Showing papers in "National Science Review in 2017"
TL;DR: In this paper, a review article summarizes progress in high-performance supercapacitors based on carbon nanomaterials with an emphasis on the design and fabrication of electrode structures and elucidation of charge-storage mechanisms.
Abstract: The advancement of modern electronic devices depends strongly on the highly efficient energy sources possessing high energy density and power density. In this regard, supercapacitors show great promise. Due to the unique hierarchical structure, excellent electrical and mechanical properties, and high specific surface area, carbon nanomaterials (particularly, carbon nanotubes, graphene, mesoporous carbon and their hybrids) have been widely investigated as efficient electrode materials in supercapacitors. This review article summarizes progress in high-performance supercapacitors based on carbon nanomaterials with an emphasis on the design and fabrication of electrode structures and elucidation of charge-storage mechanisms. Recent developments on carbon-based flexible and stretchable supercapacitors for various potential applications, including integrated energy sources, self-powered sensors and wearable electronics, are also discussed.
561 citations
TL;DR: The development of reliable anthropogenic emission inventories is essential for both understanding the sources of air pollution and designing effective air-pollution control measures in China as mentioned in this paper, but it is challenging to quantify emissions in China accurately, given the variety of contributing sources, the complexity of the technology mix and the lack of reliable measurements.
Abstract: The development of reliable anthropogenic emission inventories is essential for both understanding the sources of air pollution and designing effective air-pollution-control measures in China. However, it is challenging to quantify emissions in China accurately, given the variety of contributing sources, the complexity of the technology mix and the lack of reliable measurements. Over the last two decades, tremendous efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of emission inventories, and significant improvements have been realized. More reliable statistics and survey-based data have been used to reduce the uncertainties in activity rates and technology distributions. Local emission factors and source profiles covering various sources have been measured and reported. Based on these local databases, improved emission inventory models have been developed for power plants, large industrial plants and the residential, transportation and agricultural sectors. In this paper, we review the progress that has been made in developing inventories of anthropogenic emissions in China. We first highlight the major updates that have been made to emission inventory models and the underlying data by source category. We then summarize the sector-based estimates of emissions of different species contained in current inventories. The progress that has been made in the development of model-ready emissions is also presented. Finally, we suggest future directions for further improving the accuracy of emission inventories in China.
497 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the major advances in aerosol measurements, PBL processes and their interactions with each other through complex feedback mechanisms, and highlight the priorities for future studies.
Abstract: Air quality is concerned with pollutants in both the gas phase and solid or liquid phases. The latter are referred to as aerosols, which are multifaceted agents affecting air quality, weather and climate through many mechanisms. Unlike gas pollutants, aerosols interact strongly with meteorological variables with the strongest interactions taking place in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The PBL hosting the bulk of aerosols in the lower atmosphere is affected by aerosol radiative effects. Both aerosol scattering and absorption reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground and thus reduce the sensible heat fluxes that drive the diurnal evolution of the PBL. Moreover, aerosols can increase atmospheric stability by inducing a temperature inversion as a result of both scattering and absorption of solar radiation, which suppresses dispersion of pollutants and leads to further increases in aerosol concentration in the lower PBL. Such positive feedback is especially strong during severe pollution events. Knowledge of the PBL is thus crucial for understanding the interactions between air pollution and meteorology. A key question is how the diurnal evolution of the PBL interacts with aerosols, especially in vertical directions, and affects air quality. We review the major advances in aerosol measurements, PBL processes and their interactions with each other through complex feedback mechanisms, and highlight the priorities for future studies.
495 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper proposed a pre-study of space-based GW detection referred to as the Taiji Program in Space (TPIN) for the early universe and the nature of gravity.
Abstract: The discovery of gravitational waves (GWs) by the LIGO collaboration [1] in 2016 has provided a direct test on the prediction made by Albert Einstein a century ago based on his general theory of relativity [2]. It has caused a significant influence worldwide on the basic research in science. Space-based GW detection has become the next interesting target for the further study on the gravitational universe as space-based GW detection would reach a wider range of gravitational radiation sources than the ground-based GW detection can [3]. After the LISA/eLISA strategic plan [4] on space-based GW detection was put forward in the 1990s, Chinese scientists also showed their interest and began to make proposals for space-based GW detection in the 2000s. Recently, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has set up a strategic priority research program that includes the pre-study of space-based GW detection referred to as the ‘Taiji Program in Space’ [5]. GWs are expected to provide a new window to explore the evolution of early universe and the nature of gravity. Though spaceand ground-based GW detectors adopt the same detecting
463 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a large-scale mantle low δ26Mg anomaly in eastern China has been delineated, suggesting the contribution of sedimentary carbonates recycled into the upper mantle, but limited into the lower mantle.
Abstract: Although deep carbon recycling plays an important role in the atmospheric CO2 budget and climate changes through geological time, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Since recycled sedimentary carbonate through plate subduction is the main light-δ26Mg reservoir within deep-Earth, Mg isotope variation in mantle-derived melts provides a novel perspective when investigating deep carbon cycling. Here, we show that the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic continental basalts from 13 regions covering the whole of eastern China have low δ26Mg isotopic compositions, while the Early Cretaceous basalts from the same area and the island arc basalts from circum-Pacific subduction zones have mantle-like or heavy Mg isotopic characteristics. Thus, a large-scale mantle low δ26Mg anomaly in eastern China has been delineated, suggesting the contribution of sedimentary carbonates recycled into the upper mantle, but limited into the lower mantle. This large-scale spatial and temporal variation of Mg isotopes in the mantle places severe constraints on deep carbon recycling via oceanic subduction.
220 citations
218 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on recent advances in the development of visible-light-driven organic reactions, including aerobic oxidation, hydrogen evolution reactions, energy-transfer reactions and asymmetric reactions.
Abstract: In recent years, visible-light-driven organic reactions have been experiencing a significant renaissance in response to topical interest in environmentally friendly green chemical synthesis. The transformations using inexpensive, readily available visible-light sources have come to the forefront in organic chemistry as a powerful strategy for the activation of small molecules. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the development of visible-light-driven organic reactions, including aerobic oxidation, hydrogen-evolution reactions, energy-transfer reactions and asymmetric reactions. These key research topics represent a promising strategy towards the development of practical, scalable industrial processes with great environmental benefits.
215 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, different approaches of electrodes striving to advance the energy and power density of ECs are reviewed, and the authors propose to move from carbon-based electric double-layer capacitors to pseudocapacitors, which manifest much higher capacitance.
Abstract: Among various energy-storage devices, electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are prominent power provision but show relatively low energy density. One way to increase the energy density of ECs is to move from carbon-based electric double-layer capacitors to pseudocapacitors, which manifest much higher capacitance. However, compared with carbon materials, the pseudocapacitive electrodes suffer from high resistance for electron and/or ion transfer, significantly restricting their capacity, rate capability and cyclability. Rational design of electrode materials offers opportunities to optimize their electrochemical performance, leading to devices with high energy density while maintaining high power density. This paper reviews the different approaches of electrodes striving to advance the energy and power density of ECs.
188 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the light absorption of metal nanoparticles and the mechanisms proposed in metal-induced photocatalysis (MIP) are summarized. And the challenges and possible development directions of MIP are briefly discussed.
Abstract: Photocatalysis induced by light absorption of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged as a promising strategy for exploiting efficient visible-light-responsive composites for solar-energy conversion. In this review, we first introduce the light absorption of metal NPs and the mechanisms proposed in metal-induced photocatalysis (MIP). Then, its applications in water splitting, artificial photosynthesis and inert molecular activation are summarized. To address the challenge of low efficiency in this field, strategies in promoting catalytic activity are reviewed, and particular attention is paid to the particle-size effect of metal. Finally, the challenges and possible development directions of MIP are briefly discussed.
153 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, three kinds of sources of gravitational waves and relevant physics are discussed, namely gravitational waves produced during the inflation and preheating phases of the Universe, the gravitational waves generated during the first-order phase transition as the universe cools down and the gravitational wave from the three phases: inspiral, merger and ringdown of a compact binary system, respectively.
Abstract: The direct detection of gravitational wave by Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory indicates the coming of the era of gravitational-wave astronomy and gravitational-wave cosmology. It is expected that more and more gravitational-wave events will be detected by currently existing and planned gravitational-wave detectors. The gravitational waves open a new window to explore the Universe and various mysteries will be disclosed through the gravitational-wave detection, combined with other cosmological probes. The gravitational-wave physics is not only related to gravitation theory, but also is closely tied to fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this review article, three kinds of sources of gravitational waves and relevant physics will be discussed, namely gravitational waves produced during the inflation and preheating phases of the Universe, the gravitational waves produced during the first-order phase transition as the Universe cools down and the gravitational waves from the three phases: inspiral, merger and ringdown of a compact binary system, respectively. We will also discuss the gravitational waves as a standard siren to explore the evolution of the Universe.
142 citations
TL;DR: Theoretical understanding of organic light-emitting diodes started from the quest to the nature of the primary excitation in organic molecular and polymeric materials through the first application of density matrix renormalization group theory to quantum chemistry as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Theoretical understanding of organic light-emitting diodes started from the quest to the nature of the primary excitation in organic molecular and polymeric materials. We found the electron correlation strength, bond-length alternation as well as the conjugation extent have strong influences on the orderings of the lowest lying excited states through the first application of density matrix renormalization group theory to quantum chemistry. The electro-injected free carriers (with spin 1/2) can form both singlet and triplet bound states. We found that the singlet exciton formation ratio can exceed the conventional 25% spin statistics limit. We proposed a vibration correlation function formalism to evaluate the excited-state decay rates, which is shown to not only give reasonable estimations for the quantum efficiency but also a quantitative account for the aggregation-induced emission (AIE). It is suggested to unravel the AIE mechanism through resonance Raman spectroscopy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the conversion reaction in newly raised rechargeable lithium batteries instanced by lithium-sulfur and lithium-oxygen batteries, and a comprehensive discussion is made on the fundamental electrochemistry and recent advancements in key components of both types of the batteries.
Abstract: In this review, we focus on the conversion reaction in newly raised rechargeable lithium batteries instanced by lithium-sulfur and lithium-oxygen batteries. A comprehensive discussion is made on the fundamental electrochemistry and recent advancements in key components of both types of the batteries. The critical problems in the Li-S and Li-O2 conversion electrochemistry are addressed along with the corresponding improvement strategies, for the purpose of shedding light on the rational design of batteries to reach optimal performance.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper provided a brief introduction to China's primary innovations from 2000 to early 2017, covering fluorination, fluoroalkylation, fluoromethylthiolation, polyfluoroarylation, as well as synthesis with fluorinated building blocks.
Abstract: The new millennium has witnessed the rapid development of synthetic organofluorine chemistry all over the world, and chemists in China have made significant contributions in this field. This review aims to provide a brief introduction to China's primary innovations from 2000 to early 2017, covering fluorination, fluoroalkylation, fluoromethylthiolation, fluoroolefination and polyfluoroarylation, as well as synthesis with fluorinated building blocks. Recent advances in the chemistry of difluorocarbene and the chemistry of carbon-fluorine bond activation are also discussed. As a conclusion, the review ends with some personal perspectives on the future development of China's synthetic organofluorine chemistry.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on current and future directions to address one of the most significant challenges in energy storage: reducing the cost of redox-flow battery systems, which is a high priority for developing aqueous systems with low-cost materials and high-solubility redox chemistries.
Abstract: Compared to lithium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries have attracted widespread attention for long-duration, large-scale energy-storage applications. This review focuses on current and future directions to address one of the most significant challenges in energy storage: reducing the cost of redox-flow battery systems. A high priority is developing aqueous systems with low-cost materials and high-solubility redox chemistries. Highly water-soluble inorganic redox couples are important for developing technologies that can provide high energy densities and low-cost storage. There is also great potential to rationally design organic redox molecules and fine-tune their properties for both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. While many new concepts begin to blur the boundary between traditional batteries and redox-flow batteries, breakthroughs in identifying/developing membranes and separators and in controlling side reactions on electrode surfaces also are needed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the history of intercalation electrodes and basic concepts pertaining to batteries based on interalation reactions is presented, and critical performance metrics-energy density, power density, safety and stability-relate back to electrode materials properties, and these materials properties are related to fundamental chemical and physical structure relationships highlighted with the most recent research advancement.
Abstract: Electrochemical energy storage has been an important enabling technology for modern electronics of all kinds, and will grow in importance as more electric vehicles and grid-scale storage systems are deployed. We briefly review the history of intercalation electrodes and basic concepts pertaining to batteries based on intercalation reactions. Then we summarize how the critical performance metrics-energy density, power density, safety and stability-relate back to electrode materials properties, and how these materials properties are related to fundamental chemical and physical structure relationships highlighted with the most recent research advancement. Challenges and avenues for further research have been highlighted throughout.
TL;DR: Mangrove genomes inform about their past evolutionary success as well as portend a possibly difficult future in a time of global climate change.
Abstract: Mangroves invade some very marginal habitats for woody plants-at the interface between land and sea. Since mangroves anchor tropical coastal communities globally, their origin, diversification and adaptation are of scientific significance, particularly at a time of global climate change. In this study, a combination of single-molecule long reads and the more conventional short reads are generated from Rhizophora apiculata for the de novo assembly of its genome to a near chromosome level. The longest scaffold, N50 and N90 for the R. apiculata genome, are 13.3 Mb, 5.4 Mb and 1.0 Mb, respectively. Short reads for the genomes and transcriptomes of eight related species are also generated. We find that the ancestor of Rhizophoreae experienced a whole-genome duplication ∼70 Myrs ago, which is followed rather quickly by colonization and species diversification. Mangroves exhibit pan-exome modifications of amino acid (AA) usage as well as unusual AA substitutions among closely related species. The usage and substitution of AAs, unique among plants surveyed, is correlated with the rapid evolution of proteins in mangroves. A small subset of these substitutions is associated with mangroves highly specialized traits (vivipary and red bark) thought to be adaptive in the intertidal habitats. Despite the many adaptive features, mangroves are among the least genetically diverse plants, likely the result of continual habitat turnovers caused by repeated rises and falls of sea level in the geologically recent past. Mangrove genomes thus inform about their past evolutionary success as well as portend a possibly difficult future.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the superconductivity of hydrogen-rich materials at high pressures is presented, focusing on crystal structures, stabilities, pressure-induced transformations, metallization, and superconductivities.
Abstract: Hydrogen atoms can provide high phonon frequencies and strong electron-phonon coupling in hydrogen-rich materials, which are believed to be potential high-temperature superconductors at lower pressure than metallic hydrogen. Especially, recently both of theoretical and experimental reports on sulfur hydrides under pressure exhibiting superconductivity at temperatures as high as 200 K have further stimulated an intense search for room-temperature superconductors in hydrides. This review focuses on crystal structures, stabilities, pressure-induced transformations, metallization, and superconductivity of hydrogen-rich materials at high pressures.
TL;DR: This review will summarize recent applications of asymmetric organocatalysis in the enantioselective synthesis of indole alkaloids.
Abstract: Indole and its structural analogues have been frequently found in numerous alkaloids, pharmaceutical products and related materials. The enantioselective construction of these structures allows efficient total synthesis of optically pure indole alkaloids, and hence has received worldwide interest. In the past decade, asymmetric organocatalysis has been recognized as one of the most powerful strategies to create chiral molecules with high levels of stereoselectivity. In particular, organocatalytic asymmetric cascade reactions often occur with multiple bond-breaking and forming events simultaneously or sequentially, leading to the appearance of various straightforward approaches to access core structures for asymmetric total synthesis. This review will summarize recent applications of asymmetric organocatalysis in the enantioselective synthesis of indole alkaloids.
TL;DR: The application of colloidal quantum dots for light-emitting devices has attracted considerable attention in recent years, due to their unique optical properties such as size-dependent emission wavelength, sharp emission peak and high luminescent quantum yield as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The application of colloidal quantum dots for light-emitting devices has attracted considerable attention in recent years, due to their unique optical properties such as size-dependent emission wavelength, sharp emission peak and high luminescent quantum yield. Tremendous efforts have been made to explore quantum dots for light-emission applications such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light converters. The performance of quantum-dots-based light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) has been increasing rapidly in recent decades as the development of quantum-dots synthesis, surface-ligand engineering and device-architecture optimization. Recently, the external quantum efficiencies of red quantum-dots LEDs have exceeded 20.5% with good stability and narrow emission peak. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in QD-LEDs, focusing on quantum-dot surface engineering and device-architecture optimization.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarizes the design, formation and characterization of this new family of self-assembled frameworks, highlights their applications as homogeneous porous materials and finally outlines some future research directions.
Abstract: Studies on periodic porosity and related properties and functions have been limited to insoluble solid-state materials. Self-assembly provides a straightforward and efficient strategy for the construction of soluble periodic porous supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs) in water from rationally designed molecular building blocks. From rigid tri- and tetra-armed building blocks and cucurbitu[8]ril (CB[8]), a number of two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb, square and rhombic SOFs can be generated, which is driven by CB[8]-encapsulation-enhanced dimerization of two aromatic units on the periphery of the multi-armed molecules. By utilizing the same three-component host−guest motif as the driving force, three-dimensional (3D) diamondoid and cubic SOFs can be obtained from tetrahedral and [Ru(bipy)3]2+-derived octahedral monomers and CB[8]. All of the 2D and 3D periodic frameworks are soluble in water, and are able to maintain the periodicity as well as the pore sizes in the solid state. 3D SOFs are highly efficient homogeneous polycationic frameworks for reversible adsorption of anionic species including organic dyes, peptides, nucleic acids, drugs, dendrimers and Wells-Dawson-typed polyoxametallates (WD-POMs). WD-POM molecules adsorbed in the [Ru(bipy)3]2+-based SOF can catalyse the reduction of proton to H2 upon visible-light sensitization of [Ru(bipy)3]2+, which allows multiple electron transfer from [Ru(bipy)3]2+ to WD-POM. This review summarizes the design, formation and characterization of this new family of self-assembled frameworks, highlights their applications as homogeneous porous materials and finally outlines some future research directions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the major gaps in addressing these issues, and recommend a holistic framework for evaluating the sources, processes and impacts of atmospheric PM pollution, which will facilitate the formulation of regulatory measures to control PM pollution in China and elsewhere.
Abstract: Rapid urban and industrial development has resulted in severe air-pollution problems in developing countries such as China, especially in highly industrialized and populous urban clusters. Dissecting the complex mixtures of airborne particulate matter (PM) has been a key scientific focus in the last two decades, leading to significant advances in understanding physicochemical compositions for comprehensive source apportionment. However, identifying causative components with an attributable link to population-based health outcomes remains a huge challenge. The microbiome, an integral dimension of the PM mixture, is an unexplored frontier in terms of identities and functions in atmospheric processes and human health. In this review, we identify the major gaps in addressing these issues, and recommend a holistic framework for evaluating the sources, processes and impacts of atmospheric PM pollution. Such an approach and the knowledge generated will facilitate the formulation of regulatory measures to control PM pollution in China and elsewhere.
TL;DR: In this paper, functional separators with selective permeability have been applied to retard unwanted migration of the specific species (e.g. polysulfide anions in Li-S batteries) from one electrode to the other in order to achieve stable cycling operation.
Abstract: The membrane separator is a key component in a liquid-electrolyte battery for electrically separating the cathode and the anode, meanwhile ensuring ionic transport between them. Besides these basic requirements, endowing the separator with specific beneficial functions is now being paid great attention because it provides an important alternative approach for the development of batteries, particularly next-generation high-energy rechargeable batteries. Herein, functional separators are overviewed based on four key criteria of next-generation high-energy rechargeable batteries: stable, safe, smart and sustainable (4S). That is, the applied membrane materials and the corresponding functioning mechanisms of the 4S separators are reviewed. Functional separators with selective permeability have been applied to retard unwanted migration of the specific species (e.g. polysulfide anions in Li-S batteries) from one electrode to the other in order to achieve stable cycling operation. The covered battery types are Li-S, room-temperature Na-S, Li-organic, organic redox-flow (RF) and Li-air batteries. Safe, smart and sustainable separators are then described in sequence following the first criterion of stable cycling. In the final section, key challenges and potential opportunities in the development of 4S separators are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed four new spin Hall effects that consist of spin accumulation of equal numbers of electrons and holes having the same or opposite spin polarization at the sample edge in Hall effect measurements, but with vanishing Hall voltage.
Abstract: It is proposed that the new generation of spintronics should be ideally massless and dissipationless for the realization of ultra-fast and ultra-low-power spintronic devices. We demonstrate that the spin-gapless materials with linear energy dispersion are unique materials that can realize these massless and dissipationless states. Furthermore, we propose four new types of spin Hall effects that consist of spin accumulation of equal numbers of electrons and holes having the same or opposite spin polarization at the sample edge in Hall effect measurements, but with vanishing Hall voltage. These new Hall effects can be classified as (quantum) anomalous spin Hall effects. The physics for massless and dissipationless spintronics and the new spin Hall effects are presented for spin-gapless semiconductors with either linear or parabolic dispersion. New possible candidates for Dirac-type or parabolic-type spin-gapless semiconductors are proposed in ferromagnetic monolayers of simple oxides with either honeycomb or square lattices.
TL;DR: A survey of the recent advances in Big learning with Bayesian methods, termed Big Bayesian Learning, including nonparametric Bayesian Methods for adaptively inferring model complexity, regularized Bayesian inference for improving the flexibility via posterior regularization, and scalable algorithms and systems based on stochastic subsampling and distributed computing for dealing with large-scale applications.
Abstract: The explosive growth in data volume and the availability of cheap computing resources have sparked increasing interest in Big learning, an emerging subfield that studies scalable machine learning algorithms, systems and applications with Big Data. Bayesian methods represent one important class of statistical methods for machine learning, with substantial recent developments on adaptive, flexible and scalable Bayesian learning. This article provides a survey of the recent advances in Big learning with Bayesian methods, termed Big Bayesian Learning, including non-parametric Bayesian methods for adaptively inferring model complexity, regularized Bayesian inference for improving the flexibility via posterior regularization, and scalable algorithms and systems based on stochastic subsampling and distributed computing for dealing with large-scale applications. We also provide various new perspectives on the large-scale Bayesian modeling and inference.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that when water meets iron at the core-mantle boundary, they react to form an interlayer with an extremely oxygen-rich form of iron, iron dioxide, together with iron hydride.
Abstract: Hydrous minerals in subducted crust can transport large amounts of water into Earth's deep mantle. Our laboratory experiments revealed the surprising pressure-induced chemistry that, when water meets iron at the core-mantle boundary, they react to form an interlayer with an extremely oxygen-rich form of iron, iron dioxide, together with iron hydride. Hydrogen in the layer will escape upon further heating and rise to the crust, sustaining the water cycle. With water supplied by the subducting slabs meeting the nearly inexhaustible iron source in the core, an oxygen-rich layer would cumulate and thicken, leading to major global consequences in our planet. The seismic signature of the D ″ layer may echo the chemical complexity of this layer. Over the course of geological time, the enormous oxygen reservoir accumulating between the mantle and core may have eventually reached a critical eruption point. Very large-scale oxygen eruptions could possibly cause major activities in the mantle convection and leave evidence such as the rifting of supercontinents and the Great Oxidation Event.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the research focusing on the exploration of n-type Mg2IV-based solid solutions and summarize the most prominent discoveries achieved so far in their studies.
Abstract: Silicide-based thermoelectrics are examples of cost-efficient and environmentally friendly new energy materials, which can be used for power-generation applications in the range of 500-800 K. We review the research focusing on the exploration of n-type Mg2IV-based solid solutions (IV = Si, Ge and Sn) and summarize the most prominent discoveries achieved so far in their studies. Owing to their superior performance compared to other silicides, including p-type Mg2IV, higher manganese silicides (HMS) are commonly considered as a suitable p-type material to be used in thermoelectric modules in conjunction with n-type Mg2IV-based solid solutions for mid-temperature power-generation applications. We describe the strategies used to improve the thermal and electronic transport properties of n-type Mg2IV-based solid solutions and mention some key features of HMS. We also point out the importance of mechanical properties and thermal stability of this family of materials and offer perspectives on the future research work to further improve their performance.
TL;DR: An overview of the chiral ligands designed by Chinese scientists with the aim of promoting the development of this area in China and with the hope of encouraging more scientists across the world to use these ligands when designing asymmetric reactions is provided in this article.
Abstract: Asymmetric catalysis has become an indispensable and productive field within the Chinese organic chemistry society. The design of chiral ligands is one of the most prominent research areas in this field. Since the late 1990s, Chinese organic chemists have developed numerous chiral ligands possessing novel chiral skeletons and design concepts. Some of these ligands have been widely adopted and can be regarded as 'privileged ligand', which have shown excellent performance in many asymmetric catalytic reactions. In this review, we provide an overview of the chiral ligands designed by Chinese scientists with the aim of promoting the development of this area in China and with the hope of encouraging more scientists across the world to use these ligands when designing asymmetric reactions.