Title: Exploring fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbide compounds: A density functional theory approach
Abstract In this paper, we examine the cleavage fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbides, namely, TaC, α‐Ta2C, and ζ‐Ta4C3 − x, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our investigation identifies the presence of multiple low‐energy cleavage planes indicating multiple potential pathways for crack propagation in these ceramics, even the low symmetry compounds. The anisotropy characteristics of cleavage fractures exhibited by α‐Ta2C and ζ‐Ta4C3 − xclosely align with the intrinsic fracture anisotropy observed in TaC. Notably, there exist at least three pyramidal planes in ζ‐Ta4C3 − xwhose cleavage energies are less than those of the carbon‐depleted basal planes, previously reported to have the lowest cleavage energy. The observed preference in experiments for cleavage along carbon‐depleted basal planes, exclusive of other identified low‐energy planes, points to factors beyond cleavage energy influencing cleavage plane preference. more »« less
Rigby, Maxwell T.; Natu, Varun; Sokol, Maxim; Kelly, Daniel J.; Hopkinson, David G.; Zou, Yichao; Bird, James R.; Evitts, Lee J.; Smith, Matt; Race, Christopher P.; et al
(, RSC Advances)
null
(Ed.)
Quaternary MAX phases, (Ta 1−x Ti x ) 3 AlC 2 ( x = 0.4, 0.62, 0.75, 0.91 or 0.95), have been synthesised via pressureless sintering of TaC, TiC, Ti and Al powders. Via chemical etching of the Al layers, (Ta 0.38 Ti 0.62 ) 3 C 2 T z – a new MXene, has also been synthesised. All materials contain an M-layer solid solution of Ta and Ti, with a variable Ta concentration, paving the way for the synthesis of a range of alloyed (Ta,Ti) 3 C 2 T z MXenes with tuneable compositions for a wide range of potential applications.
Recent advancement in the switching of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with an electric field has been a milestone for realizing ultra-low energy memory and computing devices. To integrate with current spin-transfer torque-magnetic tunnel junction and spin–orbit torque-magnetic tunnel junction devices, the typical linear fJ/V m range voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) needs to be significantly enhanced with approaches that include new materials or stack engineering. A possible bidirectional and 1.1 pJ/V m VCMA effect has been predicted by using heavily electron-depleted Fe/MgO interfaces. To improve upon existing VCMA technology, we have proposed inserting high work function materials underneath the magnetic layer. This will deplete electrons from the magnetic layer biasing the gating window into the electron-depleted regime, where the pJ/V m and bidirectional VCMA effect was predicted. We have demonstrated tunable control of the Ta/Pd(x)/Ta underlayer's work function. By varying the Pd thickness (x) from 0 to 10 nm, we have observed a tunable change in the Ta layer's work function from 4.32 to 4.90 eV. To investigate the extent of the electron depletion as a function of the Pd thickness in the underlayer, we have performed DFT calculations on supercells of Ta/Pd(x)/Ta/CoFe/MgO, which demonstrate that electron depletion will not be fully screened at the CoFe/MgO interface. Gated pillar devices with Hall cross geometries were fabricated and tested to extract the anisotropy change as a function of applied gate voltage for samples with various Pd thicknesses. The electron-depleted Pd samples show three to six times VCMA improvement compared to the electron accumulated Ta control sample.
Abstract This is the first report of molybdenum carbide‐based electrocatalyst for sulfur‐based sodium‐metal batteries. MoC/Mo2C is in situ grown on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes in parallel with formation of extensive nanoporosity. Sulfur impregnation (50 wt% S) results in unique triphasic architecture termed molybdenum carbide–porous carbon nanotubes host (MoC/Mo2C@PCNT–S). Quasi‐solid‐state phase transformation to Na2S is promoted in carbonate electrolyte, with in situ time‐resolved Raman, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical analyses demonstrating minimal soluble polysulfides. MoC/Mo2C@PCNT–S cathodes deliver among the most promising rate performance characteristics in the literature, achieving 987 mAh g−1at 1 A g−1, 818 mAh g−1at 3 A g−1, and 621 mAh g−1at 5 A g−1. The cells deliver superior cycling stability, retaining 650 mAh g−1after 1000 cycles at 1.5 A g−1, corresponding to 0.028% capacity decay per cycle. High mass loading cathodes (64 wt% S, 12.7 mg cm−2) also show cycling stability. Density functional theory demonstrates that formation energy of Na2Sx(1 ≤x ≤ 4) on surface of MoC/Mo2C is significantly lowered compared to analogous redox in liquid. Strong binding of Na2Sx(1 ≤x ≤ 4) on MoC/Mo2C surfaces results from charge transfer between the sulfur and Mo sites on carbides’ surface.
Abstract Single‐atom catalysts have demonstrated interesting activity in a variety of applications. In this study, we prepared single Co2+sites on graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4), which was doped with carbon for enhanced activity in visible‐light CO2reduction. The synthesized materials were characterized with a variety of techniques, including microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, UV‐vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Doping C3N4with carbon was found to have profound effect on the photocatalytic activity of the single Co2+sites. At relatively low levels, carbon doping enhanced the photoresponse of C3N4in the visible region and improved charge separation upon photoactivation, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity. High levels of carbon doping were found to be detrimental to the photocatalytic activity of the single Co2+sites by altering the structure of C3N4and generating defect sites responsible for charge recombination.
Abstract Structures at serine‐proline sites in proteins were analyzed using a combination of peptide synthesis with structural methods and bioinformatics analysis of the PDB. Dipeptides were synthesized with the proline derivative (2S,4S)‐(4‐iodophenyl)hydroxyproline [hyp(4‐I‐Ph)]. The crystal structure of Boc‐Ser‐hyp(4‐I‐Ph)‐OMe had two molecules in the unit cell. One molecule exhibitedcis‐proline and a type VIa2 β‐turn (BcisD). Thecis‐proline conformation was stabilized by a C–H/O interaction between Pro C–Hαand the Ser side‐chain oxygen. NMR data were consistent with stabilization ofcis‐proline by a C–H/O interaction in solution. The other crystallographically observed molecule hadtrans‐Pro and both residues in the PPII conformation. Two conformations were observed in the crystal structure of Ac‐Ser‐hyp(4‐I‐Ph)‐OMe, with Ser adopting PPII in one and the β conformation in the other, each with Pro in the δ conformation andtrans‐Pro. Structures at Ser‐Pro sequences were further examined via bioinformatics analysis of the PDB and via DFT calculations. Ser‐Pro versus Ala–Pro sequences were compared to identify bases for Ser stabilization of local structures. C–H/O interactions between the Ser side‐chain Oγand Pro C–Hαwere observed in 45% of structures with Ser‐cis‐Pro in the PDB, with nearly all Ser‐cis‐Pro structures adopting a type VI β‐turn. 53% of Ser‐trans‐Pro sequences exhibited main‐chain COi•••HNi+3or COi•••HNi+4hydrogen bonds, with Ser as theiresidue and Pro as thei + 1 residue. These structures were overwhelmingly either type I β‐turns or N‐terminal capping motifs on α‐helices or 310‐helices. These results indicate that Ser‐Pro sequences are particularly potent in favoring these structures. In each, Ser is in either the PPII or β conformation, with the Ser Oγcapable of engaging in a hydrogen bond with the amide N–H of thei + 2 (type I β‐turn or 310‐helix; Serχ1t) ori + 3 (α‐helix; Serχ1g+) residue. Non‐prolinecisamide bonds can also be stabilized by C–H/O interactions.
Hossain, Sajjad, Thompson, Gregory B, and Weinberger, Christopher R. Exploring fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbide compounds: A density functional theory approach. Retrieved from https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10542358. Journal of the American Ceramic Society . Web. doi:10.1111/jace.19917.
Hossain, Sajjad, Thompson, Gregory B, & Weinberger, Christopher R. Exploring fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbide compounds: A density functional theory approach. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, (). Retrieved from https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10542358. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.19917
Hossain, Sajjad, Thompson, Gregory B, and Weinberger, Christopher R.
"Exploring fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbide compounds: A density functional theory approach". Journal of the American Ceramic Society (). Country unknown/Code not available: Wiley - wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jace. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.19917.https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10542358.
@article{osti_10542358,
place = {Country unknown/Code not available},
title = {Exploring fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbide compounds: A density functional theory approach},
url = {https://par.nsf.gov/biblio/10542358},
DOI = {10.1111/jace.19917},
abstractNote = {Abstract In this paper, we examine the cleavage fracture anisotropy in tantalum carbides, namely, TaC, α‐Ta2C, and ζ‐Ta4C3 − x, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our investigation identifies the presence of multiple low‐energy cleavage planes indicating multiple potential pathways for crack propagation in these ceramics, even the low symmetry compounds. The anisotropy characteristics of cleavage fractures exhibited by α‐Ta2C and ζ‐Ta4C3 − xclosely align with the intrinsic fracture anisotropy observed in TaC. Notably, there exist at least three pyramidal planes in ζ‐Ta4C3 − xwhose cleavage energies are less than those of the carbon‐depleted basal planes, previously reported to have the lowest cleavage energy. The observed preference in experiments for cleavage along carbon‐depleted basal planes, exclusive of other identified low‐energy planes, points to factors beyond cleavage energy influencing cleavage plane preference.},
journal = {Journal of the American Ceramic Society},
publisher = {Wiley - wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jace},
author = {Hossain, Sajjad and Thompson, Gregory B and Weinberger, Christopher R},
}
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