Homo-layer flexible BiTe-based films with high thermoelectric performance.

Here, we demonstrate unconventional scalable and sustainable manufacturing of flexible n-type BiTe films via physical vapor deposition and homo-layer fusion engineering. The achieved ultrahigh power factor of up to 30.0 microwatts per centimeter per square kelvin and ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.

Enhanced oxygen vacancies on yttrium oxide with cobalt oxide loaded for accelerating hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition.

Ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production has become a critical process in the development of hydrogen economy. Non-noble based material possesses great potential of application in thermal catalysis due to its low cost and appreciable theoretical catalytic activity. However, the durability of non-noble metal catalysts under prolonged operation remains a significant challenge.

Deformation and Failure Mechanisms of Element-Substituted Thermoelectric Type-I and Type-VIII Clathrates.

Clathrates are potential "phonon-glass, electron-crystal" thermoelectric semiconductors, whose structure of polyhedron stacks is very attractive. However, their mechanical properties have not yet met the requirements of industrial applications. Here, we report the ideal strength of element-substituted type-I and type-VIII clathrates and the shear deformation mechanism by using density functional theory.

Optimization of Mechanical and Thermoelectric Properties of SnTe-Based Semiconductors by Mn Alloying Modulated Precipitation Evolution.

Multiscale defects engineering offers a promising strategy for synergistically enhancing the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of thermoelectric semiconductors. However, the specific impact of individual defects, in particular precipitation, on mechanical properties remains ambiguous. In this work, the mechanical and thermoelectric properties of Sn MnTe (x = 0-0.

Electronic structure optimizing of Ru nanoclusters via Co single atom and N, S co-doped reduced graphene oxide for accelerating water electrolysis.

The development of efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is impending for the advancement of water-splitting. In this study, we developed a novel electrocatalyst consisting of highly dispersed Ru nanoclusters ameliorated by cobalt single atoms and N, S co-doped reduced graphene oxide (CoRu@NSG). Benefitted from the optimized electronic structure of the Ru nanoclusters induced by the adjacent single atomic Co and N, S co-doped RGO support, the electrocatalyst exhibits exceptional HER performance with overpotentials of 15 mV and 74 mV for achieving a current density of 10 mA cm in alkaline and acidic water.

Staggered-layer-boosted flexible BiTe films with high thermoelectric performance.

Room-temperature bismuth telluride (BiTe) thermoelectrics are promising candidates for low-grade heat harvesting. However, the brittleness and inflexibility of BiTe are far reaching and bring about lifelong drawbacks. Here we demonstrate good pliability over 1,000 bending cycles and high power factors of 4.

Deformation and Failure Mechanisms of Thermoelectric Type-I Clathrate BaAuGe.

Type-I clathrate BaAuGe, possessing an interesting structure stacked by polyhedrons, is a potential "phonon-glass, electron-crystal" thermoelectric material. However, the mechanical properties of BaAuGe vital for industrial applications have not been clarified. Here, we report the first density functional theory calculations of the intrinsic mechanical properties of thermoelectric clathrate BaAuGe.