the commercialization of ZABs is still limited by the slow cathode reaction, especially the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) during discharge and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) during charging. In the region of the triphase catalyst/electrolyte/gas interface that is decisive for the performance of ZABs, the low utilization of catalytic sites and the lack of oxygen transfer efficiency are the key constraints on the enhancement of performance. Recent advancements have aimed to address these interfacial limitations through innovative microstructure and bioinspired engineering approaches. This review delves into these latest developments, investigating interfacial issues at both the microscopic and mesoscopic levels. Furthermore, we explore the development of a comprehensive theory–structure–function relationship based on the triphase interface, encompassing in-depth understanding, structural considerations, and microenvironmental modulation. Finally, this review identifies the principal challenges, potential opportunities, and prospective avenues for the regulation of triphase interfaces. This review discusses established strategies and promising research directions aimed at further improving the performance of ZABs with the aim of advancing the commercialization of ZABs and paving the way toward clean and sustainable energy storage solutions.

In Additive Manufacturing (AM), parts are normally fabricated along the direction perpendicular to the build plate. However, the main axis of the part may differ from this direction, leading to the concept of “build orientation” that is an essential aspect in Design for AM (DfAM). Build orientation defines the required support structures, that in turn affects build time, material waste, and part’s surface and mechanical properties. The present paper reviews the literature, focusing on the most utilized Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) techniques in metal AM. The findings are categorized based on properties affected by build orientation. First, manufacturability, geometrical accuracy, surface roughness, and porosity are reviewed. Then microstructural analysis, mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, fatigue strength and fracture toughness are explored, followed by wear and corrosion properties. Consistent attention is given to studies describing the effects of build orientation on efficiency and applicability of post-processing techniques. Critical discussion of results highlights build orientation as a major factor to be considered in design and evaluation of PBF. In addition, prospects for the field are outlined, including the necessity of creating DfAM guidelines regarding build orientation, for which the current work is intended to serve as a starting point.

The typical strength of wood makes it suitable as a structural material. Under load, natural wood exhibits a small strain within the elastic range. Such elasticity is associated with fast recovery materials, which hold relevance to applications that include piezoelectric sensors and actuators, bionic systems, soft robots and artificial muscles. Any progress to advance such advanced functions requires control on the hierarchical structure of wood as well as the multiscale and multicomponent interactions affecting its elasticity and compressibility. Herein, we review the key structural features, from the molecular to the macroscopic levels, that define wood elasticity and compressibility. They relate to the assembly pattern of wood’s lignocellulosic components, corresponding helical arrangement in the cell wall, and the anisotropy that controls the elastic and compression properties. We summarize the research progress achieved so far in the area, exploring the origins and feasible routes to modulate wood compressibility. Finally, we provide critical perspective on future impact of the area along with new applications of wood-based structures that take advantages of their latent elasticity.

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) are an innovative type of porous organic material (POP) that has distinctive features, such as an aromatic CN linkages (triazine unit) with the lack of any sort of weaker bonding. Specifically, the strong aromatic covalent bond provide CTFs with a substantial degree of chemical stability and a significant amount of nitrogen, making them valuable for several functional purposes and the fascinating heteroatoms impact. CTFs are exhibiting favorable attributes including synthesis variety, stability, non-toxic, simple organic composition, and improved organized structure. CTFs possess distinct characteristics which render them very suitable for a variety of functions, such as gas purification and retention, energy conservation, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous catalytic processes. According to existing research, CTFs may be categorized into two types: amorphous and crystalline CTFs. After 2008, many synthesis technique have been proposed, including an ionothermal trimerization approach, an approach mediated by phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) techniques that utilize amidine polycondensation, a technique mediated by super acids, and a technique based on Friedel-Crafts reactions. This review intends to provide a concise overview of the latest advancements in CTFs, including innovative synthesis techniques, geometries, properties, morphologies, functionalization and key parameters which significantly affect their photocatalytic performance. This review demonstrates several approaches for optimizing the morphological band structure, separation of charge particles, and transmission using distinct chemical and physical engineering techniques. The focus has been on improving and optimizing the efficiency of certain applications, such as photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, photocatalytic oxygen evolution, and photocatalytic overall water splitting. This study illustrates the complexity of the processes behind these photocatalytic reactions, providing valuable knowledge to address existing obstacles and pave the way for future advancements.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are recognized as highly efficient energy-conversion and eco-friendliness technologies. However, the high-temperature operation of conventional SOFCs at 800–1000 °C has hindered their practical applications due to the accelerated materials degradation and the resulting performance failures. Therefore, developing lower-temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs) seems necessary. With respect to LT-SOFCs, developing highly active cathode materials with long-term stability has been identified to be the priority, where cathode surface engineering has surfaced as a pivotal technique to bolster cathode functionality. This review delves into the myriads of surface modification strategies, including solution infiltration, atomic layer deposition (ALD), one-pot method, exsolution, pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and electrospinning (ES). Each method is scrutinized for its potential to enhance the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a critical process in LT-SOFCs, while also fortifying the structural stability of cathode materials. This paper also meticulously evaluates recent breakthroughs in cathode surface engineering with highlighting the nuanced interplay between microstructural features and electrochemical performance. The technical challenges that persist in the practical application of LT-SOFCs are analyzed in this work and the possible further research directions are also suggested for overcoming the challenges towards significantly improved cathode performance including activity and stability.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have gained significant attention. MXenes, a member of 2D materials have shown promising properties for various applications. Partial oxidation has emerged as a strategy to enhance the performance of MXenes. This review article thoroughly discussed the mechanism, advantages/disadvantages, and energy storage applications of partially oxidized MXenes. Further the review presents the existing challenges and future prospects for the utilization of oxidized MXenes not only in energy storage but also in other applications. Overall, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the potential applications of sustainable energy.