Xiamen University

About: Xiamen University is a education organization based out in Amoy, Fujian, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 50472 authors who have published 54480 publications receiving 1058239 citations. The organization is also known as: Amoy University & Xiàmén Dàxué.

On the origin of increased phonon scattering in nanostructured PbTe based thermoelectric materials.

Abstract: We have investigated the possible mechanisms of phonon scattering by nanostructures and defects in PbTe-X (X = 2% Sb, Bi, or Pb) thermoelectric materials systems. We find that among these three compositions, PbTe-2% Sb has the lowest lattice thermal conductivity and exhibits a larger strain and notably more misfit dislocations at the precipitate/PbTe interfaces than the other two compositions. In the PbTe-Bi 2% sample, we infer some weaker phonon scattering BiTe precipitates, in addition to the abundant Bi nanostructures. In the PbTe-Pb 2% sample, we also find that pure Pb nanoparticles exhibit stronger phonon scattering than nanostructures with Te vacancies. Within the accepted error range, the theoretical calculations of the lattice thermal conductivity in the three systems are in close agreement with the experimental measurements, highlighting the important role of misfit dislocations, nanoscale particles, and associated interfacial elastic strain play in phonon scattering. We further propose that such particle-induced local elastic perturbations interfere with the phonon propagation pathway, thereby contributing to further reduction in lattice thermal conductivity, and consequently can enhance the overall thermoelectric figure of merit.

Constructing multifunctional MOF@rGO hydro-/aerogels by the self-assembly process for customized water remediation

Abstract: The development of scalable and reliable three-dimensional macroscopic functional aerogels is of remarkable significance because of their wide applications in the energy and environmental fields. Although the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promising applications in water remediation, the construction of MOFs-based aerogels is highly challenging. Herein, for the first time, we report a general strategy for one-step fabrication of a ZIF-8 MOF/reduced graphene-oxide hydrogel in a short period via self-assembly, with the synergistic effects of chemical reduction and cross-linking by metal ions; upon drying, the hydrogel yields the ZIF-8/reduced graphene-oxide aerogel. The highly porous ZIF-8 hybrid aerogel displays high absorption capacity and cycling stability for oils and organic solvents, due to its superhydrophobic properties and high specific surface areas. In addition, the corresponding hydrogel demonstrates photocatalytic dye degradation ability, as well as excellent water purification performance for removing toxic dyes, heavy metal ions and benzo pollutants. Our synthetic strategy is proven to be versatile for constructing a variety of functional nanocomposite hydro-/aerogels towards customized water remediation.

Fukushima Daiichi–Derived Radionuclides in the Ocean: Transport, Fate, and Impacts

Abstract: The events that followed the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, included the loss of power and overheating at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants, which led to extensive releases of radioactive gases, volatiles, and liquids, particularly to the coastal ocean. The fate of these radionuclides depends in large part on their oceanic geochemistry, physical processes, and biological uptake. Whereas radioactivity on land can be resampled and its distribution mapped, releases to the marine environment are harder to characterize owing to variability in ocean currents and the general challenges of sampling at sea. Five years later, it is appropriate to review what happened in terms of the sources, transport, and fate of these radionuclides in the ocean. In addition to the oceanic behavior of these contaminants, this review considers the potential health effects and societal impacts.