Low-cost and resourceful transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have gradually received wide acceptance in the energy industry through exhibiting comparable catalytic activity and long-term stability to traditional catalysts (e.g., Pt/C, LiCoO2, LiFePO4, etc.). With the emergence of the research hotspot of TMPs, probing their mechanism of catalytic energy conversion and storage inspired by the superb structure of metal-phosphorus chelate is of great significance. To this end, recent developments in TMPs with various crystal structures and morphologies have attracted much attention. The design of TMPs ranging from the choice of different transition metals to phosphorus sources has been intensively explored. This research has indicated that multidimensional morphologies of TMPs prominently enrich the patterns of charge storage and electron transportation, and ultra-nanoscaled TMPs obtained by multiple tools and techniques might challenge the threshold of electrocatalytic reactions. Here, recent developments in synthetic strategies of TMPs from different precursors are classified. The underlying mechanism between the structural and crystallographic characteristics and the tuned properties of TMPs in energy applications is also presented. Additionally, the key trends in structure and morphology characterization of TMPs are highlighted. Future perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing TMPs catalysts are thereby proposed.

Earth-Rich Transition Metal Phosphide for Energy Conversion and Storage

Design of magnesium alloys with controllable degradation for biomedical implants: From bulk to surface.

BaTiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride (BT/PVDF) is the extensive reported composite material for application in modern electric devices. However, there still exists some obstacles prohibiting the further improvement of dielectric performance, such as poor interfacial compatibility and low dielectric constant. Therefore, in depth study of the size dependent polarization and surface modification of BT particle is of technological importance in developing high performance BT/PVDF composites. Here, a facile molten-salt synthetic method has been applied to prepare different grain sized BT particles through tailoring the calcination temperature. The size dependent spontaneous polarizationof BT particle was thoroughly investigated by theoretical calculation based on powder X-ray diffraction Rietveld refinement data. The results revealed that 600 nm sized BT particles possess the strong polarization, ascribing to the ferroelectric size effect. Furthermore, the surface of optimal BT particles has been modified by water-soluble polyvinylprrolidone (PVP) agent, and the coated particles exhibited fine core-shell structure and homogeneous dispersion in the PVDF matrix. The dielectric constant of the resulted composites increased significantly, especially, the prepared composite with 40 vol % BT loading exhibited the largest dielectric constant (65, 25 °C, 1 kHz) compared with the literature values of BT/PVDF at the same concentration of filler. Moreover, the energy storage density of the composites with tailored structure was largely enhanced at the low electric field, showing promising application as dielectric material in energy storage device. Our work suggested that introduction of strong polarized ferroelectric particles with optimal size and construction of core-shell structured coated fillers by PVP in the PVDF matrix are efficacious in improving dielectric performance of composites. The demonstrated approach can also be applied to the design and preparation of other polymers-based nanocomposites filled with ferroelectric particles to achieve desirable dielectric properties.

Improving Dielectric Properties of PVDF Composites by Employing Surface Modified Strong Polarized BaTiO₃ Particles Derived by Molten Salt Method.

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) can exhibit excellent combinations of strength and fracture toughness that cannot be achieved by traditional metals, making them attractive for load bearing, mechanical engineering applications. Furthermore, recent research on BMGs has shown that many early perceived shortcomings, such as apparent brittleness or poor fatigue resistance, are not as big of a problem as once thought. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the unique mechanical characteristics of BMGs along with some of the strategies that may be used to improve or exploit their characteristics so that BMGs may be used as structural materials in engineering applications.

Bulk Metallic Glasses as Structural Materials: A Review

Titanium implants are widely used in the orthopedic and dentistry fields for many decades, for joint arthroplasties, spinal and maxillofacial reconstructions, and dental prostheses. However, despite the quite satisfactory survival rates failures still exist. New Ti-alloys and surface treatments have been developed, in an attempt to overcome those failures. This review provides information about new Ti-alloys that provide better mechanical properties to the implants, such as superelasticity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies, which investigate the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these new biomaterials, are introduced. In addition, data regarding the bioactivity of new surface treatments and surface topographies on Ti-implants is provided. The aim of this paper is to discuss the current trends, advantages, and disadvantages of new titanium-based biomaterials, fabricated to enhance the quality of life of many patients around the world.

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Zhenhua Dan

Papers

Fabrication of nanoporous copper by dealloying amorphous binary Ti–Cu alloys in hydrofluoric acid solutions

Effects of environmental factors on atmospheric corrosion of aluminium and its alloys under constant dew point conditions

Corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Ca amorphous alloys

Fabrication of nanoporous copper by dealloying of amorphous Ti–Cu–Ag alloys

Applicability of constant dew point corrosion tests for evaluating atmospheric corrosion of aluminium alloys