Given the challenges posed by the low hardness and inadequate wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V
alloy, this research aimed to explore an innovative solution by employing the laser
cladding technique to develop high-entropy alloy（HEA）coatings composed of TiZrNbCrCo
on the alloy's surface. The primary objectives were to investigate the effects of
varying the number of cladding layers on the elemental composition and to assess how
these variations influenced the phase constitution, microstructure, microhardness,
wear, and electrochemical properties of HEA coatings. To predict the phase composition
of the solid solution phases in HEA coatings with different layer numbers, empirical
thermophysical parameters were utilized. The methodology encompassed a detailed experimental
setup where the laser cladding process was meticulously optimized to fabricate coatings
with varying numbers of layers. This approach enabled the controlled manipulation
of the dilution rate and elemental distribution within the coatings, thereby allowing
for a comprehensive analysis of the resulting phase and microstructural characteristics.
The coatings were systematically analyzed using X-ray diffraction（XRD）to identify
their phase compositions and scanning electron microscopy to elucidate their microstructures.
Microhardness measurements were conducted to evaluate the mechanical enhancements,
while wear tests were performed to assess the wear resistance of the coatings. Furthermore,
electrochemical tests in a 3.5%NaCl solution were carried out to determine the coatings'
corrosion resistance. The results revealed that all coatings, exhibited a consistent
phase composition, predominantly featuring a body-centered cubic （bcc） structured
solid solution phase. This phase was characterized by dendrites rich in Nb and inter-dendrites
rich in Co. It was observed that an increase in the number of cladding layers led
to a decrease in the dilution rate, which in turn facilitated the formation of petal-like
Laves phases enriched in Co and Zr, along with α-Ti precipitates enriched in Zr. Remarkably,
the average microhardness of the coatings reached HV0.1747.7, approximately 2.33 times that of the substrate. This significant enhancement
in microhardness translated to a reduction in wear volume by 68.6% compared to the
substrate. The optimal corrosion resistance was achieved with a two-layer configuration,
which exhibited the lowest self-corrosion current （6.46×10−6 A·cm−2） a larger self-corrosion potential （-0.286 V）, and the lowest corrosion rate, indicating
a substantial improvement in corrosion resistance. The conclusion drawn from this
study highlighted the critical role of laser cladding parameters in influencing the
microstructural and compositional characteristics of HEA coatings. The enhancement
in mechanical and chemical properties could be attributed to the strategic manipulation
of the number of cladding layers, which optimized the microstructural features such
as the distribution of Laves phases and α-Ti precipitates. Moreover, this research
contributed to the broader academic discourse by elucidating the relationship between
laser cladding parameters, microstructural evolution, and the resulting properties
of HEA coatings. In summary, this comprehensive investigation into the development
and characterization of TiZrNbCrCo high-entropy alloy coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy
surfaces provided a promising approach for addressing the limitations of conventional
titanium alloys. The research outcomes not only demonstrated the feasibility of significantly
enhancing the hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance of Ti-6Al-4V alloys through
laser cladded HEA coatings but also opened up opportunities for using high-entropy
alloys in surface engineering to meet the needs of modern industries.
Silicon(Si)-based anodes are widely recognized as the most promising alternatives
to conventional graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs), owing to their ultrahigh
theoretical specific capacity(4200 mAh·g-1), lowlithiation potential, abundant crustal reserves, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness.
However, their large-scale commercialization is severely hindered by two intrinsic
challenges：1) drastic volume expansion(>300%)during lithiation/delithiation, which
induces particle pulverization, electrode integrity degradation, and continuous rupture/reformation
of the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)films, thereby causing irreversible lithium-ion
consumption； 2) extremely low intrinsic electrical conductivity(1×10-4 S·cm-1), which restricts ion/electron transport kinetics and thus degrades rate capability.To
address these issues, early research efforts focused on nano-engineering of Si and
the development of Si-based composites. Nanostructured Si can partially alleviate
mechanical fracture by accommodating strain through size-dependent deformation mechanisms；
however, it tends to agglomerate during prolonged cycling and exhibits excessive side
reactions with the electrolyte, reducing the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and
cycling lifespan. Si/carbon(Si/C)composites design, which take advantage of the high
electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical flexibility of carbon
matrices, have emerged as a primary route toward commercialization. Nevertheless,
challenges related to the inherently low conductivity of Si and inadequate interfacial
bonding between Si and carbon remain unresolved. Against this backdrop, this review
emphasized doping modification as a fundamental strategy to enhance the electrochemical
performance of Si-based anodes. Starting from the lithium storage mechanism of Si—which
stored lithium via an alloying/dealloying reaction to form various Li-Si alloys, with
a theoretical maximum lithiation phase of Li22Si5 accommodating 4.4 Li atoms per Si atom—and its core limitations, we systematically
analyzed the regulation mechanisms and functional effects of different doping approaches.
These were categorized into three types：non-metallic (heteroatom) doping, metallic
doping, and multi-element co-doping. Non-metallic doping(e.g., with B, P, N, or S)effectively
modulated the electronic structure of Si-based materials, improved Li+ transport pathways, enhanced electronic conductivity, and promoted the formation
of a more stable SEI layer. Metallic doping was subdivided into two categories：electrochemically
inactive metals(e.g., Fe, Ti), which enhanced electrical conduction and provided mechanical
reinforcement to alleviate volume expansion, and electrochemically active metals(e.g.,
Mg, Ge), which contributed additional capacity and helped accommodate volume expansion
through synergistic alloying behavior. Multi-element co-doping(including non-metal/non-metal
and metal/non-metal combinations)achieved synergistic optimization of multiple physicochemical
properties, thus further enhancing conductivity, structural stability, and fast-charging
performance. Finally, this review outlined future perspectives for doping modification
technologies in Si-based anodes, including the exploration of novel co-doping systems
to simultaneously address conductivity, volume expansion, and SEI stability； the optimization
of doping processes for precise control over elemental distribution and concentration；
and the integration of in-situ characterization techniques to deepen the understanding
of the influence of doping elements on the lithium storage mechanism. This review
aimed to provide fundamental theoretical insights and practical technical guidance
for the development of high-energy-density and fast-charging Si-based anode materials,
thereby accelerating their commercial adoption.
As a fundamental pillar for fostering new quality productive forces, constructing
a modern industrial system and safeguarding national comprehensive security, the new
materials industry underpins the core competitiveness of high-end manufacturing and
cutting-edge technologies. Today's global industrial landscape is undergoing profound
restructuring driven by four pivotal forces：intensifying geopolitical competition,
worldwide carbon peaking and carbon neutrality transitions, in-depth integration of
digital and intelligent technologies, and targeted iteration of materials spurred
by diverse downstream application scenarios. In parallel, artificial intelligence,
big data and high-throughput computing are revolutionizing the traditional trial-and-error
R&D paradigm of materials science, enabling data-driven material screening, inverse
structural design and intelligent process optimization to drastically cut research
cycles and experimental costs. This paper systematically sorted out the opportunities
and structural risks confronting the global new materials industry, and thoroughly
reviewed the strategic arrangements rolled out by the United States, the European
Union, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Russia in 2025 and 2026. U.S. tied new
materials closely to national defense and technological security, launching special
programs including Crystal Palace and Carbon Crunch for military advanced materials,
and consolidated independent supply chains for semiconductor materials through the
CHIPS and Science Act, alongside initiatives to supervise critical mineral resources
and apply AI to accelerate material innovation. EU centered its strategy on European
strategic autonomy and green transformation, advancing the Advanced Materials Act
and the Critical Raw Materials Act to diversify mineral supply, developed circular
materials and set global green trade standards. Germany, UK, Japan and Russia had
also introduced targeted national plans respectively, focusing on technological sovereignty,
digitalized material R&D, military-civilian integrated innovation, rare earth recycling
and import substitution amid geopolitical sanctions. After years of policy support
and technological accumulation, China had achieved remarkable breakthroughs in lithium
battery materials, rare earth functional materials and general carbon fibers, with
a batch of national key innovation platforms and specialized sophisticated enterprises
cultivated. Nevertheless, prominent internal and external vulnerabilities persisted.
Externally, fierce global technological competition and restrictive trade policies
created severe "bottleneck" risks, as high-end photoresists, single-crystal superalloys,
core manufacturing equipment and other strategic materials still relied heavily on
imports, and China lacked sufficient discourse power in formulating international
material standards. Targeting six core strategic fields with prominent security risks,
this study proposed targeted development frameworks for self-reliant industrial construction.
For micro-nano electronic manufacturing, it highlighted localized substitution of
bottleneck materials such as photoresists and electronic specialty gases, alongside
R&D of low-dielectric materials and wide-bandgap semiconductor supporting materials
to match advanced packaging and high-performance chip demands. For aerospace, it advocated
full-chain independent manufacturing of high-performance carbon fibers, single-crystal
superalloys and ceramic matrix composites to satisfy extreme service conditions of
hypersonic vehicles and reusable rockets. For robotics and sensors, priorities covered
lightweight structural alloys, rare earth permanent magnets and flexible sensing materials
to support bionic robots and precision perception systems. In advanced nuclear energy,
the paper stressed breakthroughs in radiation-resistant cladding materials and low-activation
structural alloys to support fourth-generation reactors and space nuclear power sources.
For marine engineering equipment, corrosion-resistant high-strength steel and deep-sea
functional materials were key to advancing polar vessels and offshore renewable energy
infrastructure. To systematically resolve industrial security challenges, this paper
put forward multi-dimensional countermeasures covering five core dimensions. First,
innovation-driven development shall be strengthened via the new whole-of-nation system
to tackle generic bottleneck technologies, improve the commercialization system of
scientific achievements and optimize intellectual property management for strategic
materials. Second, supply chain resilience would be reinforced through domestic mineral
exploration, diversified cross-border resource cooperation, national strategic mineral
reserves and digital risk early warning platforms. Third, an integrated standard system
aligned with international norms shall be established to fill standard gaps in high-end
materials and implement full-lifecycle quality traceability management. Fourth, a
multi-level talent training matrix would be optimized through industry-university-research
integration, performance evaluation reforms and market-oriented incentive mechanisms
to address talent shortages. Fifth, the industrial ecosystem would be upgraded through
targeted policy support for industrial clusters, intelligent production line transformation
and low-carbon circular manufacturing to advance high-end, intelligent and green development
simultaneously. In summary, the safety of the new materials industry constituted an
indispensable foundation of national industrial and scientific security. Faced with
sweeping global industrial reshuffling and fierce international competition, China
must advance coordinated upgrades across technological innovation, supply chain robustness,
standardization, talent cultivation and industrial ecology. The conclusions and suggestions
of this research could provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for constructing
an independent, controllable, safe and efficient new materials industrial system,
consolidating the bottom line of national scientific and industrial security, and
fueling the steady growth of new quality productive forces and the advancement of
new industrialization.
In recent years, tungsten disulfide(WS2) and tungsten selenide(WSe2) have emerged as favorable electrode materials because of their high theoretical capacity, large interlayer spacing, and high chemical activity;nevertheless, they have relatively low electronic conductivity and undergo large volume expansion during cycling, which greatly hinder them in practical applications. These drawbacks are addressed by combining a superior type of carbon material, graphene, with WS2 and WSe2 to form a WS2/WSe2@graphene nanocomposites.These materials have received considerable attention in electro-chemical energy storage applications such as lithium-ion batteries(LIBs), sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),and supercapacitors. Considering the rapidly growing research enthusiasm on this topic over the past several years, here the recent progress of WS2/WSe2@graphene nanocomposites in electrochemical energy storage applications is summarized. Furthermore, various methods for the synthesis of WS2/WSe2@graphene nanocomposites are reported and the relationships among these methods, nano/microstructures, and electrochemical performance are systematically summarized and discussed. In addition, the challenges and prospects for the future study and application of WS2/WSe2@graphene nanocomposites in electrochemical energy storage applications are proposed.
Hydrogen energy is a clean and versatile energy carrier, increasingly recognized for
its role in a sustainable energy future due to its clean and abundant energy production.
Bridging the gap between potential and practicality, digital Twin (DT) technology
emerges as a pivotal artificial intelligence tool, providing a virtual modelling platform
that enhances the operation and integration of hydrogen energy into modern energy
systems. This review firstly explores the multifaceted applications of DT technology
across different stages of the hydrogen energy lifecycle, including production, storage,
transport, and utilization. It commences with a detailed introduction to DT technology,
elucidating its definition, core principles, and structural nuances, thus laying the
groundwork for understanding its pivotal role in energy systems. The core of the review
delves into the applications of DT technology in hydrogen energy, segmenting the discussion
into production, storage, transport, and utilization processes. Specific focus is
given to optimizing fuel cells and hybrid electric vehicles through DT models, along
with the seamless integration of hydrogen systems with broader energy networks. It
further dissects the working mechanism of DT, highlighting the key features that contribute
to itsgrowing prominence in the energy sector.
The successful reduction of carbon emissions in major sectors such as heavy industry
and long-distance transport depends crucially on the ability to produce green hydrogen
on a large scale. This involves generating hydrogen via water electrolysis, utilizing
power sourced from renewable energies. However, persistent challenges, such as dynamic
inefficiencies, material degradation, and renewable intermittency, demand a paradigm
shift from static control strategies to adaptive, self-optimizing systems. This perspective
argues that the synergistic integration of digital twins (DTs) and machine learning
(ML) offers a transformative framework for real-time optimization, predictive maintenance,
and resilient grid integration. By synthesizing physics-based modeling with data-driven
intelligence, DT-ML systems enable closed-loop control architectures that dynamically
adapt to operational uncertainties. We analyze the technical foundations of this integration,
address critical barriers, and propose actionable pathways for stakeholders to accelerate
the hydrogen economy's transition from promise to practice.
Benefiting from the synergistic integration of aerial agility and terrestrial endurance,
aerial-ground amphibious platforms can effectively traverse unstructured environments,
demonstrating considerable potential for emergency response and reconnaissance applications.
However, most existing systems adopt a decoupled configuration, utilizing independent
propulsion units for ground and aerial modes. Although this approach enables dual-domain
operation, the duplicated actuators and transmission chains inevitably incur structural
redundancy and additional mass, which reduce overall system integration and payload
efficiency. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel aerial-ground
amphibious platform based on an integrated wheel-propeller structure. In the proposed
design, a single electric motor actuates both the wheel and ducted propeller through
a shared powertrain, where an electromagnetic clutch selectively engages the transmission
path to switch between terrestrial locomotion and aerial propulsion. Building upon
this mechanism, an amphibious platform configuration incorporating eight-wheel-propeller
units is developed. By establishing a dynamic simulation model of the platform, the
dynamic response characteristics during the drive-to-fly transition were investigated.
The results demonstrate the feasibility of the operational principle underpinning
the platform. The research provides a feasible technical approach for lightweight
and highly integrated aerial-ground platforms, laying the foundation for future experimental
implementation.
The ionomer coating structure on the catalyst surface critically determines the performance
and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrodes. Conventional
fabrication often yields non‑uniform overlayers, increasing oxygen transport resistance,
blocking active sites, and accelerating interfacial degradation. Advancing from random
deposition to controlled coating structure is therefore a key objective. Ionomer adsorption
is governed by its intrinsic properties, support characteristics, and catalyst morphology.
In liquid environments, adsorption involves backbone hydrophobicity and side‑chain
chemical bonding, with the latter dominating the final configuration. Solvent composition,
particularly water content, modulates dispersion, and adsorption behavior. Optimization
strategies focus on two main approaches: suppressing detrimental adsorption (e.g.,
by tailoring support porosity or using additives like ionic liquids) and constructing
favorable mass‑transport pathways (e.g., by designing ionomers with cyclic/porous
structures or engineering porous overlayers). Rational design of ionomer properties,
interface regulation, and integration of these strategies can synergistically enhance
proton conduction, mass transport, and stability, laying a foundation for high‑performance,
durable fuel cell electrodes.
Lithium titanate oxide (Li4Ti5O12, LTO) anode-based batteries are widely recognized for their excellent safety characteristics
and long cycle life. However, constant-voltage overcharging (CVOC), arising from cell-to-cell
variations and delays in the response of a battery management system (BMS), can accelerate
capacity degradation and increase the risk of thermal runaway. In this work, we systematically
investigated the effects of CVOC at different voltages on the capacity retention and
thermal safety of LTO-based batteries. By subjecting cells to overcharging cycling
at elevated voltages, we elucidate the aging mechanisms and degradation pathways.
Noninvasive diagnostics combined with postmortem analyses are employed to correlate
the electrochemical behavior with the electrode morphology and composition under CVOC
conditions. A critical voltage of 3.5 V is identified, beyond which severe degradation
occurs. At 4.0 V, continuous CVOC induces the growth of a thick organic-rich solid-electrolyte
interphase (SEI) and byproducts, leading to only 60% capacity retention compared with
nearly 100% retention under 3.0 V CVOC or conventional constant-current/constant-voltage
charging. Furthermore, the self-heating onset temperature decreases by 44.8 °C, indicating
a significant reduction in thermal stability associated with high-voltage overcharge.
These findings are corroborated by detailed postmortem characterization. Overall,
this study demonstrates that the CVOC critically impacts both the electrochemical
performance and thermal safety of LTO-based batteries, offering important insights
for the design of high-stability, highly safe power sources for electric transportation
systems.
