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We present a general method for computing interfacial free energies from atomistic simulations, which is particularly suitable for solid/liquid interfaces. Our method uses an Einstein crystal as a universal reference state and is more flexible than previous approaches. Surfaces with dipoles, complex reconstructions, and miscible species are all easily accommodated within the framework. It may also be extended to calculating the relative free energies of different phases and other types of defect. We have applied our method to interfaces of bassanite and gypsum with water and obtained interfacial free energies of the order of 0.12 J/m, of which ∼45% is due to entropic contributions. Our calculations of the interfacial free energy of NaCl with water obtained a value of 0.13 J/m, of which only 19% is from entropic contributions. We have also predicted equilibrium morphologies for bassanite and gypsum that compare well with experiments and previous calculations.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0095130 | DOI Listing |
J Colloid Interface Sci
September 2025
Department of Thermal Science and Energy Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, PR China. Electronic address:
Heterojunctions have garnered significant attention in the field of photocatalysis due to their exceptional ability to facilitate the separation of photogenerated charge carriers and their high efficiency in hydrogen reaction. However, their overall photocatalytic performance is often constrained by electron transport rates and suboptimal hydrogen adsorption/desorption kinetics. To address these challenges, this study develops a g-CN/MoS@MoC dual-effect synergistic solid-state Z-type heterojunction, synthesized through the in-situ sulfurization of MoC combined with ultrasonic self-assembly technique.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall Methods
September 2025
Hebei Key Laboratory of Optic-Electronic Information and Materials, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of New Energy Photoelectric Devices, College of Physics, Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China.
As a new generation of high-energy-density energy storage system, solid-state aluminum-ion batteries have attracted much attention. Nowadays polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based electrolytes have been initially applied to Lithium-ion batteries due to their flexible processing and good interfacial compatibility, their application in aluminum-ion batteries still faces problems. To overcome the limitations in aluminum-ion batteries-specifically, strong Al coordination suppressing ion dissociation, high room-temperature crystallinity, and inadequate mechanical strength-this study develops a blended polymer electrolyte (BPE) of polypropylene carbonate (PPC) and PEO.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFood Res Int
November 2025
Food Science Institute, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310021, PR China.
The poor foaming of egg yolks has long plagued the food industry. In this study, four egg yolk spheres (EYS) were prepared via acid- and alkaline pH-shift methods, and the main factors affecting the variation in their foaming capacity were determined. The tertiary structure of EYS under hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions unfolded in acidic shifts, exposing many functional groups, and refolded in basic shifts and exposed hydrophobic side chains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Am Chem Soc
September 2025
Confucius Energy Storage Lab, School of Energy and Environment & Z Energy Storage Center, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
Developing efficient and durable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media is essential for advancing proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). However, catalyst instability caused by lattice oxygen (O) depletion and metal dissolution remains a critical barrier. Here, we propose an oxophilic-site-mediated dynamic oxygen replenishment mechanism (DORM), in which O actively participates in O-O bond formation and is continuously refilled by water-derived species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Nano
September 2025
State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China.
Airborne pathogens and pollution control typically necessitate multiple membranes, each specializing in efficient aerosol filtration, moisture regulation, or antimicrobial protection. Integrating all these functions into a single membrane is highly advantageous but remains inherently challenging due to material incompatibility and inevitable performance trade-offs. Here, we present a photoactive Janus nanofibrous membrane for highly efficient air purification, engineered via sequential electrospinning.
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