Fulei Wang

Ultrathin N-Doped Mo2C Nanosheets with Exposed Active Sites as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

Probing competent electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of water splitting is one of the most hopeful approaches to confront the energy and environmental crisis. Herein, we highlight ultrathin N-doped Mo2C nanosheets (N-Mo2C NSs) in the role of greatly efficient platinum-free-based electrocatalysts for the HER. The transformation of crystal phase and structure between MoO2 nanosheets with a thickness of ∼1.1 nm and N-Mo2C NSs with a thickness of ∼1.0 nm is studied in detail. Structural analyses make clear that the surfaces of the N-Mo2C NSs are absolutely encompassed by apical Mo atoms, hence affording an ideal catalyst prototype to expose the role of Mo atoms for the duration of HER catalysis. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the nanosheet structure, N doping, and particular crystalline phase of Mo2C produce more exposed Mo active sites, including Mo atoms on the C plane and doped N atoms. Through detailed electrochemical investigations, N-Mo2C NSs possess HER activity with an onset potential of -48.3 mV vs RHE, Tafel slope of 44.5 mV dec-1, and overpotential of 99 mV vs RHE at the cathodic current density of 10 mA cm-2 with excellent long-term stability. Lastly, the calcination temperature and dicyandiamide amount can obviously affect the phase transformation and surface structure of molybdenum carbide, resulting in an adjustable HER activity. This synthesis mechanism will facilitate the understanding and optimization of Mo-based electrocatalysts in the energy conversion field.

Formation mechanism and elimination methods for anti-site defects in LiNbO3/LiTaO3 crystals

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3 or LN) and lithium tantalate (LiTaO3 or LT) crystals, which have been widely applied in many fields such as electro-optics, birefringence, nonlinear optics, photorefraction, piezoelectricity and other areas, are reviewed. The studies of the properties and growth techniques are reviewed to give a brief idea of the growth of LN and LT crystals with high quality. The anti-site defects of these crystal materials have been accepted as one of the key factors constraining the improvement of their properties. This review shows the simulated calculation and structure of anti-site defects in LN/LT crystals and their effect on the physical properties and summarizes the recent progress in theoretical and technical processes, including the improved applications. We reviewed two main methods for the elimination of anti-site defects: doping of metal ions and growth of stoichiometric crystals. Finally, the prospects for future studies are outlined.