Abstract: Among lithium battery cathode materials, Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 (LR-NMC) has a high theoretical capacity, but suffers from voltage and capacity fade during cycling. This is partially ascribed to transition metal cation migration, which involves the local transformation of the honeycomb layered structure to spinel-like nano-domains. Determination of the honeycomb layered/spinel phase ratio from powder X-ray diffraction data is hindered by the nanoscale of the functional material and the domains, diverse types of twinning, stacking faults, and the possible presence of the rock salt phase. Determining the phase ratio from transmission electron microscopy imaging can only be done for thin regions near the surfaces of the crystals, and the intense beam that is needed for imaging induces the same transformation to spinel as cycling does. In this article, it is demonstrated that the low electron dose sufficient for electron diffraction allows the collection of data without inducing a phase transformation. Using calculated electron diffraction patterns, we demonstrate that it is possible to determine the volume ratio of the different phases in the particles using a pair-wise comparison of the intensities of the reflections. Using this method, the volume ratio of spinel structure to honeycomb layered structure is determined for a submicron sized crystal from experimental three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and precession electron diffraction (PED) data. Both twinning and the possible presence of the rock salt phase are taken into account. After 150 charge-discharge cycles, 4% of the volume in LR-NMC particles was transformed irreversibly from the honeycomb layered structure to the spinel structure. The proposed method would be applicable to other multi-phase materials as well.

Abstract: The recent discovery of axion states in materials such as antiferromagnetic topological insulators has boosted investigations of the magnetoelectric response in topological insulators and their promise towards realizing dissipationless topological electronics. In this paper, we develop a tight-binding methodology to explore the emergence of axion states in Bi2Se3 in proximity to magnetic insulators on the top and bottom surfaces. The topological protection of the surface states is lifted by a time-reversal-breaking perturbation due to the proximity of a magnetic insulator, and a gap is opened on the surfaces, giving rise to half-quantized Hall conductance and a zero Hall plateau-evidencing an axion insulator state. We developed a real-space tight-binding Hamiltonian for Bi2Se3 using first-principles data. Transport properties of the system were obtained within the Landauer-Buttiker formalism, and we discuss the creation of axion states through Hall conductance and a zero Hall plateau at the surfaces, as a function of proximitized magnetization and corresponding potentials at the surfaces, as well as the thickness of the topological insulator.

Abstract: In a thin-film topological insulator (TI), the edge states on two surfaces may couple by quantum tunneling, opening a gap known as the hybridization gap. Controlling the hybridization gap and transport has a variety of potential uses in photodetection and energy-harvesting applications. In this paper, we report the effect of strain, and electric and magnetic field, on the hybridization gap and transport in a thin Bi2Se3 film, investigated within the tight-binding theoretical framework. We demonstrate that vertical compression decreases the hybridization gap, as does tensile in-plane strain. Applying an electric field breaks the inversion symmetry and leads to a Rashba-like spin splitting proportional to the electric field, hence closing and reopening the gap. The influence of a magnetic field on thin-film TI is also discussed, starting from the role of an out-of-plane magnetic field on quantum Hall states. We further demonstrate that the hybridization gap can be controlled by an in-plane magnetic field, and that by applying a sufficiently strong field a quantum phase transition from an insulator to a semimetal can be achieved.

Abstract: We theoretically examine behavior of superconductivity at parallel interfaces separating the domains of another dominant collective excitation, such as charge density waves or spin density waves. Due to their competitive coupling in a two-component Ginzburg-Landau model, suppression of the dominant order parameter at the interfacial planes allows for nucleation of the (hidden) superconducting order parameter at those planes. In such a case, we demonstrate how the number of the parallel interfacial planes and the distance between them are linked to the number and the size of the emerging superconducting gaps in the system, as well as the versatility and temperature evolution of the possible superconducting phases. These findings bear relevance to a broad selection of known layered superconducting materials, as well as to further design of artificial (e.g., oxide) superlattices, where the interplay between competing order parameters paves the way towards otherwise unattainable superconducting states, some with enhanced superconducting critical temperature.

Abstract: Two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are an emerging class of atomically-thin superconductors, whose characteristics are highly prone to tailoring by surface functionalization. Here we explore the use of hydrogen adatoms to enhance phonon-mediated superconductivity in MXenes, based on first-principles calculations combined with Eliashberg theory. We first demonstrate the stability of three different structural models of hydrogenated Mo- and W-based MXenes. Particularly high critical temperatures of over 30 K are obtained for hydrogenated Mo2N and W2N. Several mechanisms responsible for the enhanced electron-phonon coupling are uncovered, namely (i) hydrogen-induced changes in the phonon spectrum of the host MXene, (ii) emerging hydrogen-based phonon modes, and (iii) charge transfer from hydrogen to the MXene layer, boosting the density of states at the Fermi level. Finally, we demonstrate that hydrogen adatoms are moreover able to induce superconductivity in MXenes that are not superconducting in pristine form, such as Nb2C.

Abstract: Combining partial nitrification, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, and distillation is a well-studied approach to convert urine into a fertilizer. To evaluate the environmental sustainability of a technology, the operational carbon footprint and therefore nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions should be known, but N2O emissions from urine nitrification have not been assessed yet. Therefore, N2O emissions of a decentralized urine nitrification reactor were monitored for 1 month. During nitrification, 0.4-1.2% of the total nitrogen load was emitted as N2O-N with an average N2O emission factor (EFN2O) of 0.7%. Additional N2O was produced during anoxic storage between nitrification and GAC filtration with an estimated EFN2O of 0.8%, resulting in an EFN2O of 1.5% for the treatment chain. N2O emissions during nitrification can be mitigated by 60% by avoiding low dissolved oxygen or anoxic conditions and nitrite concentrations above 5 mg-N L-1. Minimizing the hydraulic retention time between nitrification and GAC filtration can reduce N2O formation during intermediate storage by 100%. Overall, the N2O emissions accounted for 45% of the operational carbon footprint of 14 kg-CO2,equiv kg-N-1 for urine fertilizer production. Using electricity from renewable sources and applying the proposed N2O mitigation strategies could potentially lower the carbon footprint by 85%.

Abstract: Cotton is one of the important crops that play an important role in creating a livelihood for rural people in many parts of Iran. Cotton production necessitates a large amount of resources (e.g., fossil energy and agrochemicals, all of which have the potential to damage the environment in various ways). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the environmental effects of cotton production in the South Khorasan Province of Iran. For this purpose, life cycle assessment (LCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques have been applied to investigate the environmental impacts of cotton production. LCA is a practical method to evaluate the environment on the product flow, in which all aspects of the product life cycle are examined by a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, combining the LCA method with other managerial strategies such as DEA could allow researchers to provide decision-makers with more practical and interpretable data. The findings of the efficiency test showed that the average technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.81, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Respiratory inorganics (i.e., respiratory effects resulting from winter smog caused by emissions of dust, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides to air) posed the greatest environmental burden in cotton production, followed by non-renewable energy, carcinogens, and global warming. In addition, the highest effects were on human health, and then, on resources and climate change. Energy, on-system pollution, and waste played a crucial role in the environmental impacts of cotton processing. This study suggests improving farmers' knowledge toward the optimum application of chemical fertilizers, or their substitution with green fertilizers, which reduces the environmental effect of growing cotton in the area.

Abstract: B substituting O in antiferromagnetic Cr2O3 is known to increase the Ne ' el temperature, whereas the actual B dopant site and the corresponding functionality remains unclear due to the complicated local structure. Herein, A combination of electron energy loss spectroscopy and first-principles calculations were used to unveil B local structures in B doped Cr2O3 thin films. B was found to form either magnetic active BCr4 tetrahedra or various inactive BO3 triangles in the Cr2O3 lattice, with a* and z* bonds exhibiting unique spectral features. Identification of BO3 triangles was achieved by changing the electron momentum transfer to manipulate the differential cross section for the 1s-z* and 1s-a* transitions. Modeling the experimental spectra as a linear combination of simulated B K edges reproduces the experimental z* / a* ratios for 15-42% of the B occupying the active BCr4 structure. This result is further supported by first-principles based thermodynamic calculations.

Abstract: Using a particle-based model we examine the depinning motion of solitons in skyrmion chains in quasi -onedimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) systems containing embedded 1D interfaces. The solitons take the form of a particle or hole in a commensurate chain of skyrmions. Under an applied drive, just above a critical depinning threshold, the soliton moves with a skyrmion Hall angle of zero. For higher drives, the entire chain depins, and in a 2D system we observe that both the solitons and chain move at zero skyrmion Hall angle and then transition to a finite skyrmion Hall angle as the drive increases. In a 2D system with a 1D interface that is at an angle to the driving direction, there can be a reversal of the sign of the skyrmion Hall angle from positive to negative. Our results suggest that solitons in skyrmion systems could be used as information carriers in racetrack geometries that would avoid the drawbacks of finite skyrmion Hall angles. The soliton states become mobile at significantly lower drives than the depinning transition of the skyrmion chains themselves.

Abstract: Colloidal chemistry grants access to a wealth of materials through simple and mild reactions. However, even few elements can combine in a variety of stoichiometries and structures, potentially resulting in impurities or even wrong products. Similar issues have been long addressed in organic chemistry by using reaction-directing groups, that are added to a substrate to promote a specific product and are later removed. Inspired by such approach, we demonstrate the use of CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two yet unexplored lead sulfochlorides: Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2. When homogeneously nucleated in solution, lead sulfochlorides form Pb3S2Cl2 nanocrystals. Conversely, the presence of CsPbCl3 triggers the formation of Pb4S3Cl2/CsPbCl3 epitaxial heterostructures. The phase selectivity is guaranteed by the continuity of the cationic subnetwork across the interface, a condition not met in a hypothetical Pb3S2Cl2/CsPbCl3 heterostructure. The perovskite domain is then etched, delivering phase-pure Pb4S3Cl2 nanocrystals that could not be synthesized directly. Phase-selective approaches, such using reaction-directing groups, are often seen in traditional organic chemistry and catalysis. Here authors use perovskite nanocrystals as disposable templates to drive the phase-selective synthesis of two colloidal nanomaterials, the lead sulfohalides Pb3S2Cl2 and Pb4S3Cl2.

Abstract: One of the most basic criteria in documenting rangeland use prospects is the recognition of byproducts and their economic appraisal. The current study was conducted to assess the economic indices of exploiting byproduct production in Shahindej, Northwest Iran. For this purpose, 24 by-product-generating species were selected in 114 locations that belong to 49 rangeland units. The total expected value of 24 by-product generating species yield and forage production was calculated at 44.22 USD ha(-1). The results of this study showed that the sustainability of natural resources depends on the effective participation and empowerment of local communities. Furthermore, by-product exploitation contributes significantly to the local economy and employment while also reducing grazing intensity. Overall, the findings of this study show that by-product earnings should be considered in range management schemes and comprehensive natural-area management.

Abstract: Two novel chromium oxide arsenide materials have been synthesized, Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 (i.e., Sr2Cr3As2O3) and Sr2CrO3CrAs (i.e., Sr2Cr2AsO3), both of which contain chromium ions in two distinct layers. Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 was targeted following electron microscopy measurements on a related phase. It crystallizes in the space group P4/mmm and accommodates distorted CrO4As2 octahedra containing Cr2+ and distorted CrO(2)As(4 )octahedra containing Cr3+. In contrast, Sr2CrO3CrAs incorporates Cr3+ in CrO5 square-pyramidal coordination in [Sr2CrO3](+) layers and Cr2+ ions in CrAs(4 )tetrahedra in [CrAs](-) layers and crystallizes in the space group P4/nmm. Powder neutron diffraction data reveal antiferromagnetic ordering in both compounds. In Sr2CrO3CrAs the Cr2+ moments in the [CrAs](-) layers exhibit long-range ordering, while the Cr3+ moments in the [Sr2CrO3](+) layers only exhibit short-range ordering. However, in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2, both the Cr(2+ )moments in the CrO4As2 environments and the Cr3+ moments in the CrO2As4 polyhedra are long-range-ordered below 530(10) K. Above this temperature, only the Cr3+ moments are ordered with a Neel temperature slightly in excess of 600 K. A subtle structural change is evident in Sr2CrO2Cr2OAs2 below the magnetic ordering transitions.

Abstract: This study reports the properties of irradiation assisted stress corrosion crack tips extracted by means of focused-ion beam from 60 to 80 dpa neutron-irradiated O-ring specimens tested under straining conditions under a pressurized-water reactor environment. Various crack tip morphologies and surrounding deformation features were analyzed as a function of applied stress, surface oxidation state and loading form – constant versus cyclic. All investigated cracks exhibit grain boundary oxidation in front of the crack tip, with the extent of oxidation being proportional to applied stress. These findings clearly demonstrate that, under the subcritical crack propagation regime, the grain boundary oxide grows faster than the crack. On the other hand, crack tips appertaining to specimens with removed oxide layer at the outer surface show comparatively less oxidation at the crack tip, which could indicate towards crack initiation from regions that exemplify lower stress, such as the O-ring inner surface. Cyclic loading is found to have a more pronounced effect on the crack tip microstructure, demonstrating increased deformation twinning and -martensitic transformation, which signifies towards an increased susceptibility to intergranular failure. Still, the extent of crack tip grain boundary oxidation in this case agrees well with expected values for maximum stress applied during cyclic loading. All results are interpreted based on the probabilistic subcritical crack propagation mechanism and provide strong support to a stress-driven internal oxidation model.

Abstract: Self-healing strategies aim at avoiding part repair or even replacement, which is time consuming, expen-sive and generates waste. However, strategies for metallic systems are still under-developed and solid-state solutions for room temperature service are limited to nano-scale damage repair. Here we propose a new healing strategy of micron-sized damage requiring only short and low temperature heating. This new strategy is based on damage localization particles, which can be healed by fast diffusing atoms of the matrix activated during heat treatment. The healing concept was successfully validated with a com-mercial aluminum alloy and manufactured by Friction Stir Processing (FSP). Damage was demonstrated to initiate on particles that were added to the matrix during material processing. In situ 2D and 3D nano -imaging confirmed healing of the damaged material and showed that heating this material for 10 min at 400 degrees C is sufficient to heal incipient damage with complete filling of 70% of all damage (and up to 90% when their initial size is below 0.2 mu m). Furthermore, strength is retained and the work of fracture of the alloy is improved by about 40% after healing. The proposed Programmed Damage and Repair healing strategy could be extended to other metal based systems presenting precipitation. (C) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The downscaling of electronic devices requires rechargeable microbatteries with enhanced energy and power densities. Here, we evaluate self-assembled vertically aligned nano-composite (VAN) thin films as a platform to create high-performance three-dimensional (3D) microelectrodes. This study focuses on controlling the VAN formation to enable interface engineering between the LiMn2O4 cathode and the (Li,La)TiO3 solid electrolyte. Electrochemical analysis in a half cell against lithium metal showed the absence of sharp redox peaks due to the confinement in the electrode pillars at the nanoscale. The (100)-oriented VAN thin films showed better rate capability and stability during extensive cycling due to the better alignment to the Li-diffusion channels. However, an enhanced pseudocapacitive contribution was observed for the increased total surface area within the (110)-oriented VAN thin films. These results demonstrate for the first time the electrochemical behavior of cathode-electrolyte VANs for lithium-ion 3D microbatteries while pointing out the importance of control over the vertical interfaces.