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Crystals, Volume 11, Issue 11 (November 2021) – 168 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): In this work, we realize full InGaN-based microLEDs on c-plane semi-relaxed InGaN using MOCVD that operate across a wide range of emission wavelengths covering nearly the entire visible spectrum,- from cyan to deep red. Since a broad range of emission wavelengths can be realized, our LED growth scheme allows the tailoring of the emission wavelength to a particular application, including the possibility for nitride LEDs to emit over the entire visible light spectrum utilizing only an InGaN/GaN system. Additionally, our growth scheme allows the full elimination of V-defects during growth. The range of emission possibilities from blue to red and low defects makes our approach an attractive platform to unify the visible emission spectra using III-Nitride MOCVD. View this paper
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14 pages, 2628 KiB  
Article
The Crystal Structure of Nα-p-tosyl-lysyl Chloromethylketone-Bound Oligopeptidase B from Serratia Proteamaculans Revealed a New Type of Inhibitor Binding
by Vladimir I. Timofeev, Dmitry E. Petrenko, Yulia K. Agapova, Anna V. Vlaskina, David M. Karlinsky, Anna G. Mikhailova, Inna P. Kuranova and Tatiana V. Rakitina
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1438; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111438 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1786
Abstract
A covalent serine protease inhibitor—Na-p-Tosyl-Lysyl Chloromethylketone (TCK) is a modified lysine residue tosylated at the N-terminus and chloromethylated at the C-terminus, one molecule of which is capable of forming two covalent bonds with both Ser and His catalytic residues, was co-crystallized with modified [...] Read more.
A covalent serine protease inhibitor—Na-p-Tosyl-Lysyl Chloromethylketone (TCK) is a modified lysine residue tosylated at the N-terminus and chloromethylated at the C-terminus, one molecule of which is capable of forming two covalent bonds with both Ser and His catalytic residues, was co-crystallized with modified oligopeptidase B (OpB) from Serratia proteomaculans (PSPmod). The kinetics study, which preceded crystallization, shows that the stoichiometry of TCK-dependent inhibition of PSPmod was 1:2 (protein:inhibitor). The crystal structure of the PSPmod-TCK complex, solved at a resolution of 2.3 Å, confirmed a new type of inhibitor binding. Two TCK molecules were bound to one enzyme molecule: one with the catalytic Ser, the other with the catalytic His. Due to this mode of binding, the intermediate state of PSPmod and the disturbed conformation of the catalytic triad were preserved in the PSPmod-TCK complex. Nevertheless, the analysis of the amino acid surroundings of the inhibitor molecule bound to the catalytic Ser and its comparison with that of antipain-bound OpB from Trypanosoma brucei provided an insight in the structure of the PSPmod substrate-binding pocket. Supposedly, the new type of binding is typical for the interaction of chloromethylketone derivatives with two-domain OpBs. In the open conformational state that these enzymes are assumed in solution, the disordered configuration of the catalytic triad prevents simultaneous interaction of one inhibitor molecule with two catalytic residues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomolecular Crystals)
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11 pages, 3341 KiB  
Article
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Vacuum Diffusion Bonded Zr-4 Alloy Joint
by Zeming Wang, Xu Yang, Jing Wang, Zhonglin Xiao, Fugong Qi, Kongbo Sun, Ying Wang and Zhenwen Yang
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1437; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111437 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1978
Abstract
The development of welding technology for zirconium alloy has great significance on the safety, stability, and reliability of the operation of the nuclear reactor. In this work, vacuum diffusion bonding of Zr-4 alloy was studied at the diffusion temperature ranging from 760 to [...] Read more.
The development of welding technology for zirconium alloy has great significance on the safety, stability, and reliability of the operation of the nuclear reactor. In this work, vacuum diffusion bonding of Zr-4 alloy was studied at the diffusion temperature ranging from 760 to 820 °C with holding times of 30–90 min. The effects of diffusion bonding temperature and holding time on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of the diffusion bonded Zr-4 alloy joints were investigated in detail, and the relationship between the interfacial microstructure and shear strength of the diffusion bonded joints was discussed. The results show that the interface bonding ratio of the diffusion bonded Zr-4 joint gradually increased from 74% to 95% with the increasing of bonding temperature. In addition, the grain size of the base material became a larger and brittle second phase composed of Zr(Cr, Fe)2 and eutectic α-Zr + Zr(Fe, Cr)2 formed in the joint with the increase of the temperature as well as the extension of the bonding time. The highest shear strength of 349 MPa was obtained at 800 °C for 30 min under 7 MPa, and the crack of the joint was primarily propagated along with the base material rather than the bonded interface. Full article
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10 pages, 34625 KiB  
Article
Influences of Powder Source Porosity on Mass Transport during AlN Crystal Growth Using Physical Vapor Transport Method
by Danyang Fu, Qikun Wang, Gang Zhang, Zhe Li, Jiali Huang, Jiang Wang and Liang Wu
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1436; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111436 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1532
Abstract
We developed a two-dimensional (2D) transport model to investigate mass transport during bulk AlN crystal growth via the physical vapor transport (PVT) process using the finite element method (FEM), taking the powder source porosity, buoyancy, and vapor diffusion into account. The porosity effects [...] Read more.
We developed a two-dimensional (2D) transport model to investigate mass transport during bulk AlN crystal growth via the physical vapor transport (PVT) process using the finite element method (FEM), taking the powder source porosity, buoyancy, and vapor diffusion into account. The porosity effects of the powder source on mass transport under various growth conditions were investigated in detail. The simulation results show that the porosity of the powder source significantly affects the mass transport process during AlN sublimation growth. When the porosity of the powder source decreases, the growth rate becomes more uniform along the seed deposition surface, although the sublimation rate and crystal growth rate decrease, which can be attributed to the reduced specific surface area of the powder source and the reduced flow rate of Al vapor in the powder source. A flat growth interface can be achieved at a porosity of 0.2 under our specific growth conditions, which in turn facilitate the growth of high-quality AlN crystals and better yield. The decomposition of the powder source and the transport of Al vapor in the growth chamber can be suppressed by increasing the pressure. In addition, the AlN growth rate variation along the deposition surface can be attributed to the Al vapor pressure gradient caused by the temperature difference in the growth chamber. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Materials and Devices)
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12 pages, 3506 KiB  
Article
Influence of Cr/Zr Ratio on Activity of Cr–Zr Oxide Catalysts in Non-Oxidative Propane Dehydrogenation
by Alexander Zubkov, Tatiana Bugrova, Mikhail Salaev and Grigory Mamontov
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1435; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111435 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1710
Abstract
Two series of chromium–zirconium mixed oxide catalysts with different Cr/Zr molar ratio are prepared by co-precipitation method. Porous structure of the catalysts is studied by low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption. Phase composition and chromium states in the catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), [...] Read more.
Two series of chromium–zirconium mixed oxide catalysts with different Cr/Zr molar ratio are prepared by co-precipitation method. Porous structure of the catalysts is studied by low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption. Phase composition and chromium states in the catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction with hydrogen (TPR-H2). The mixed catalysts are tested in non-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane at 550 °C. The catalysts synthesized without ageing of precipitate show higher activity in propane dehydrogenation due to the higher content of reducible Cr+5/+6 species due to its stabilization on the ZrO2 surface. Full article
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7 pages, 2721 KiB  
Article
Surface Structure and Electronic Properties of Lu3Al5O12
by Weian Guo, Benxue Jiang, Jiajie Zhu and Long Zhang
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111433 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) is a famous scintillator that has the advantages of high efficiency, high light yield, and fast decay after being doped with active ions. F centers (oxygen vacancies with two electrons) and antisite defects are the most [...] Read more.
Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) is a famous scintillator that has the advantages of high efficiency, high light yield, and fast decay after being doped with active ions. F centers (oxygen vacancies with two electrons) and antisite defects are the most important defects and can greatly affect the scintillation performance in the bulk materials. However, the surface defects that strongly affect the spectrum of a single crystal (SC) and single crystal film (SCF) and the effect on the electronic properties have not been investigated. In this context, we investigate the surface structural and electronic properties of Lu3Al5O12 using first-principles calculations. The Lu atoms are six-fold and seven-fold coordinated with the O atoms on the S1 and S2 surfaces. The surface oxygen vacancies and antisites have considerably lower formation energies than for the bulk. The oxygen vacancies in the bulk introduce the occupied states in the band gap. The surface electronic states are mainly located on the oxygen atoms and can be eliminated via oxygen vacancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scintillator & Phosphor Materials)
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11 pages, 1358 KiB  
Article
Statistical Theory of Helical Twisting in Nematic Liquid Crystals Doped with Chiral Nanoparticles
by Mikhail A. Osipov, Alexey S. Merekalov and Alexander A. Ezhov
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1432; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111432 - 22 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1952
Abstract
A molecular field theory of the cholesteric ordering in nematic nanocomposites doped with chiral nanoparticles was developed taking into consideration chiral dispersion interaction between rod-like nanoparticles. It was shown that the inverse pitch of the cholesteric helical structure is proportional to the anisotropy [...] Read more.
A molecular field theory of the cholesteric ordering in nematic nanocomposites doped with chiral nanoparticles was developed taking into consideration chiral dispersion interaction between rod-like nanoparticles. It was shown that the inverse pitch of the cholesteric helical structure is proportional to the anisotropy of the effective polarizability and the anisotropy of the effective gyration tensor of a nanoparticle in the nematic host. The theory enables one to predict the helical sense inversion induced by a change of the low-frequency dielectric susceptibility of the nematic host phase. The components of the high-frequency effective polarizability and the effective optical activity of a gold rod-like nanoparticle in a particular nematic solvent were calculated numerically. Full article
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9 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
AlGaN-Based 1.55 µm Phototransistor as a Crucial Building Block for Optical Computers
by Daniel Hofstetter, Cynthia Aku-Leh, Hans Beck and David P. Bour
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1431; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111431 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1956
Abstract
An optically activated, enhancement mode heterostructure field effect transistor is proposed and analytically studied. A particular feature of this device is its gate region, which is made of a photovoltaic GaN/AlN-based superlattice detector for a wavelength of 1.55 µm. Since the inter-subband transition [...] Read more.
An optically activated, enhancement mode heterostructure field effect transistor is proposed and analytically studied. A particular feature of this device is its gate region, which is made of a photovoltaic GaN/AlN-based superlattice detector for a wavelength of 1.55 µm. Since the inter-subband transition in this superlattice does normally not interact with TE-polarized (or vertically incoming) radiation, a metallic second-order diffraction grating on the transistor gate results in a re-orientation of the light into the horizontal direction—thus providing the desired TM-polarization. Upon illumination of this gate, efficient inter-subband absorption lifts electrons from the ground to the first excited quantized state. Due to partial screening of the strong internal polarization fields between GaN quantum wells and AlN barriers, this slightly diagonal transition generates an optical rectification voltage. Added to a constant electrical bias, this optically produced gate voltage leads to a noticeable increase of the transistor’s source-drain current. The magnitude of the bias voltage is chosen to result in maximal transconductance. Since such a phototransistor based on high-bandgap material is a device involving only fast majority carriers, very low dark and leakage currents are expected. The most important advantage of such a device, however, is the expected switching speed and, hence, its predicted use as an optical logic gate for photonic computing. In the absence of a p-n-junction and thus of both a carrier-induced space charge region, and the parasitic capacitances resulting thereof, operation frequencies of appropriately designed, sufficiently small phototransistors reaching 100 GHz are envisaged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in GaN-Based Optoelectronic Materials and Devices)
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10 pages, 2791 KiB  
Article
The Electronic Structural and Defect-Induced Absorption Properties of a Ca2B10O14F6 Crystal
by Xuejiao Wang, Benyan Xu, Kunpeng Wang, Zhenyou Li, Jianxiu Zhang, Lanju Liang, Longfei Li, Yanbiao Ren, Yong Liu, Meng Liu and Dongfeng Xue
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1430; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111430 - 22 Nov 2021
Viewed by 3041
Abstract
Comprehensive ab initio electronic structure calculations were performed for a newly developed deep-ultraviolet (DUV) non-linear optical (NLO) crystal Ca2B10O14F6 (CBOF) using the first principle method. Fifteen point defects including interstitial, vacancy, antisite, Frenkel, and Schottky of [...] Read more.
Comprehensive ab initio electronic structure calculations were performed for a newly developed deep-ultraviolet (DUV) non-linear optical (NLO) crystal Ca2B10O14F6 (CBOF) using the first principle method. Fifteen point defects including interstitial, vacancy, antisite, Frenkel, and Schottky of Ca, O, F, and B atoms in CBOF were thoroughly investigated as well as their effects on the optical absorption properties. Their formation energies and the equilibrium concentrations were also calculated by ab initio total energy calculations. The growth morphology was quantitatively analyzed using the Hartman–Perdok approach. The formation energy of interstitial F (Fi) and antisite defect OF were calculated to be approximately 0.33 eV and 0.83 eV, suggesting that they might be the dominant defects in the CBOF material. The absorption centers might be induced by the O and F vacancies (VF, VO), interstitial B and O (Oi, Bi), and the antisite defect O substitute of F (OF), which might be responsible for lowering the damage threshold of CBOF. The ionic conductivity might be increased by the Ca vacancy (Vca), and, therefore, the laser-induced damage threshold decreases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic First-Principles Simulation—Nano-Theory)
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13 pages, 3689 KiB  
Article
Effect of Synthesis Method on Properties of Layered Double Hydroxides Containing Ni(III)
by Olga V. Nestroinaia, Irina G. Ryltsova and Olga E. Lebedeva
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111429 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2295
Abstract
Unstable oxidation state +3 of nickel can be stabilized in the structure of layered double hydroxides, the resulting crystallinity and properties being dependent on the synthesis method. Three different wet chemical methods (co-precipitation at variable pH, co-precipitation followed by hydrothermal treatment, co-precipitation with [...] Read more.
Unstable oxidation state +3 of nickel can be stabilized in the structure of layered double hydroxides, the resulting crystallinity and properties being dependent on the synthesis method. Three different wet chemical methods (co-precipitation at variable pH, co-precipitation followed by hydrothermal treatment, co-precipitation with microwave treatment) were used to synthesize Mg/Ni–Al layered double hydroxides containing triply charged nickel cations. Lattice parameters of the samples synthesized by various methods were found to differ from each other by about 1.5%. The most crystallized sample was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. The oxidation state of nickel in the LDH samples was confirmed by XPS. TEM mapping gave evidence of the uniform distribution of nickel in all the samples. The LDHs’ reduction with hydrogen and thermal transformations of the phase composition and morphology of LDHs were studied in detail. The properties of the samples synthesized by the different methods were shown to be quite similar. Full article
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12 pages, 9071 KiB  
Article
Influence of Cold Rolled Deformation Degree and Heating Rates on Crystallite Dimension and Recrystallization Fraction of Aluminum Plates
by Yunlei Wang, Liping Ren, Jingren Dong and Chuanchuan Cao
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1428; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111428 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2086
Abstract
In order to study the microstructure evolution rule of pure aluminum plates during different cold-rolled (CR) deformation degrees and annealing processes, samples with aCR deformation of 50~85%, heating rates of 60~100 °C/min and annealing at the target temperature of 350~500 °C were investigated. [...] Read more.
In order to study the microstructure evolution rule of pure aluminum plates during different cold-rolled (CR) deformation degrees and annealing processes, samples with aCR deformation of 50~85%, heating rates of 60~100 °C/min and annealing at the target temperature of 350~500 °C were investigated. The microstructure, crystallite dimension and grain boundary characteristics were characterized by the methods of polarizing microscope (PM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The results showed that the crystallite dimension of the initial state was 102 μm and ends up completely broken with an increase in the CR deformation degree. When the CR deformation increases to 85%, the deformed micro-bands were very small, with a band spacing of 5~10 μm. At this time, the grain distortion is more serious, there are more high-density grain defects, such as dislocations, and there is a high deformation of the storage energy, which is the energy preparation for the subsequent finished products to withstand the annealing process. The recrystallization fraction was higher with an increase in annealing temperature. After completed recrystallization, the grains showed an equiaxed shape. Orientation imaging and misorientation angle analysis showed that the red-oriented grains of the (001) plane, which had preferred nucleation, recrystallization and rapid grain growth. Final grains of the completed recrystallization are relatively coarse. Under the same deformation, the average crystallite dimension of the recrystallized grains decreases with an increase in annealing heating rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Properties of Aluminum Alloy Materials)
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11 pages, 4796 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Ni-Added Fe-Based Pre-Alloy on Microstructure Evolution and Lifetime Extension of Diamond Tools
by Juan Pu, Yubo Sun, Weimin Long, Mingfang Wu, Dashuang Liu, Sujuan Zhong and Songbai Xue
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1427; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111427 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Diamond tools were prepared by sintering Fe-Cu-Sn-Zn-Ni pre-alloyed powders and diamonds. The effects of Ni contents in pre-alloyed powders on microstructure evolution of Fe-based matrix, the properties of Fe-based matrix and the service life of diamond tools were investigated. The results showed that [...] Read more.
Diamond tools were prepared by sintering Fe-Cu-Sn-Zn-Ni pre-alloyed powders and diamonds. The effects of Ni contents in pre-alloyed powders on microstructure evolution of Fe-based matrix, the properties of Fe-based matrix and the service life of diamond tools were investigated. The results showed that adding 3~15 wt.% Ni into the Fe-Cu-Sn-Zn pre-alloyed powders refined the microstructure of the Fe-based matrix and improved its density and hardness gradually. The addition of Ni reduced the loss of low melting liquid phase at a low sintered temperature, thus resulting in a decrease of the pores, an increase of the density and hardness of Fe-based matrix. When the Ni content is less than 9 wt.%, the bending strength of Fe-based matrix and diamond tools, together with the holding force of Fe-based matrix to diamonds increases sharply. They reached up to the optimal value with the Ni content of 9 wt.%. At this sintering powder ratio, the sufficient Fe-Cu-Sn-Zn-Ni liquid phase had a good wettability on the surface of diamonds, thus the optimal performance of sintered matrix and diamond tools was obtained. The service life of diamond tools was prolonged greatly owing to the excellent bonding capacity between matrix and diamonds. Once the Ni content exceeded 9 wt.%, the corresponding value decreased gradually. The fracture morphologies of the matrix changed from the brittle fracture into brittle-ductile fracture, then ductile fracture (with the Ni content of 9 wt.%), brittle-ductile mixed fracture and brittle fracture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Alloy Materials)
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9 pages, 720 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Fly Ash Content on the Compressive Strength of Cemented Sand and Gravel Material
by Qihui Chai, Fang Wan, Lingfeng Xiao and Feng Wu
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1426; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111426 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1399
Abstract
Cemented sand and gravel (CSG) material is a new type of dam material developed on the basis of roller compacted concrete, hardfill, and ultra-poor cementing materials. Its main feature is a wide range of sources of aggregate (aggregate is not screened but by [...] Read more.
Cemented sand and gravel (CSG) material is a new type of dam material developed on the basis of roller compacted concrete, hardfill, and ultra-poor cementing materials. Its main feature is a wide range of sources of aggregate (aggregate is not screened but by simply removing the large particles it can be fully graded on the dam filling) and low amounts of cementitious materials per unit volume. This dam construction material is not only economical and practical, but also green and environmentally friendly. There are many factors affecting the mechanical properties of CSG materials, such as aggregate gradation, sand ratio, water content, water–binder ratio, fly ash content, admixture content, etc. Based on the existing research results of the team, this paper focuses on the influence of fly ash content on the compressive strength of CSG materials. Through a large number of laboratory measured data, we found: (1) The compressive strength law of materials at different ages; the compressive strength of CSG material at age 90 d is generally 10%~30% higher than that at 28 d, and it is proposed that 90 d or 180 d strength should be used as the design strength in the design of CSG material dam; (2) There is an optimal value of fly ash content in CSG materials: when the fly ash content is 50% of the total amount of cementitious materials (cement + fly ash), the fly ash content is defined as the optimal content, and the test data are verified by regression analysis. The discovery of an ‘optimal dosage’ of fly ash provides an important reference for the design and construction of CSG dams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Concrete System)
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13 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Flower-like Nickel-Based Bimetallic Organic Framework Electrodes for High-Efficiency Hybrid Supercapacitors
by Di Jiang, Chuanying Wei, Ziyang Zhu, Xiaohui Xu, Min Lu and Guangsheng Wang
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111425 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been rapidly developed in the application of electrode materials due to their controllable morphology and ultra-high porosity. In this research, flower-like layered nickel-based bimetallic MOFs microspheres with different metal central ions were synthesized by solvothermal method. Compared with [...] Read more.
Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been rapidly developed in the application of electrode materials due to their controllable morphology and ultra-high porosity. In this research, flower-like layered nickel-based bimetallic MOFs microspheres with different metal central ions were synthesized by solvothermal method. Compared with Ni-MOFs, the optimization of the specific capacitance of NiCo-MOFs and NiMn-MOFs was been confirmed. For example, the specific capacitance of NiCo-MOFs can reach 882 F·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 while maintaining satisfactory cycle life (the specific capacity remains 90.1% of the initial value after 3000 charge-discharge cycles at 5 A·g−1). In addition, the NiCo-MOFs//AC HSCs, which are composed of NiCo-MOFs and activated carbon (AC), achieved a maximum energy density of 18.33 Wh·kg−1 at a power density of 400 W·kg−1, and showed satisfactory cycle life (82.4% after 3000 cycles). These outstanding electrochemical properties can be ascribed to the synergistic effect between metal ions, the optimized conductivity, and the unique layered stacked flower structure, which provides a smooth transmission channel for electrons/ions. In addition, this research gives a general method for the application of MOFs in the field of supercapacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure Property Relationship of Energy Storage Materials)
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13 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
New Low-Dimensional Hybrid Perovskitoids Based on Lead Bromide with Organic Cations from Charge-Transfer Complexes
by Igor A. Nikovskiy, Kseniya L. Isakovskaya and Yulia V. Nelyubina
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1424; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111424 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1793
Abstract
We have obtained a series of low-dimensional hybrid perovskitoids (often referred to as perovskites) based on lead bromide. As organic cations, the derivatives of polyaromatic and conjugated molecules, such as anthracene, pyrene and (E)-stilbene, were chosen to form charge-transfer complexes with various organic [...] Read more.
We have obtained a series of low-dimensional hybrid perovskitoids (often referred to as perovskites) based on lead bromide. As organic cations, the derivatives of polyaromatic and conjugated molecules, such as anthracene, pyrene and (E)-stilbene, were chosen to form charge-transfer complexes with various organic acceptors for use as highly tunable components of hybrid perovskite solar cells. X-ray diffraction analysis showed these crystalline materials to be new 1D- and pseudo-layered 0D-perovskitoids with lead bromide octahedra featuring different sharing modes, such as in unusual mini-rods of four face- and edge-shared octahedra. Thanks to the low dimensionality, they can be of use in another type of optoelectronic device, photodetectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials for Energy Applications)
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26 pages, 5751 KiB  
Article
Non-Invasive Approach to Investigate the Mineralogy and Production Technology of the Mosaic Tesserae from the Roman Domus of Villa San Pancrazio (Taormina, Italy)
by Olivia Gomez-Laserna, Anna Irto, Pablo Irizar, Gabriele Lando, Clemente Bretti, Irantzu Martinez-Arkarazo, Lorenzo Campagna and Paola Cardiano
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1423; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111423 - 21 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1895
Abstract
The archaeological excavations at Villa San Pancrazio (Taormina, Italy) are bringing to light a vast Roman-Imperial residential quarter featuring luxurious dwellings decorated with wall paintings and mosaic floors, pointing it out as one of the most significant archaeological sites of the city. The [...] Read more.
The archaeological excavations at Villa San Pancrazio (Taormina, Italy) are bringing to light a vast Roman-Imperial residential quarter featuring luxurious dwellings decorated with wall paintings and mosaic floors, pointing it out as one of the most significant archaeological sites of the city. The polychrome and black and white mosaics recovered date back to the middle Imperial period, during the 2nd century AD. This work deals with the first archaeometric investigations of the materials employed for the tesserae production with the aim of elucidating the mineralogical composition and obtaining analytical evidence that can contribute to extracting information related to their production technology. For that purpose, a non-invasive methodology, based on micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (μ-EDXRF) spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy, was used to characterize a wide selection of stone, ceramic and glass tesserae. Chemometric tools were exploited to manage the large set of elemental data collected on black and white lithic samples, providing essential clues for the subsequent investigations. The results evidenced the employment of natural lithotypes (calcareous sedimentary, dolomitic and volcanic) local and imported, and also artificial materials, such as ceramic made firing magnesium-rich clays, soda-lime-silica glasses made with different opacifying and coloring agents (such as calcium antimoniate, cobalt and copper). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Archaeological Crystalline Materials)
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11 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of ZIF-8 and ZIF-90 as Heat Storage Materials by Using Water, Methanol and Ethanol as Working Fluids
by Ciara Byrne, Alenka Ristić, Suzana Mal, Mojca Opresnik and Nataša Zabukovec Logar
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1422; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111422 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3768
Abstract
The increasing demand for heating/cooling is of grave concern due to the ever-increasing population. One method that addresses this issue and uses renewable energy is Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES), which is based on the reversible chemical reactions and/or sorption processes of gases in [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for heating/cooling is of grave concern due to the ever-increasing population. One method that addresses this issue and uses renewable energy is Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES), which is based on the reversible chemical reactions and/or sorption processes of gases in solids or liquids. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), composed of transition metal ions (Zn, Co, etc.) and imidazolate linkers, have gained significant interest recently as porous adsorbents in low temperature sorption-based TES (sun/waste heat). In this study, we examined two different sodalite-type ZIF structures (ZIF-8 and ZIF-90) for their potential heat storage applications, based on the adsorption of water, methanol and ethanol as adsorbates. Both ZIF structures were analysed using PXRD, TGA, SEM and N2 physisorption while the % adsorbate uptake and desorption enthalpy was evaluated using TGA and DSC analysis, respectively. Among the studied adsorbent–adsorbate pairs, ZIF-90-water showed the highest desorption enthalpy, the fastest sorption kinetics and, therefore, the best potential for use in heat storage/reallocation applications. This was due to its significantly smaller particle size and higher specific surface area, and the presence of mesoporosity as well as polar groups in ZIF-90 when compared to ZIF-8. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crystals for Thermal Energy Storage)
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15 pages, 6271 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Optimal Ta/Cr Ratio of a Single Crystal Ni-Base Superalloy in View of the Isothermal Oxidation Behavior
by Jianxiu Chang, Wenhao Feng, Wenwen Zhao, Hongmin Jia, Yanming Liu, Sheji Luo, Dong Wang and Jiasheng Dong
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1421; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111421 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1572
Abstract
The relative content of strengthening element tantalum (Ta) and oxidation-resistant element chromium (Cr) is an essential value for superalloys to obtain an excellent combination of oxidation resistance and mechanical properties. In the present paper, the isothermal oxidation behavior of several single crystal Ni-base [...] Read more.
The relative content of strengthening element tantalum (Ta) and oxidation-resistant element chromium (Cr) is an essential value for superalloys to obtain an excellent combination of oxidation resistance and mechanical properties. In the present paper, the isothermal oxidation behavior of several single crystal Ni-base superalloys with different Ta/Cr (wt. %, similarly hereinafter) ratios at 1000 °C in static air has been systematically investigated to explore the optimal Ta/Cr for excellent oxidation resistance. A detailed microstructure study using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and an electro-probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was performed to reveal the oxidation products and mechanisms. For all alloys, a three-layer structured scale consisting of an outer (Cr, Al, Ti, Ni, Ta)-O layer, an inner Al2O3 layer and an inner nitride layer was formed. As Ta/Cr increased, the amounts of Ta-containing products, cracks, holes and inner nitride increased. Meanwhile, the completeness of the Al2O3 layer got worse. It was shown that if Ta/Cr ≤ 0.5, Ta increased the growth rate of Cr2O3 via the doping effect induced by Ta cations. If Ta/Cr > 0.5, Ta reduced the completeness of Cr2O3 through competitive growth of Ta2O5 and Cr2O3. A good oxidation performance can be expected with the value Ta/Cr ≤ 0.5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)
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15 pages, 5411 KiB  
Article
Pressure Tuned Structural, Electronic and Elastic Properties of U3Si2C2: A First Principles Study
by Moran Bu, Yaolin Guo, Diwei Shi, Zhen Liu, Jiexi Song, Yifan Li, Erxiao Wu, Xinyu Chen, Yanqing Qin, Yang Yang and Shiyu Du
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1420; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111420 - 20 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1719
Abstract
U3Si2C2 is expected to be a new nuclear fuel as a ternary compound of uranium, silicon and carbon. However, the relevant research on U3Si2C2 under accident conditions is rarely reported. Hence it is [...] Read more.
U3Si2C2 is expected to be a new nuclear fuel as a ternary compound of uranium, silicon and carbon. However, the relevant research on U3Si2C2 under accident conditions is rarely reported. Hence it is necessary to explore the service behavior of the potential U-Si-C ternary nuclear fuel in extreme environments. In this work, the structural characteristics, electronic behaviors and mechanical properties of U3Si2C2, such as stable crystalline structures, density of states, charge distributions, electron localization function, electronic thermal conductivity and elastic modulus under extreme high pressure are calculated by density functional theory. The calculation results show that the lattice volume sharply increases when the external stress reached 9.8 GPa. Ionic and metallic nature coexist as to the bonding characteristics of U3Si2C2, and the ionic takes the dominant position in bonding. The toughness of U3Si2C2 is predicted to be better compared to U3Si2. Our theoretical investigation may help with the application of U3Si2C2-based fuel and the design of ternary uranium fuels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic First-Principles Simulation—Nano-Theory)
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11 pages, 2861 KiB  
Article
Time-Resolved Nanobeam X-ray Diffraction of a Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystal under an Alternating Electric Field
by Shinobu Aoyagi, Ayumi Aoyagi, Hiroaki Takeda, Hitoshi Osawa, Kazushi Sumitani, Yasuhiko Imai and Shigeru Kimura
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1419; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111419 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1873
Abstract
Lead-containing relaxor ferroelectrics show enormous piezoelectric capabilities relating to their heterogeneous structures. Time-resolved nanobeam X-ray diffraction reveals the time and position dependences of the local lattice strain on a relaxor ferroelectric single crystal mechanically vibrating and alternately switching, as well as its polarization [...] Read more.
Lead-containing relaxor ferroelectrics show enormous piezoelectric capabilities relating to their heterogeneous structures. Time-resolved nanobeam X-ray diffraction reveals the time and position dependences of the local lattice strain on a relaxor ferroelectric single crystal mechanically vibrating and alternately switching, as well as its polarization under an alternating electric field. The complicated time and position dependences of the Bragg intensity distributions under an alternating electric field demonstrate that nanodomains with the various lattice constants and orientations exhibiting different electric field responses exist in the measured local area, as the translation symmetry breaks to the microscale. The dynamic motion of nanodomains in the heterogeneous structure, with widely distributed local lattice strain, enables enormous piezoelectric lattice strain and fatigue-free ferroelectric polarization switching. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Time Resolved Crystallography)
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14 pages, 3801 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, X-ray Structure, Conformational Analysis, and DFT Studies of a Giant s-Triazine bis-Schiff Base
by Zainab M. Almarhoon, Maha I. Al-Zaben, Abir Ben Bacha, Matti Haukka, Ayman El-Faham and Saied M. Soliman
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1418; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111418 - 20 Nov 2021
Viewed by 2221
Abstract
The current work involves the synthesis of 2,2′-(6-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl)bis(hydrazin-2-yl-1-ylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol 4, characterization, and the DFT studies of the reported compound. The crystal unit cell parameters of 4 are a = 8.1139(2) Å, b = 11.2637(2) Å, c = 45.7836(8) Å. [...] Read more.
The current work involves the synthesis of 2,2′-(6-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl)bis(hydrazin-2-yl-1-ylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol 4, characterization, and the DFT studies of the reported compound. The crystal unit cell parameters of 4 are a = 8.1139(2) Å, b = 11.2637(2) Å, c = 45.7836(8) Å. The unit cell volume is 4184.28(15) Å3 and Z = 4. It crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system and Pbca space group. The O…H, N…H, C…H, H…H and C…C intermolecular contacts which affect the crystal stability were quantitatively analyzed using Hirshfeld calculations. Their percentages were calculated to be 9.8, 15.8, 23.7, 46.4, and 1.6% from the whole contacts occurred in the crystal, respectively. Conformational analysis was performed using DFT calculations for 17 suggested conformers and the most stable conformer was found to be the one which is stabilized by two intramolecular O-H…N hydrogen bonding interactions. This conclusion was further revealed by natural bond orbital calculations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Crystals at Saudi Arabia)
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14 pages, 5274 KiB  
Communication
Synthesis and Characterization of New Guanine Complexes of Pt(IV) and Pd(II) by X-ray Diffraction and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
by Anton Petrovich Novikov, Mikhail Alexandrovich Volkov, Alexey Vladimirovich Safonov, Mikhail Semenovich Grigoriev and Evgeny Vladilenovich Abkhalimov
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111417 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
The aim of the work was to synthesize new perspective compounds of palladium and platinum with nitrogenous bases (guanine), promising for use in biomedicine and catalysis. The article describes the synthesis of new [PdCl2(HGua)2]Cl2·H2O and [...] Read more.
The aim of the work was to synthesize new perspective compounds of palladium and platinum with nitrogenous bases (guanine), promising for use in biomedicine and catalysis. The article describes the synthesis of new [PdCl2(HGua)2]Cl2·H2O and [PtCl5(HGua)]·2H2O compounds using wet chemistry methods. The structure of the obtained single crystals was established by the method of single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes have an M-N bond, and the organic ligand is included in the first coordination sphere. The analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces for the obtained complexes and their analogues for the analysis of intermolecular interactions was carried out. In the palladium complex we obtained, π-halogen and π-stacking interactions were found; in analogues, such interactions were not found. π-halogen and halogen interactions were found in structure of platinum complex and its analogues. Full article
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24 pages, 101066 KiB  
Article
Bio-Fabrication and Experimental Validation of an Mg - 25Ca - 5Zn Alloy Proposed for a Porous Metallic Scaffold
by Luis Humberto Campos Becerra and Alejandro Torres Castro
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1416; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111416 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
This paper proposes the bio-fabrication of a porous scaffold from a selection procedure of elements taking into account biological behavior, using magnesium (Mg) alloyed with calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn). The proposed scaffold could work as a treatment for specific pathologies in trauma [...] Read more.
This paper proposes the bio-fabrication of a porous scaffold from a selection procedure of elements taking into account biological behavior, using magnesium (Mg) alloyed with calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn). The proposed scaffold could work as a treatment for specific pathologies in trauma and oncology, on the one hand, in addition to possible applications in osteosynthesis, through contrib-uting to osseointegration and infection control through the release of drugs. Finally, another pos-sible attribute of this alloy could be its use as a complementary treatment for osteosarcoma; this is due to the basification produced by oxidative degradation (attack on cancer cells). The evaluation of cell viability of an alloy of Mg - 25 wt% Ca - 5 wt% Zn will strengthen current perspectives on the use of Mg in the clinical evaluation of various treatments in trauma and oncology. Considera-tions on the preparation of an alloy of Mg - 25 wt% Ca - 5 wt% Zn and its morphological charac-terization will help researchers understand its applicability for the development of new surgical techniques and lead to a deeper investigation of alternative treatments. However, it is very im-portant to bear in mind the mechanical effect of elements such as Ca and Zn on the degradation of the alloy matrix; the best alternative to predict the biological-mechanical potential starts with the selection of the essential-nutritional elements and their mechanical evaluation by mi-cro-indentation due to the fragility of the matrix. Therefore, the morphological evaluation of the specimens of Mg - 25 wt% Ca - 5 wt% Zn will show the crystallinity of the alloy; these results to-gether contribute to the design of biomedical alloys for use in treatments for various medical spe-cialties. The results indicated that cell viability is not affected, and there are no morphological changes in the cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystalline Metals and Alloys)
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15 pages, 7671 KiB  
Article
Strain Rate and Temperature Effects on Tensile Properties of Polycrystalline Cu6Sn5 by Molecular Dynamic Simulation
by Wei Huang, Kailin Pan, Jian Zhang and Yubing Gong
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1415; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111415 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2124
Abstract
Intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are essential in the soldering of electronic products and are composed mainly of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn. They must maintain reliable mechanical and electrical connections. As they are usually only a few microns thick, and it [...] Read more.
Intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are essential in the soldering of electronic products and are composed mainly of Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn. They must maintain reliable mechanical and electrical connections. As they are usually only a few microns thick, and it is difficult to study their mechanical properties by traditional methods. In this study, a 100 Å × 100 Å × 100 Å polycrystal with 10 grains was created by Atomsk through Voronoi tessellation based on a Cu6Sn5 unit cell. The effects of the temperature and strain rate on the tensile properties of the polycrystalline Cu6Sn5 were analyzed based on MEAM potential function using a molecular dynamics (MD) method. The results show that Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the polycrystalline Cu6Sn5 decrease approximately linearly with an increase in temperature. At high strain rates (0.001–100 ps−1), Young’s modulus and UTS of the Cu6Sn5 are logarithmic with respect to the strain rate, and both increase with an increase in strain rate. In addition, at low strain rates (0.00001–0.0005 ps−1), the UTS has a quadratic increase as the strain rate increases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crystal Plasticity (Volume II))
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10 pages, 3069 KiB  
Article
Substrate Effects on the Electrical Properties in GaN-Based High Electron Mobility Transistors
by Sung-Jae Chang, Kyu-Jun Cho, Sang-Youl Lee, Hwan-Hee Jeong, Jae-Hoon Lee, Hyun-Wook Jung, Sung-Bum Bae, Il-Gyu Choi, Hae-Cheon Kim, Ho-Kyun Ahn and Jong-Won Lim
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1414; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111414 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2807
Abstract
We report the electrical characteristics of GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) operated on various substrates/films. For the detailed investigation and comparison of the electrical properties of GaN-based HEMTs according to the substrates/films, GaN-based HEMTs were processed using 4-inch sapphire substrates and separated [...] Read more.
We report the electrical characteristics of GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) operated on various substrates/films. For the detailed investigation and comparison of the electrical properties of GaN-based HEMTs according to the substrates/films, GaN-based HEMTs were processed using 4-inch sapphire substrates and separated from their original substrates through the laser lift-off technique. The separated AlGaN/GaN films including processed GaN-based HEMTs were bonded to AlN substrate or plated with a 100 µm-thick Cu at the back-side of the devices since AlN substrate and Cu film exhibit higher thermal conductivity than the sapphire substrate. Compared to the sapphire substrate, DC and RF properties such as drain current, transconductance, cut-off frequency and maximum oscillation frequency were improved, when GaN-based HEMTs were operated on AlN substrate or Cu film. Our systematic study has revealed that the device property improvement results from the diminishment of the self-heating effect, increase in carrier mobility under the gated region, and amelioration of sheet resistance at the access region. C(V) and pulse-mode stress measurements have confirmed that the back-side processing for the device transfer from sapphire substrate onto AlN substrate or Cu film did not induce the critical defects close to the AlGaN/GaN hetero-interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gallium Nitride-Based Materials and Devices)
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28 pages, 35379 KiB  
Article
Influence of V and Zn in FeCrCuMnTi High-Entropy Alloys on Microstructures and Uniaxial Compaction Behavior Prepared by Mechanical Alloying
by Subbarayan Sivasankaran, Fahad A. Al-Mufadi and Hany R. Ammar
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1413; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111413 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
The densification behavior of FeCrCuMnTi (HEA1), FeCrCuMnTiV (HEA2), and FeCrCuMnTiVZn (HEA3) equiatomic high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was explored using different uniaxial quasi-static controlled compaction (1 mm/min). These HEAs were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA, speed: 300 rpm, BPR: 10:1, time: 25 h). Various phase [...] Read more.
The densification behavior of FeCrCuMnTi (HEA1), FeCrCuMnTiV (HEA2), and FeCrCuMnTiVZn (HEA3) equiatomic high-entropy alloys (HEAs) was explored using different uniaxial quasi-static controlled compaction (1 mm/min). These HEAs were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA, speed: 300 rpm, BPR: 10:1, time: 25 h). Various phase formations, structural characteristics (crystallite size, lattice strain, and lattice constant), thermo-dynamic calculations, powder surface morphologies, detailed microstructural evolutions, and chemical compositions were examined using X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The XRD results revealed the formation of multiple solid solutions (FCC, BCC, and HCP) due to the variation in entropy, and the presence of high-strength elements (Cr, Ti, and V) in the developed HEA alloys. The synthesized powders were consolidated into bulk green samples with different compaction pressures starting from 25 to 1100 MPa under as-milled and milled under stress recovery conditions (150 °C, 1 h). The incorporation of V in the FeCrCuMnTi HEA resulted in improved densification due to a greater reduction in particle size, and high configurational entropy. Furthermore, the stress-recovered powder samples produced more relative density owing to the elimination of lattice strain. Several linear and non-linear compaction models were applied to predict densification behavior. The non-linear Cooper and Eaton model produced the highest regression coefficients compared to the other models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure Characterization and Design of Alloys)
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12 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Properties of AlN/GaN Heterostructures Grown at Low Growth Temperatures with Ammonia and Dimethylhydrazine
by Caroline E. Reilly, Nirupam Hatui, Thomas E. Mates, Pratik Koirala, Adedapo A. Oni, Shuji Nakamura, Steven P. DenBaars and Stacia Keller
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1412; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111412 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2025
Abstract
The integration of different electronic materials systems together has gained increasing interest in recent years, with the III-nitrides being a favorable choice for a variety of electronic applications. To increase flexibility in integration options, growing nitrides material directly on semi-processed wafers would be [...] Read more.
The integration of different electronic materials systems together has gained increasing interest in recent years, with the III-nitrides being a favorable choice for a variety of electronic applications. To increase flexibility in integration options, growing nitrides material directly on semi-processed wafers would be advantageous, necessitating low temperature (LT) growth schemes. In this work, the growth of AlN and GaN was conducted via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using both NH3 and DMHy as N-precursors. The relationships between growth rate versus temperature were determined within the range of 300 to 550 °C. The growth of AlN/GaN heterostructures was also investigated herein, employing flow modulation epitaxy MOCVD at 550 °C. Subsequent samples were studied via atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and Hall measurements. Two-dimensional electron gases were found in samples where the LT AlN layer was grown with NH3, with one sample showing high electron mobility and sheet charge of 540 cm2/V∙s and 3.76 × 1013 cm−2, respectively. Inserting a LT GaN layer under the LT AlN layer caused the mobility and charge to marginally decrease while still maintaining sufficiently high values. This sets the groundwork towards use of LT nitrides MOCVD in future electronic devices integrating III-nitrides with other materials. Full article
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10 pages, 4890 KiB  
Article
A Method for Determining the Workability Diagram by Varying Friction Conditions in the Upsetting of a Cylinder between Flat Dies
by Dejan Movrin, Mladomir Milutinovic, Marko Vilotic, Sergei Alexandrov and Lihui Lang
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1411; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111411 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1188
Abstract
This paper aims to develop a method for determining the workability diagram by varying frictional conditions in the cylinder upsetting test. The method is based on a known theoretical relationship between the average stress triaxiality ratio and in-surface strains if the initiation of [...] Read more.
This paper aims to develop a method for determining the workability diagram by varying frictional conditions in the cylinder upsetting test. The method is based on a known theoretical relationship between the average stress triaxiality ratio and in-surface strains if the initiation of fracture occurs at a traction-free surface. This relationship is valid for any rigid/plastic strain hardening material obeying the Mises-type yield criterion and its associated flow rule, which shows the wide applicability of the method. The experimental input to the method is the strain path at the site of fracture initiation. Neither experimental nor numerical determination of stress components is required at this site, though the general ductile fracture criterion involves the linear and quadratic invariants of the stress tensor. The friction law’s formulation is neither required, though the friction stress is the agent for varying the state of stress and strain at the site of ductile fracture initiation. The upsetting tests are carried out on normalized medium-carbon steel C45E, for which the workability diagram is available from the literature. Comparison of the latter and the diagram found using the new method shows that the new method is reliable for determining a certain portion of the workability diagram. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)
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14 pages, 5156 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Rational Proportion of Raw Materials Based on Biomass
by Yue Kang, Chao Liu, Yuzhu Zhang, Hongwei Xing and Hui Wang
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1410; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111410 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1196
Abstract
Most of the air pollutants in the steel industry come from the sintering process, and the air pollutants produced by the sintering process mainly come from the sinter fuel (coke breeze). The S and N content of biomass fuel is low; therefore, biomass [...] Read more.
Most of the air pollutants in the steel industry come from the sintering process, and the air pollutants produced by the sintering process mainly come from the sinter fuel (coke breeze). The S and N content of biomass fuel is low; therefore, biomass fuel is used instead of coke breeze for sintering to reduce the emission of the sinter flue gas pollutants. However, the use of biomass fuel reduces the sintering layer temperature, which results in the deterioration of the sinter properties. In order to ensure the quality of sintering base on biomass fuel, the thermodynamic calculation and related experiments were carried out, the effects of different basicity, MgO and Al2O3 content on the formation of low melting point minerals in sintered mixture were studied, and the suitable composition of sintered mixture was determined in this paper, so as to reduce the liquid phase formation temperature of sinter and increase in biomass fuel addition, which provided theoretical support for the application of biomass fuel in sintering. Experimental results indicate that the suitable conditions for the low-temperature sintering were a basicity of 2.0, and MgO and Al2O3 contents of 1.0% and 1.8%, respectively. Under this condition, more biomass fuel can be used to replace coke breeze, and the emission of flue gas pollutants can be greatly reduced. Full article
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8 pages, 2048 KiB  
Article
Silica Microspheres for Economical Advanced Solar Applications
by Maha M. Khayyat
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1409; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111409 - 18 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
Solar cells made of silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have several potential benefits over conventional bulk Si ones or thin-film devices related primarily to light absorption and cost reduction. Controlling the position of Si-NWs without lithography using silica microspheres is indeed an economical approach. Moreover, [...] Read more.
Solar cells made of silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have several potential benefits over conventional bulk Si ones or thin-film devices related primarily to light absorption and cost reduction. Controlling the position of Si-NWs without lithography using silica microspheres is indeed an economical approach. Moreover, replacing the glass sheets with polycarbonates is an added advantage. This study employed the Nanoscale Chemical Templating (NCT) technique in growing Si-NWs seeded with Al. The growth was undertaken at the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) reactor via the original growth process of vapor–liquid–solid (VLS). The bottom-up grown nanowires were doped with aluminum (Al) throughout the growth process, and then the p–n junctions were formed with descent efficiency. Further work is required to optimize the growth of Si-NWs between the spun microspheres based on the growth parameters including etching time, which should lead to more efficient PV cells. Full article
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13 pages, 5705 KiB  
Article
Flow Stress Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Austenitic Stainless Steel with Low Copper Content during Hot Compression Deformation
by Huaying Li, Lihong Gao, Yaohui Song, Lidong Ma, Haitao Liu, Juan Li and Guanghui Zhao
Crystals 2021, 11(11), 1408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cryst11111408 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1571
Abstract
In order to study the microstructure evolution and flow stress behavior of as cast antibacterial austenitic stainless steel containing 1.52 wt.% copper, Gleeble 3800 was used for thermal compression simulation test. Through OM and EBSD analysis, it is found that the dynamic recrystallization [...] Read more.
In order to study the microstructure evolution and flow stress behavior of as cast antibacterial austenitic stainless steel containing 1.52 wt.% copper, Gleeble 3800 was used for thermal compression simulation test. Through OM and EBSD analysis, it is found that the dynamic recrystallization mechanism of thermal deformation is mainly discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. With the increase of deformation temperature and deformation rate, the proportion of recrystallization nucleation gradually increases. The growth of twins relies on recrystallization and, at the same time, promotes dynamic recrystallization. Considering the influence of strain on flow stress, the strain compensation Arrhenius model is established according to the obtained stress-strain curve, and high accuracy is obtained. The correlation coefficient and average relative absolute error are 0.979 and 7.066% respectively. These results provide basic guidance for the technology of microstructure control and excellent mechanical properties of antibacterial stainless steel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on the Formation and Properties of Steels)
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