Using Green's function method, we investigate the spin transport properties of armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs) under magnetic field and uniaxial strain. Our results show that it is very difficult to transform narrow AGNRs directly from semiconductor to spin gapless semiconductors (SGS) by applying magnetic fields. However, as a uniaxial strain is exerted on the nanoribbons, the AGNRs can transform to SGS by a small magnetic field. The combination mode between magnetic field and uniaxial strain displays a nonmonotonic arch-pattern relationship. In addition, we find that the combination mode is associated with the widths of nanoribbons, which exhibits group behaviors.
A Kramers pair of helical edge states in quantum spin Hall effect(QSHE) is robust against normal dephasing but not robust to spin dephasing. In our work, we provide an effective spin dephasing mechanism in the puddles of two-dimensional(2D) QSHE, which is simulated as quantum dots modeled by 2D massive Dirac Hamiltonian. We demonstrate that the spin dephasing effect can originate from the combination of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling and electron-phonon interaction, which gives rise to inelastic backscattering in edge states within the topological insulator quantum dots, although the time-reversal symmetry is preserved throughout. Finally,we discuss the tunneling between extended helical edge states and local edge states in the QSH quantum dots, which leads to backscattering in the extended edge states. These results can explain the more robust edge transport in In As/Ga Sb QSH systems.
Recently,the spin-orbit coupling and spin current in nanodevice have been investigated extensively.In this paper,we review the recent progresses in this field.We introduce the real space Hamiltonian and the second quantization Hamiltonian of a typical quantum transport mesoscopic device,metal-QD-metal configuration,containing the spin-orbit interaction,e-e interactions,and magnetic field.Some noteworthy effects(e.g.,the spin-polarized current,spin accumulation,persistent spin current) originated from the spin-orbit interaction are reviewed,and the electric field induced by spin-current is mentioned.Lastly,we introduce some unsolved problems and prospects in this field.
A novel carbon matrix/silicon nanowires(SiNWs) heterogeneous block was successfully produced by dispersing SiNWs into templated carbon matrix via a modified evaporation induced self-assembly method. The heterogeneous block was determined by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and scanning electron microscopy. As an anode material for lithium batteries, the block was investigated by cyclic voltammograms(CV), charge/discharge tests, galvanostatic cycling performance and A. C. impedance spectroscopy. We show that the SiNWs disperse into the framework, and are nicely wrapped by the carbon matrix. The heterogeneous block exhibits superior electrochemical reversibility with a high specific capacity of 529.3 mAh/g in comparison with bare SiNWs anode with merely about 52.6 mAh/g capacity retention. The block presents excellent cycle stability and capacity retention which can be attributed to the improvement of conductivity by the existence of carbon matrix and the enhancement of ability to relieve the large volume expansion of SiNWs during the lithium insertion/extraction cycle. The results indicate that the as-prepared carbon matrix/SiNWs heterogeneous block can be an attractive and potential anode material for lithium-ion battery applications.
Yao WangLong RenYundan LiuXuejun LiuKai HuangXiaolin WeiJun LiXiang QiJianxin Zhong
Ultrathin MoS2nanosheets were prepared in high yield using a facile and effective hydrothermal intercalation and exfoliation route. The products were characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the high yield of MoS2nanosheets with good quality was successfully achieved and the dimensions of the immense nanosheets reached 1 μm–2 μm. As anode material for Li-ion batteries, the as-prepared MoS2nanosheets electrodes exhibited a good initial capacity of 1190 mAh g-1and excellent cyclic stability at constant current density of 50 mA g-1. After 50 cycles, it still delivered reversibly sustained high capacities of 750 mAh g-1.
