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Dual-functions of the carbon-confined oxygen on the capacitance and cycle stability enhancements of Zn-ion capacitors Yi Zhang, Zhimin Zou, Qi Liu, Yu Qiao, Chunhai Jiang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 221 (0): 278-288.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.10.003 Abstract （11473）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Zinc-ion capacitors (ZICs) are promising energy storage devices due to their balance between the energy and power densities inherited from Zn-ion batteries and supercapacitors, respectively. However, the low specific capacitance of carbon cathode materials and the dendrite growth on Zn anode have set fatal drawbacks to their energy density and cycle stability. Herein, we demonstrate that, in 1 M Zn(CF3SO3)2/DMF (N, N-dimethylformamide) electrolyte, confining oxygen in carbon cathode materials via high-energy ball milling can synergistically introduce additional pseudocapacitance on the cathode side while suppressing the dendrite growth on Zn anode side, which jointly lead to high energy density (94 Wh kg-1 at 448 W kg-1) and long cycle stability of ZICs. The hydroxyl group in carbon cathode can be transformed to C-O-Zn together with the release of protons during the initial discharge, which in turn stimulates the defluorination of CF3SO3- anions and formation of ZnF2 on both cathode and anode. The ZnF2 formed on the surface of the Zn anode suppresses the dendrite growth by regulating the Zn2+ deposition/stripping in a reticular structure, resulting in the excellent cycle stability. This work provides a facile strategy to rationally design and construct high energy and stable ZICs through engineering the oxygen-bearing functional groups in carbon cathode materials. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Multi-stimulus responsive actuator with weldable and robust MXene-CNTs hybrid films Xueyuan Qiu, Xiao Han, Baorui Dong, Meng Zong, Runtong Zhou, Teng Zhang, Pan Wang, Chang Guo, Hejun Li, Jianhua Hao J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 222 (0): 164-173.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.08.062 Abstract （1237）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Stimulus-responsive actuators are novel functional devices capable of sensing external stimuli and exhibiting specific deformation responses. MXene, owing to its unique 2D structure and efficient energy conversion efficiency, has bridged the gap in traditional devices and shown great potential for multiple stimulus-responsive actuators. However, the drawbacks of pure MXene films, including susceptibility to oxidation and vulnerability to shear stress, hinder their applications. Through composite modification and structural design strategies, a three-layer structured MXene-carbon nanotubes hybrid film (tHCM) is fabricated, exhibiting a tensile strength and fracture strain of 153.8 MPa and 4.65 %, respectively, representing improvements of 598.4 % and 226.8 % compared to the initial film. Meanwhile, the film maintains excellent stability demonstrating the enhancing effects of hydrogen bonds and densely packed structure. The hybrid films demonstrate unique and facile welding features due to splicing properties, enabling the formation of complex configurations. In terms of electro-/photo-thermal conversion performance, the hybrid film can reach a reasonably high temperature of 250 °C at low voltage (2.5 V) and 110.6 °C under 150 mW cm-2 infrared light. Leveraging the thermal expansion mismatch between tHCM and thermoplastic films, an integrated, flexible, and weldable actuator with unique electro/photo-response is developed, and various biomimetic driving applications, particularly, the light-mediated hierarchical transmission and precise motion along predetermined trajectory are realized. This work not only provides an effective strategy for modifying MXene composite films but also advances the design of novel actuators, offering broad application prospects in fields such as stimulus-responsive actuated robots and cargo transportation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Plasmonic effect augmented S-scheme mechanism in Ag/Ag2O/C3N5 photocatalyst enables efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics Changjun You, Xinlei Zhang, Yiqian Zhao, Ruyu Yan, Yunwang Shen, Qingquan Xue, Wenyao Li, Tong Liu, Jianhui Jiang, Xiaobo Chen, Shijie Li J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2026, 242 (0): 64-74.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.05.002 Abstract （806）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Solar-driven catalytic decontamination of emerging organic pollutants is of significance for achieving environmental sustainability. The cardinal challenges in this technology are swift charge carrier reunion, weak redox capability and poor sunlight utilization capacity of photocatalysts. Here, an innovative Ag/Ag2O/C3N5 S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with plasmonic effect was developed for antibiotic decontamination by coating Ag/Ag2O nanodots on the surface of C3N5 nanosheets. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect from Ag nanodots augments sunlight response and exciton production. Meanwhile the “nanodots-on-nanosheets” 0D/0D/2D heterostructure with a plasmonic S-scheme interface significantly boosts separation and utilization of highly energetic photo-carriers. As a result, the optimized Ag/Ag2O/C3N5 demonstrates extraordinary stability and achieves a photocatalytic levofloxacin removal rate constant of 0.0278 min-1, which is about 3.9-, 11.6-, and 1.9-fold greater than that of Ag2O, C3N5, and Ag2O/C3N5, respectively. The photocatalytic decontamination mechanism and degradation route of levofloxacin over Ag/Ag2O/C3N5 are elucidated using LC-MS analysis and DFT calculation. This research highlights the potential of LSPR modulated S-scheme heterojunctions as robust photocatalysts for wastewater decontamination, paving the way for innovative solutions to environmental pollution challenges. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Laser shock processing of titanium alloys: A critical review on the microstructure evolution and enhanced engineering performance Qian Liu, Shuangjie Chu, Xing Zhang, Yuqian Wang, Haiyan Zhao, Bohao Zhou, Hao Wang, Genbin Wu, Bo Mao J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 209 (0): 262-291.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.075 Abstract （584）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are frequently utilized as critical components in a variety of engineering applications because of their high specific strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Compared to conventional surface strengthening technologies, laser shock peening (LSP) has increasingly attracted attention from researchers and industries, since it significantly improves the surface strength, biocompatibility, fatigue resistance, and anti-corrosion ability of Ti and its alloys. Despite numerous studies that have been carried out to elucidate the effects of LSP on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Ti and its alloys in recent years, a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the field of Ti and its alloys subjected to LSP is still lacking. In this review, the standard LSP and the novel process designs of LSP assisted by thermal, cryogenic, electropulsing and magnetic fields are discussed and compared. Microstructural evolution, with focuses on the dislocation dynamics, deformation twinning, grain refinement and surface amorphization, during LSP processing of Ti alloys is reviewed. Furthermore, the enhanced engineering performance of the LSP-processed (LSPed) Ti alloys, including surface hardness, wear resistance, fatigue life and corrosion resistance are summarized. Finally, this review concludes by presenting an overview of the current challenges encountered in this field and offering insights into anticipated future trends. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Gadolinium modified g-C3N4 for S-Scheme heterojunction with monoclinic-WO3: Insights from DFT studies and related charge carrier dynamics Kavya Kalidasan, Srinivas Mallapur, Bhavana B Kulkarni, Sanjeev P Maradur, Deepak Kumar, R Deeksha, Sakthivel Kandaiah, Prashanth Vishwa, S. Girish Kumar J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 166-176.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.017 Abstract （577）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Modifying the surface structures of g-C3N4 through interfacial coupling with other semiconductors has been spotlighted as an efficient approach for improving photocatalytic efficiency. With the surge of S-scheme heterojunctions, the research is intensified towards designing this kind of composite for energy-environmental-related applications. In this context, a new approach involving surface modifications of g-C3N4 through Gd species and integrating with monoclinic-WO3 via a wet chemical approach to form S-scheme heterojunctions is investigated. The characterization results attested that the adopted protocol promotes the better dispersion of Gd species over the g-C3N4 surface and rigidly integrates with WO3. The optical response of the composite spanned a significant portion of the visible region in the solar spectrum. The computational studies and the findings of the Mott-Schottky plot collectively suggested that the position of band edges qualifies for the formation of S-scheme heterojunction. The results derived from photocurrent response measurements and photoluminescence technique attribute to the effective charge carrier separation in the heterostructure. The rate constant of Gd-g-C3N4/WO3 was 1.48 × 10-2 min-1 which was approximately 4.35 and 2.27 times greater than that of WO3 (0.34 × 10-2 min-1) and g-C3N4/WO3 (0.65 × 10-2 min-1) respectively. Furthermore, RhB degradation in the presence of scavengers validated the participation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in the degradation mechanisms. This was possible only when the conduction band electrons of WO3 recombined with the valence band holes of Gd-modified g-C3N4. The present work helps to understand the S-scheme heterojunction formation between surface-modified g-C3N4 and metal oxides and retain the involvement of energetic charge carriers in the desired redox reactions. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Making titanium alloys ultrahigh strength and toughness synergy through deformation kinks-mediated hierarchical α-precipitation Keer Li, Wei Chen, Jinyu Zhang, Shewei Xin, Jun Sun J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 207 (0): 142-159.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.035 Abstract （540）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Titanium alloys engineered in structural applications achieve ultrahigh strength primarily through precipitation strengthening of secondary α-phase (αs) during aging, while they often experience compromised ductility and toughness due to traditional strength-toughness tradeoff. In this study, we propose a novel strategy to address this conflict by introducing deformation kinks prior to conventional cold rolling (CR) and aging processes. These kinks are produced by cold forging (CF) to create macroscopic lamellar structures in β-grains, which alter strain partitioning during subsequent CR and ultimately tailor αs-precipitation upon aging. As a result, an ultrafine duplex (αe + β)-structure is formed within kink interiors, while hierarchical αs-precipitates are generated in the external β-matrix. This unique microstructure effectively enhances dislocation activity, promotes uniform plastic strain distribution and impedes crack propagation. Consequently, a simple Ti-V binary titanium alloy exhibits exceptional properties with ultrahigh strength ∼1636 MPa, decent ductility ∼5.4 % and appreciable fracture toughness ∼ 36.1 MPa m½. The synergetic properties surpass those obtained through traditional CR and aging processes for the alloy and even outperform numerous multielement engineering titanium alloys reported in literature. Our findings open up a new avenue for overcoming the strength-toughness tradeoff of ultrahigh-strength titanium alloys, and also offer a facile production route towards structural materials for advanced performance. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Recent advances in modelling structure-property correlations in high-entropy alloys Akash A. Deshmukh, Raghavan Ranganathan J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 127-151.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.027 Abstract （532）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Since antiquity, humans have been involved in designing materials through alloying strategies to meet the ever-growing technological demands. In 2004, this endeavor witnessed a significant breakthrough with the discovery of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) comprising multi-principal elements. Owing to the four “core-effects”, these alloys exhibit exceptional properties including better structural stability, high strength and ductility, improved fatigue/fracture toughness, high corrosion and oxidation resistance, superconductivity, magnetic properties, and good thermal properties. Different synthesis routes have been designed and used to meet the properties of interest for particular applications with varying dimensions. However, HEAs are providing new opportunities and challenges for computational modelling of the complex structure-property correlations and in predictions of phase stability necessary for optimum performance of the alloy. Several attempts have been made to understand these alloys by empirical and computational models, and data-driven approaches to accelerate the materials discovery with a desired set of properties. The present review discusses advances and inferences from simulations and models spanning multiple length and time scales explaining a comprehensive set of structure-properties relations. Additionally, the role of machine learning approaches is also reviewed, underscoring the transformative role of computational modelling in unravelling the multifaceted properties and applications of HEAs, and the scope for future efforts in this direction. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Microstructure and mechanical properties of in-situ nano TiC reinforced Ni-based alloy composites prepared by spark plasma sintering Xuetong Zeng, Haitao Liu, Shasha Yang, Chengtao Yu, Minghui Chen, Fuhui Wang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 100-112.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.004 Abstract （526）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Carbide dispersion reinforcing has been demonstrated to be an effective way of strengthening metal matrix composites. However, plagued by the nerve-wracking fact that the carbide particles tend to aggregate at the grain boundary of the metal matrix, grow up, and form an incoherent interface with it, their improvement in mechanical strength tends to be limited. In this study, spark plasma sintering (SPS) was used to prepare the bulk alloy Ni20Cr and its composites with different carbides including TiC, SiC, and Ti3SiC2. Plasma leads to discharge and elevates temperature at the interface to melt the Ni20Cr alloy particles locally. When cooled down, the alloy is heterogeneously solidified on the surface of the carbide and builds up a coherent interface with it. Owing to the decomposition of Ti3SiC2 during sintering, it completely transformed into nanosized TiC particles, which are engulfed by the outer melted layer of Ni20Cr and well dispersed within the alloy grains. In comparison to the Ni20Cr alloy, the composite with merely 4 wt% Ti3SiC2 gains over three times enhancement in yield strength to 879 MPa, while keeping a moderate high elongation of 17.8 %. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the combination of SPS and precursor MAX phase of Ti3SiC2, which results in the in-situ precipitation of coherent ultrafine TiC particles in alloy grains, plays the key role in getting a good balance between mechanical strength and ductility for the Ni20Cr matrix composites. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Synthesis of interfacial electric field-enhanced CdS/CdxZn1-xS/ZnO ternary heterojunction by lye dissolution etching mechanism for photocatalytic H2 production and CO2 reduction Qi Li, Shengchao Yang, Yufan Huang, Yuwei Liang, Chunling Hu, Min Wang, Zhiyong Liu, Yanlong Tai, Jichang Liu, Yongsheng Li J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 152-165.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.01.104 Abstract （509）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save The difficulty in fabricating a multifaceted composite heterojunction system based on CdxZn1-xS limits the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. In the present scrutiny, novel ZnO/CdxZn1-xS/CdS composite heterojunctions are successfully prepared by the alkaline dissolution etching method. The internal electric field at the interface of I-type and Z-scheme heterojunction improved the effective charge separation. The ZC 8 sample exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance and the H2 production efficiency is 15.67 mmol g-1 h-1 with good stability up to 82.9 % in 24-hour cycles. The performance of CH4 and CO capacity in the CO2RR process is 3.47 μmol g-1 h-1 and 23.5 μmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The photogenerated accelerated charge transport is then examined in detail by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ISXPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work presents a new idea for the synthesis of CdxZn1-xS solid-solution-based materials and provides a solid reference for the detailed mechanism regarding the electric field at the heterojunction interface. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Construction of S-scheme cyano-modified g-C3N4/TiO2 film with boosted charge transfer and highly hydrophilic surface for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of norfloxacin Wei Gan, Ruixin Chen, Li Zhang, Jun Guo, Miao Zhang, Yuqing Lu, Zhaoqi Sun, Xucheng Fu J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 74-87.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.039 Abstract （483）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Developing highly efficient and recyclable photocatalysts has been regarded as an attractive strategy to solve antibiotic contaminants. Herein, we designed and fabricated Cy-C3N4/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction film with boosted charge transfer and a highly hydrophilic surface. The as-prepared heterojunction exhibited outstanding removal efficiency on tetracyclines and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (more than 80 % within 90 min). The removal rate of 300-Cy-C3N4/TiO2 on norfloxacin (NOR) was 2.12, and 1.59 times higher than that of pristine TiO2, C3N4/TiO2, respectively. The excellent photocatalytic performance of 300-Cy-C3N4/TiO2 was attributed to the highly hydrophilic surface and effective transfer and separation of carriers. Moreover, the NOR degradation pathways were proposed based on the results of density functional theory (DFT), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The toxicity assessment indicated the toxicity of intermediates can be remarkably alleviated. The DFT calculation and selective photo-deposition experiment demonstrated that an internal electric field was formed at the heterojunction interface, and the charge carriers migrated between Cy-C3N4 and TiO2 following an S-scheme transfer pathway. This research not only provides a promising method for tracking charge distribution on thin-film heterojunction photocatalysts but also helps us to design high-efficiency, and recyclable heterojunctions to solve antibiotic contaminants. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Temperature/stress dependence of stress rupture behavior and deformation microstructure of an advanced superalloy for additive manufacturing Wei Song, Junying Yang, Jingjing Liang, Nannan Lu, Yizhou Zhou, Xiaofeng Sun, Jinguo Li J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 37-52.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.072 Abstract （465）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save A self-developed crack-free advanced superalloy ZGH451 fabricated by direct energy deposition (DED) was applied to investigate the microstructure evolution, stress rupture behavior, and deformation mechanisms at moderate-high temperatures and high-low stress conditions. The high Ta/Al ratio induces large misfit lattice stress and low stacking fault energy of alloy, resulting in approximate cubic γ′ phases in dendrites and the formation of initial dislocation tangles. After the stress rupture test at 760 °C/780 MPa, high content cubic γ′ phases, small size of voids as well as preserved dislocation tangles are observed, showing stable structures with high-stress rupture resistance. High content and suitable size of cubic γ′ phases, initial dislocation tangles, and L-C locks hinder the dislocation motion, which decreases the minimum strain rate and prolongs life significantly, forming four stress rupture stages. Hence, the deformation mechanism is determined by dislocation piled-up on γ/γ′ interface, formation of stacking faults in γ′ phases, and dislocations shearing γ′ phases. However, the microstructure exhibits uneven structures composed of large sizes of rafted γ′ phases and voids at 980 °C/260 MPa. The rafted structure and high temperature provide continuous channels and enough energy for dislocation motion, resulting in the increase of minimum strain rate, decline of life, and typic three stress rupture stages, even though there are obstacles to dislocation movement caused by dislocation networks. The deformation mechanism transforms to form dislocation networks on γ/γ′ interface and dislocations shearing γ′ phases. Besides, the decomposition of carbides on GBs also depends on temperature, which decomposes into harmful chain-like M23C6 carbides at moderate temperatures and reinforced granular-shaped M6C carbides at high temperatures. The applied stress always decreases mechanical properties due to its degradation of microstructure induced by elongating the precipitates and defects. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Controlling the Fe-intermetallic phases and mechanical properties of secondary Al-9Si-1Fe alloy with Cr and Mn additions Nagasivamuni Balasubramani, Michael Moodispaw, Alan A Luo J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 135-152.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.014 Abstract （464）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save In secondary Al-Si based alloys, microalloying with Mn and Cr can modify harmful platelet-type AlxFeySiz intermetallic phases to less detrimental α-Alx(Fe, Mn, Cr)ySiz phase (script or polygonal morphologies). However, the α-Alx(Fe, Mn, Cr)ySiz phase morphology, phase composition and the addition of Fe-correcting elements can be influenced by solidification conditions. Therefore, this research is aimed to highlight the morphological evolution and mechanisms of α-Alx(Fe, Mn, Cr)ySiz phase in a Cr added Al-9 %Si-1 %Fe-0.2 %Cr (all weight percentage thereafter, unless otherwise stated) alloy with varying Mn concentrations (0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.8 %). Microstructure evolution of Fe intermetallic phases is investigated under different casting conditions using a wedge-shaped die, Cu-chill block and melt quenching experiments. Thermodynamic simulations have been performed using CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) method and compared with the experimental results for phase composition and formation temperatures of α-Alx(Fe, Mn, Cr)ySiz phase. The results indicated that for 0.25Mn-0.2Cr addition to Al-9Si-1Fe alloy, compact morphology containing polygonal phases are formed in Cu-chill casting, while the wedge castings predominantly show a mixed structure with platelets and script type morphologies. Tensile tests revealed a higher elongation value of 6.6 % for mixed structure with platelet and script phases, which is decreased to 4.2 % for polygonal phases in Al-9Si-1Fe-0.2Cr-0.25Mn alloy. This study highlights the importance of solidification conditions on morphologies of Fe-intermetallic phases and the mechanical properties by comparing selected literature relevant to high pressure die-casting process. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Achieving ultrahigh strength and ductility via high-density nanoprecipitates triggering multiple deformation mechanisms in a dual-aging high-entropy alloy with precold deformation Liyuan Liu, Yang Zhang, Zhongwu Zhang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 205 (0): 27-41.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.034 Abstract （445）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save How to achieve high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with ultrahigh strength and ductility is a challenging issue. Precipitation strengthening is one of the methods to significantly enhance strength, but unfortunately, ductility will be lost. To overcome the strength-ductility trade-off, the strategy of this study is to induce the formation of high-density nanoprecipitates through dual aging (DA), triggering multiple deformation mechanisms, to obtain HEAs with ultrahigh strength and ductility. First, the effect of precold deformation on precipitation behavior was studied using Ni35(CoFe)55V5Nb5 (at.%) HEA as the object. The results reveal that the activation energy of recrystallization is 112.2 kJ/mol. As the precold-deformation amount increases from 15 % to 65 %, the activation energy of precipitation gradually decreases from 178.8 to 159.7 kJ/mol. The precipitation time shortens, the size of the nanoprecipitate decreases, and the density increases. Subsequently, the thermal treatment parameters were optimized, and the DA process was customized based on the effect of precold deformation on precipitation behavior. High-density L12 nanoprecipitates (∼3.21 × 1025 m-3) were induced in the 65 % precold-deformed HEA, which led to the simultaneous formation of twins and stacking fault (SF) networks during deformation. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength, and ductility of the DA-HEA are ∼2.0 GPa, ∼2.2 GPa, and ∼12.3 %, respectively. Compared with the solid solution HEA, the YS of the DA-HEA increased by 1,657 MPa, possessing an astonishing increase of ∼440 %. The high YS stems from the precipitation strengthening contributed by the L12 nanoprecipitates and the dislocation strengthening contributed by precold deformation. The synergistically enhanced ductility stems from the high strain-hardening ability under the dual support of twinning-induced plasticity and SF-induced plasticity. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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High entropy pyrochlore (La0.3Gd0.3Ca0.4)2(Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)2O7 ceramic with amorphous-like thermal conductivity for environmental/thermal barrier coating applications Zifan Zhao, Ziyang Ruan, Rong Li, Shixiao Yan, Xiaoliang Sun, Chi Liu, Di Zhang, Bin Xu, Zhiyi Ren, Meng Wang, Jianyu Li, Jiang Tian, Yehua Jiang, Jing Feng, Yanchun Zhou J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 205 (0): 315-326.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.02.089 Abstract （444）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Low thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical strength are essential to pyrochlore A2B2O7 ceramic for environmental/thermal barrier coating applications. To collaboratively tailor the mechanical and thermal properties of A2B2O7 ceramic, a novel high entropy pyrochlore ceramic (La0.3Gd0.3Ca0.4)2(Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)2O7 with significant atomic radius and mass fluctuation is proposed by simultaneously introducing various elements with different valence states at A and B cation sites. The as-synthesized (La0.3Gd0.3Ca0.4)2(Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)2O7 exhibits enhanced fracture toughness (1.68 MPa m1/2), amorphous-like low thermal conductivity (1.45 W m-1 K-1 at 900 °C) and matched thermal expansion coefficient (9.0 × 10-6 K-1 at 1200 °C) with Al2O3/Al2O3 CMCs. The extensive misfits in atomic weight, ionic radius among the substitutional cations in combination with the intrinsic oxygen vacancies in the anion sublattice play significant roles in the thermal conductivity reduction of (La0.3Gd0.3Ca0.4)2(Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)2O7 ceramic. The combination of outstanding mechanical and thermal properties indicates that this type of material has a good application prospect for environmental/thermal barrier coatings. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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From crack-prone to crack-free: Eliminating cracks in additively manufacturing of high-strength Mg2Si-modified Al-Mg-Si alloys Tao Wen, Zhicheng Li, Jianying Wang, Yimou Luo, Feipeng Yang, Zhilin Liu, Dong Qiu, Hailin Yang, Shouxun Ji J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 276-291.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.009 Abstract （432）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Large solidification ranges and coarse columnar grains in the additively manufacturing of Al-Mg-Si alloys are normally involved in hot cracks during solidification. In this work, we develop novel crack-free Al-Mg2Si alloys fabricated by laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF). The results indicate that the eutectic Mg2Si phase possesses a strong ability to reduce crack susceptibility. It can enhance the grain growth restriction factor in the initial stage of solidification and promote eutectic filling in the terminal stage of solidification. The crack-free L-PBFed Al-xMg2Si alloys (x = 6 wt.%, 9 wt.%, and 12 wt.%) exhibit the combination of low crack susceptibility index (CSI), superior ability for liquid filling, and grain refinement. Particularly, the L-PBFed Al-9Mg2Si alloy shows improved mechanical properties (e.g. yield strength of 397 MPa and elongation of 7.3 %). However, the cracks are more likely to occur in the region near the columnar grain boundaries of the L-PBFed Al-3Mg2Si alloy with a large solidification range and low eutectic content for liquid filling. Correspondingly, the L-PBFed Al-3Mg2Si alloy shows poor bearing capacity of mechanical properties. The precise tuning of Mg2Si eutectic content can offer an innovative strategy for eliminating cracks in additively manufactured Al-Mg-Si alloy. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Slip-band-driven dynamic recrystallization mediated strain hardening in HfNbTaTiZr refractory high entropy alloy Long Xu, Yuefei Jia, Yueli Ma, Yandong Jia, Shiwei Wu, Chao Chen, Hongyu Ding, Jieren Guan, Xinfeng Kan, Rui Wang, Gang Wang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 209 (0): 240-250.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.078 Abstract （426）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) exhibit outstanding strength at room temperature, but their high-temperature applications are hindered by severe strain-softening. Here, we report slip-band-driven dynamic recrystallization to enhance the high-temperature strain hardening of HfNbTaTiZr RHEA. By introducing partial lattice defects through hot forging, we increase the nucleation sites for dynamic recrystallization during subsequent thermomechanical deformation, thus suppressing the strain-softening behavior. We reveal that the high-temperature deformation is governed by the formation of heterogeneous bimodal grains along slip bands, which effectively constrain dislocation motion and improve strength, while microbands prevent premature failure. The fracture mode also changes from ductile to mixed to cleavage-dominated with increasing temperature. Our results demonstrate a simple and effective method for overcoming high-temperature strain-softening for BCC high entropy alloys. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Introducing high-density growth twins in aluminum alloys by laser surface remelting via templated nucleation of grains Chunfeng Ma, Qinglong Zhao, Xiao Liu, Yanjun Li, Qichuan Jiang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 213 (0): 315-324.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.06.036 Abstract （421）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save It is difficult to generate coherent twin boundaries in bulk Al alloys due to their high intrinsic stacking fault energy. Here, we report a strategy to induce high-density growth twins in aluminum alloys through the heterogeneous nucleation of twinned Al grains on twin-structured TiC nucleants and the preferred growth of twinned dendrites by laser surface remelting of bulk metals. The solidification structure at the surface shows a mixture of lamellar twinned dendrites with ultra-fine twin boundary spacing (∼2 µm), isolated twinned dendrites, and regular dendrites. EBSD analysis and finite element method (FEM) simulations have been used to understand the competitive growth between twinned and regular dendrites, and the solidification conditions for the preferred growth of twinned dendrites during laser remelting and subsequent rapid solidification are established. It is shown that the reduction in the ratio of temperature gradient G to solidification rate V promotes the formation of lamellar twinned dendrites. The primary trunk spacing of lamellar twinned dendrites is refined by the high thermal gradient and solidification rate. The present work paves a new way to generate high-density growth twins in additive-manufactured Al alloys. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Heat-balance control of friction rolling additive manufacturing based on combination of plasma preheating and instant water cooling Yangyang Sun, Haibin Liu, Ruishan Xie, Ying Chen, Shujun Chen J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 205 (0): 168-181.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.054 Abstract （419）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Friction rolling additive manufacturing (FRAM) is a solid-state additive manufacturing technology that plasticizes the feed and deposits a material using frictional heat generated by the tool head. The thermal efficiency of FRAM, which depends only on friction to generate heat, is low, and the thermal-accumulation effect of the deposition process must be addressed. An FRAM heat-balance-control method that combines plasma-arc preheating and instant water cooling (PC-FRAM) is devised in this study, and a temperature field featuring rapidly increasing and decreasing temperature is constructed around the tool head. Additionally, 2195-T87 Al-Li alloy is used as the feed material, and the effects of heating and cooling rates on the microstructure and mechanical properties are investigated. The results show that water cooling significantly improves heat accumulation during the deposition process. The cooling rate increases by 11.7 times, and the high-temperature residence time decreases by more than 50 %. The grain size of the PC-FRAM sample is the smallest, i.e., 3.77±1.03 µm, its dislocation density is the highest, and the number density of precipitates is the highest, the size of precipitates is the smallest, which shows the best precipitation-strengthening effect. The hardness test results are consistent with the precipitation distribution. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the PC-FRAM samples are the highest (351±15.6 MPa, 251.3 ± 15.8 MPa and 16.25 %±1.25 %, respectively) among the samples investigated. The preheating and water-cooling-assisted deposition simultaneously increases the tensile strength and elongation of the deposited samples. The combination of preheating and instant cooling improves the deposition efficiency of FRAM and weakens the thermal-softening effect. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Unravelling precipitation behavior and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy Sang-Hwa Lee, Tae-Young Ahn, Sung-Il Baik, David N. Seidman, Seok-Jae Lee, Young-Kook Lee, Kwangjun Euh, Jae-Gil Jung J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 177-189.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.021 Abstract （415）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save We investigate the effect of aging temperature on precipitation behavior and mechanical properties of an Al-7.6Zn-2.7Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.07Ti (wt.%) alloy by evaluating the matrix's microhardness, electrical resistivity, and tensile properties: additionally, employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom-probe tomography (APT) to characterize this alloy. The nanoprecipitates forming under peak-aging conditions vary with aging temperature, forming coherent GPI zones at 80 °C, GPII zones with minor η' at 120-150 °C, and η'/η with minor GP zones at 180-220 °C. GPI and GPII zones forming at 80-150 °C contain similar concentrations of solute atoms (11Zn-9Mg-(<1.0)Cu (at.%)), whereas the η'/η nanoprecipitates forming at 180 °C contain larger concentrations of solute atoms (28Zn-24Mg-3.4Cu (at.%)). The strength of the peak-aged alloy decreases with increasing aging temperature owing to the increasing size and decreasing number density of the nanoprecipitates. Under peak-aging conditions, precipitation strengthening originates mainly from dislocation shearing at 80-150 °C and from Orowan bypassing at temperatures above 180 °C. The shearable to non-shearable transition of the nanoprecipitates at 180 °C reduces the strain hardening rate, thereby decreasing the alloy's ductility. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Pre-softening HIP treatment enabled crack-healing and superior mechanical properties for René 142 superalloy fabricated via laser powder bed fusion Dongyu Wei, Wenzhe Zhou, Decheng Kong, Yusheng Tian, Jian He, Rui Wang, Wenmao Huang, Qingbiao Tan, Guoliang Zhu, Baode Sun J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 210 (0): 58-71.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.05.042 Abstract （411）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save The generation of defects, such as cracks and pores, presents significant challenges for high-strength metals and alloys fabricated by the quick-emerging additive manufacturing technology, and subsequent post-processing treatments are often necessary before their practical applications. In this work, a novel heat treatment approach, involving a pre-softening treatment before hot isostatic pressing (HIP), is developed to facilitate the crack-healing in René 142 superalloy produced through laser powder bed fusion. Results demonstrate that René 142 alloy exhibits a propensity for severe cracking across a wide range of printing parameters, primarily in the form of solidification cracks and liquation cracks. These cracks are formed mainly due to a wide solidification range, the presence of a liquid film, and the concentration of residual stress. The pre-softening solution heat treatment significantly reduces dislocation density and residual stress levels, and the subsequent HIP together leads to a defect-free, dense structure for René 142 superalloy. Consequently, the René 142 alloy processed by the pre-softening HIP treatment achieves an excellent combination of yield strength (850 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (1227 MPa), and elongation (13.7 %), with pseudo-equiaxed grains (120-150 µm) and square γ′ precipitates (approximately 540 nm). These findings provide valuable insights for exploring crack elimination methods in other nickel-based superalloys fabricated through additive manufacturing. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A facile high-efficiency preparation strategy for Al-containing multi-component boride microcrystals with superior comprehensive performance Yong Fan, Jinfeng Nie, Zhigang Ding, Yujing Zhang, Xiang Chen, Wei Liu, Sen Yang, Sida Liu, Xiangfa Liu, Yonghao Zhao J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 204 (0): 190-203.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.02.074 Abstract （409）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Multi-component transition group metal borides (MMB2) have become a research hotspot due to their new composition design concepts and superior properties compared with conventional ceramics. Most of the current methods, however, are complicated and time-consuming, the mass production remains a challenge. Herein, we proposed a new high-efficiency strategy for synthesis of MMB2 using molten aluminum as the medium for the first time. The prepared Al-containing multi-component borides (TiZrHfNbTa)B2 microcrystals had a homogeneous composition with a hexagonal AlB2 structure and ultra-high hardness value of ∼35.3 GPa, which was much higher than data reported in the literature and the rule of mixture estimations. Furthermore, combined with the First-principles calculation results, we found that the Poisson's ratio (v) values exhibit a clearly ascending trend from 0.17 at VEC = 3.5 to 0.18 at VEC = 3.4, then to 0.201 at VEC = 3.2 with the increasing of Al content. This indicates that the intrinsic toughness of multi-component boride microcrystals is obviously enhanced by the trace-doped Al elements. Besides, the fabricated Al-containing multi-component boride microcrystals have superior oxidation activation energy and structural stability. The enhanced oxidation resistance is mainly attributed to the formation of a protective Al2O3 oxide layer and the lattice distortion, both of which lead to sluggish diffusion of O2. These findings propose a new unexplored avenue for the fabrication of MMB2 materials with superior comprehensive performance including ultra-hardness and intrinsically improved thermo-mechanical properties. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Improving long-term thermal stability in twin-roll cast Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys by optimizing Mg/Si ratios Shao-You Zhang, Yuan-Ting Mo, Zhen-Ming Hua, Xu Liu, Ze-Tian Liu, Hui-Yuan Wang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 164-175.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.017 Abstract （406）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Achieving high thermal stability in the 6xxx series alloys remains a challenging task, which limits their engineering application. Herein, Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with various Mg/Si ratios (0.5, 1, 2, and 4) were fabricated by twin-roll casting (TRC), and the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties during long-term thermal exposure of 150 °C/1000 h were studied. The results disclosed that alloys with a high Mg/Si ratio exhibited better thermal stability. The alloys with the Mg/Si ratio of 2 (Mg/Si∼2) achieved a stable high yield strength of ∼330 MPa and meanwhile maintained a satisfactory fracture elongation (> 10 %) throughout the thermal exposure process. This excellent thermal stability can be attributed to the microstructure consisting of high-density L phases and fine α-AlFeSi phases, which was related to the optimized Mg/Si ratio. Specifically, L phases were dominated in peak-aged Mg/Si∼2 alloys, while the counterparts in alloys with the Mg/Si ratio of 1 (Mg/Si∼1) were β'' and Q' phases. During the thermal exposure process, the L phases remained stable without coarsening, which was mainly due to the high coherence and low interfacial energy of the L-matrix interface. Meanwhile, the main Fe-containing phases in Mg/Si∼2 and Mg/Si∼1 alloys were fine near-spheroidal α-AlFeSi and large-size needle-like β-AlFeSi, respectively, which lead to a better ductility of Mg/Si∼2 alloys. This work may provide a strategy for the preparation of 6xxx series alloys with high thermal stability. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Achieving excellent strength-ductility-superelasticity combination in high-porosity NiTiNb scaffolds via high-temperature annealing Wei Liu, Yintao Zhang, Binghao Wang, Shifeng Liu, Yan Wang, Ling Zhang, Liang Zhang, Lai-Chang Zhang, Weijie Lu, Liqiang Wang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 206 (0): 221-233.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.03.064 Abstract （403）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Metallic scaffolds with lightweight, low elastic modulus, and high energy-absorbing capacity are widely utilized in industrial applications but usually require post-heat treatment to enhance their comprehensive mechanical properties. However, it is unclear how to utilize the impact of β-Nb on the surrounding matrix for NiTiNb ternary alloys to achieve strength-ductility-superelasticity enhancement. Here, we prepared rhomboidal dodecahedral NiTiNb porous scaffolds with a porosity of 85.9% by additive manufacturing. Subsequently, annealing treatment was employed to drastically reduce the phase transformation temperatures and expand the thermal hysteresis. Interestingly, the 850 °C annealed scaffold exhibited exceeding double compressive strength of the as-built sample, with a remarkable improvement in ductility and superelasticity. From the microstructure perspective, high-temperature annealing caused a further eutectic reaction of the unmelted Nb particles with the NiTi matrix and the transformation of mesh-like β-Nb into dispersedly distributed spherical β-Nb particles. The microstructure evolution after deformation indicated that stress-induced martensitic transformation occurred in the matrix away from the NiTi-Nb eutectic region whereas almost no martensite formed nearby β-Nb particles. Atom probe tomography characterization revealed an element diffusion zone in several nanometers surrounding the β-Nb particle, where the substitution of Nb with Ti led to a higher Ni: Ti atomic ratio, lowering transformation temperatures. Molecular dynamics simulations illustrated that β-Nb particles can not only entangle dislocations internally, acting as reinforcements but also hinder the twin growth, contributing to strain hardening. This work elucidates the influence of β-Nb particles on the deformation mechanism of the NiTi-Nb eutectic region through in-depth atomic-scale investigation, which can provide inspiration for the improvement of comprehensive mechanical properties of NiTiNb alloys. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Pioneering SubPc-Br/CdS S-scheme heterojunctions: Achieving superior photocatalytic oxidation through enhanced radical synergy and photocorrosion mitigation Shengqian Liang, Min Ma, Zheng Zheng, Jiahang Song, Yijian Zhou, Enzhou Liu, Haixia Ma, Bing Wang, Bo Zhou, Yan Nie, Zhuo Li J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 219 (0): 75-90.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.10.017 Abstract （388）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save For the efficient harnessing of solar energy and mitigation of environmental pollution, the development and application of semiconductor photocatalysis technology is paramount. Herein, a novel SubPc-Br/CdS supramolecular array with an S-scheme heterojunction was synthesized through the intermolecular π-stacked self-assembly of subphthalocyanine (SubPc-Br) and nanometer cadmium sulfide (CdS). This self-assembly system features a highly structured architecture and excellent stability. Experiments and ground-state differential charge calculations demonstrate that SubPc-Br and CdS form a built-in electric field during the self-assembly process, a critical factor in promoting the dissociation of electrons and holes. Additionally, this study utilized time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to simulate the dynamic adsorption behavior of excited oxygen molecules on the SubPc-Br/CdS interface for the first time. The analysis of molecular charge differential density under different excited states proved that the addition of SubPc-Br molecules not only improves the photocorrosion resistance of CdS in an O2 adsorption environment but also enhances the production of advanced reactive oxygen species under the synergistic action of h+ and .O2-. When subjected to visible light, the degradation efficiency of minocycline (MC) achieved 96.8 % within 60 min and maintained 80.3 % after 5 cycles. In summary, this study highlights the feasibility of creating advanced S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts through the strategic incorporation of organic supramolecules with semiconductor catalysts. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Mechanical and electrochemical properties of (MoNbTaTiZr)1-xNx high-entropy nitride coatings Wei Yang, Jianxiao Shen, Zhenyu Wang, Guanshui Ma, Peiling Ke, Aiying Wang J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 208 (0): 78-91.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.04.062 Abstract （385）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save High-entropy materials possess high hardness and strong wear resistance, yet the key bottleneck for their practical applications is the poor corrosion resistance in harsh environments. In this work, the high-entropy nitride (HEN) coatings of (MoNbTaTiZr)1-xNx (x = 0-0.47) were fabricated using a hybrid direct current magnetron sputtering technique. The research focus was dedicated to the effect of nitrogen content on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical properties. The results showed that the as-deposited coatings exhibited a typical body-centered cubic (BCC) structure without nitrogen, while the amorphous matrix with face-centered cubic (FCC) nanocrystalline grain was observed at x = 0.17. Further increasing x in the range of 0.35-0.47 caused the appearance of polycrystalline FCC phase in structure. Compared with the MoNbTaTiZr metallic coating, the coating containing nitrogen favored the high hardness around 13.7-32.4 GPa, accompanied by excellent tolerance both against elastic and plastic deformation. Furthermore, such N-containing coatings yielded a low corrosion current density of about 10-8-10-7 A/cm2 and high electrochemical impedance of 106 Ω cm2 in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, indicating the superior corrosion resistance. The reason for the enhanced electrochemical behavior could be ascribed to the spontaneous formation of protective passive layers over the coating surface, which consisted of the dominated multi-elemental oxides in chemical stability. Particularly, noted that the (MoNbTaTiZr)0.83N0.17 coating displayed the highest hardness of 32.4 ± 2.6 GPa and H/E ratio at 0.09, together with remarkable corrosion resistance, proposing the strongest capability for harsh-environmental applications required both good anti-wear and anti-corrosion performance. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Achieving balanced mechanical properties in laser powder bed fusion processed Inconel 718 superalloy through a simplified heat treatment process Ziyi Ding, Kesong Miao, Qi Chao, Xinliang Xie, Xia Ji, Hao Wu, Xiaojun Wang, Guohua Fan J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 218 (0): 54-70.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.06.057 Abstract （375）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Laser additively manufactured (LAM) Ni-based superalloys commonly exhibit low strength and high residual stress in the as-built state, requiring post-heat treatment to improve mechanical properties. We propose a modified heat treatment (MHT) process that only involves a single-step aging at 650 °C for 4 h to achieve high strength, high ductility, and low residual stress simultaneously in a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-processed Inconel 718 (IN718) alloy. The MHT treated alloy exhibits comparable tensile strength (1368 MPa) to the conventional solution plus two-step aging (SA) treated alloy (1398 MPa), while the tensile elongation (∼21.7 % for MHT treated alloy and 13.4 % for SA treated alloy) is 60 % higher and the residual stress (∼195 MPa) is 20 % lower than the SA treated alloy. The balanced high performance of the MHT IN718 alloy was mainly attributed to the precipitation of abundant γ'' phase with a size of ∼5 nm, while the original nano-sized Laves precipitates and dislocation cells were mostly retained. The finer size and higher fraction of γ'' of the MHT sample mainly result from the dislocation structure and compositional variations in the as-built IN718, which promotes precipitation during aging. The retention of Laves phase, and cellular dislocation network in the MHT alloy also contributes to work hardening during tension and suspends the occurrence of necking. This study unveils a unique strengthening and toughening mechanism in the Ni-based superalloy produced by LAM with the presence of abundant Laves precipitates and provides a simple, low energy-consumption and cost-effective heat treatment route for achieving desirable mechanical properties. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Graphdiyne/hierarchical flower-like Sr2Co2O5 S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution Zhengyu Zhou, Jing Wang, Maierhuban Reheimujiang, Zhiliang Jin J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 213 (0): 241-251.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.05.080 Abstract （374）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save The activity of photocatalysts can be significantly regulated by designing micro-scale interfacial heterojunctions. The present study demonstrates the skillful construction of a graphdiyne/Sr2Co2O5 S-scheme heterojunction, exhibiting exceptional stability, excellent proton adsorption, and remarkable photocatalytic activity. On the basis of in-situ XPS and calculation of work function, it is proved that the electron migration path between the interface of graphdiyne and Sr2Co2O5 conforms to the S-scheme heterojunction mechanism. The recombination rate of photogenerated carriers is significantly reduced by virtue of the synergistic effect of the internal electric field and band edge bending while preserving the inherent redox ability of the materials. The strong coupling between layered graphdiyne and hierarchical flower-like Sr2Co2O5 effectively enhances the specific surface area of graphdiyne/Sr2Co2O5 heterojunction, thereby facilitating H2O pre-adsorption. Combined with experiments and DFT calculations, it was found that both graphdiyne and Sr2Co2O5 have a direct band gap, which makes their electronic transitions without the assistance of phonons, thus improving the efficiency of solar energy conversion. This study offers insights into the potential application of graphdiyne and metal oxides in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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The mechanism for the self-accommodation microstructure of α variants during phase transformation of the Zr-2.5Nb alloy Guodong Song, Conghui Zhang, Yunchang Xin, Xinde Huang, Peidong Wu, Jun Zhou, Wenguang Zhu, Xuan Zhou J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 224 (0): 92-104.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.11.013 Abstract （372）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Although variant selection during the phase transformation of zirconium (Zr) alloys has been studied extensively, studies on the formation mechanism of microstructural characteristics related to α variant selection remain limited. The formation mechanisms of the self-accommodation morphology and inter-variant boundary characteristics of α variants in homogenized Zr-2.5Nb alloy cooled by water quenching (WQ), furnace cooling (FC), and air cooling (AC) were systematically investigated from the perspective of local strain during phase transformation. The α variants exhibited triangular morphologies in both the WQ and AC samples, and a colony morphology in the FC sample. Further, there were five types of inter-variant boundaries: Type I <0 0 0 1>/10.53°, Type II <1 1 $ \overline{2}$ 0>/60°, Type III <$ \overline{1.377} $ $\overline{1}$ 2.377 0.359>/60.83°, Type IV <$ \overline{10}$ 5 5 $ \overline{3}$>/63.26°, and Type V <1 $ \overline{2.38}$ 1.38 0>/90°. The proportion of Type II is up to 98 % in the AC sample and 57.9 % in the WQ sample; the Type I was very low in all three samples; and a high proportion of the Type V was observed in the FC sample (23.6 %). The self-accommodation morphology of α variants is closely related to the equivalent strain (εVM) during the variant selection. Theoretical calculations indicated that, for a specific 2-variant combinations, there were always one or more 3-variant combinations with a lower εVM than the 2-variant combinations. A lower εVM contributes to the presence of 3-variant combinations, which forms a triangle morphology. The formation of inter-variant boundaries is determined by the type and frequency of variants as well as the εVM of the 2-variant combinations. The order of the mean values of εVM for the five types of boundaries was Type II (0.0757), Type III (0.0859), Type IV (0.1012), Type V (0.1112), and Type I (0.1307). That is, Type II is the easiest and Type I is the most difficult, which resulted in a very high fraction of Type II and a very low fraction of Type I in the WQ, AC, and FC samples. The presence of a high fraction of Type V in the FC sample was related to the type and fraction of each variant. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Integrated CuO/g-C3N4 S-scheme heterojunction self-healing coatings: A synergistic approach for advanced anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling performance Shunhong Zhang, Yu Shen, Yujie Yan, Feng Guo, Weilong Shi J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 223 (0): 22-33.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.10.027 Abstract （371）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save Coatings of marine equipment inevitably suffer from physical or chemical damage in service, together with biofouling from microbial attachment, leading to a shorter service life of them. Herein, a multifunctional corrosion-resistant coating with efficient photothermal self-healing and anti-biofouling performance was designed by using CuO/g-C3N4 (CuO/CN) S-scheme heterojunction filler in combination with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the coating matrix for achieving the effective protection of Q235 steel. The results of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments indicate that the CuO/CN/PDMS composite coatings possessed excellent corrosion resistance, in which the impedance radius of optimal CuO/CN-1/PDMS composite coating could still remain 3.49 × 109 Ω cm2 after 60 d of immersion in seawater under sunlight irradiation. Meanwhile, the as-prepared CuO/CN/PDMS composite coating not only can be rapidly heated up under the Xenon lamp illumination to achieve complete self-repair of scratches within 45 min, but also exhibited excellent antimicrobial effects in the antifouling experiments. This study opens a new avenue for the development of g-C3N4-based multifunctional coatings and provides guidance for the development of the next generation of intelligent protective coatings. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Mechanical response and microstructural evolution of a composite joint fabricated by green laser dissimilar welding of VCoNi medium entropy alloy and 17-4PH stainless steel Hadiseh Esmaeilpoor, Mahdi Aghaahmadi, Hyun Jong Yoo, Chan Woong Park, Tae Jin Jang, Seok Su Sohn, Jeoung Han Kim J. Mater. Sci. Technol.    2025, 213 (0): 223-240.   DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.06.017 Abstract （367）      PDF       Knowledge map    Save In engineering structures, the application of advanced alloys, such as the VCoNi medium-entropy alloy (VCoNi-MEA), with remarkable tensile strength (> 1 GPa) and superior ductility necessitates the employment of dissimilar joints. This study pioneers the dissimilar joining of VCoNi-MEA and 17-4 precipitation hardening stainless steel (17-4PH STS) using state-of-the-art green laser beam welding (LBW). To evaluate and optimize the experimental parameters, two welding speeds (200 and 300 mm/s) along with post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) were incorporated. High-quality welded joints with a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure in the fusion zone (FZ), minimal precipitates (< 1.6 %), and no visible cracks were successfully created. The LBW process demonstrated effective low-heat input characteristics, evident from a considerably narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ). Control over FZ width and grain size was achieved, measuring 600 and 112 µm at low welding speed and 250 and 49 µm at high welding speed, respectively, significantly lower than previous studies. A remarkably high yield strength (YS) of ∼620 MPa and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) up to 845 MPa were observed in the as-welded conditions, improving to ∼645 and 875 MPa, respectively, after PWHT. This enhancement in mechanical properties is primarily attributed to lattice friction induced by V addition. PWHT also improved joint ductility, increasing from 3.5 % to 8.6 % (low-speed) and from 6.3 % to 9.2 % (high-speed). The reduction in crystallographic orientation achieved using a higher welding speed and PWHT emerged as a major reason for improved mechanical properties. Slip-based deformation mechanisms dominated across all conditions, featuring crystallographically aligned slip bands. Interactions between existing and additional slip bands formed a dense dislocation network crucial for enhanced elongation after PWHT. Thermodynamic parameters elucidating phase stability in the observed FZs and contributions to superior YS were calculated and comprehensively discussed. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）