To study the effect of strain engineering on the thermoelectric properties of SnSe, we combined first-principles calculation and Boltzmann transport theory to study the effect of −4% to 4% strain on SnSe thermoelectric properties. Compressive strain enhances the maximum power factor (PFmax) of p-type SnSe from 2.3 to 4.3 mW·m−1·K−2. Specifically, under a −3% compressive strain, the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) experiences a 50% enhancement, increasing from 0.18 to 0.27. Conversely, for n-type, tensile strain leads to a 26% rise in the PFₘₐₓ, from 53.6 to 67.6 mW·m−1·K−2. Notably, the 4% tensile strain increased the ZT value of n-type SnSe by 123% from 0.66 to 1.47. Importantly, tensile strain effectively reduces lattice thermal conductivity through enhanced phonon scattering, synergistically improving ZT with the enhanced power factor. The results show that strain can effectively improve the thermoelectric properties of SnSe, and that n-type SnSe has great potential in thermoelectric materials.
In this study, nanoscale periodic surface structures were fabricated on polyimide (PI) films using a linearly polarized KrF excimer laser with a wavelength of 248 nm. The effects of laser energy density and pulse number on the morphology and surface roughness of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) were systematically investigated. When the pulse width was 20 ns, the repetition rate was 10 Hz, and the beam incidence angle was normal (90°), periodic ripples with a spatial period of approximately 200 nm formed within an energy density range of 7–18 mJ/cm2 and pulse number range of 6000–18,000. The most uniform and well-defined structures were achieved at 14.01 mJ/cm2 and 12,000 pulses, with a ripple depth of 60 nm and surface roughness () approximately 26 times greater than that of pristine PI. The ripple orientation was consistently perpendicular to the laser polarization, consistent with low-spatial-frequency LIPSS (LSFL) formation mechanisms governed by interference-induced photothermal effects. In addition, surface wettability was found to be significantly enhanced due to changes in both surface chemistry and topography, with the water contact angle decreasing from 73.7° to 19.7°. These results demonstrate the potential of UV nanosecond laser processing for the scalable fabrication of functional nanostructures on polymer surfaces for applications in surface engineering and biointerfaces.
On August 24, 2023, Japan controversially decided to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, initiating intense domestic and global debates. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative evolutionary game theory and qualitative data analysis to explore the strategic dynamics among Japan, other nations, and the Japan Fisheries Association regarding this decision. The data includes international environmental reports and economic statistics, served as the basis for simulating decision-making processes under various legal, economic, and environmental pressures. The evolutionary game theory model is used to predict and analyze three evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS), detailing the transition from the initiation to cessation of wastewater discharge. These strategies highlight the necessity for international cooperation, rigorous scientific research, public education, and effective wastewater treatment methods. This study aims to provide both a theoretical framework and practical guidance to foster a global consensus on nuclear wastewater management, which is vital for marine conservation and sustainable development.
On August 24, 2023, Japan commenced the ocean discharge of treated nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, sparking widespread international concern. This study develops a tripartite evolutionary game model incorporating bounded rationality and time-delay effects to analyze strategic interactions among Japan, other countries, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Through the construction of payoff matrices and replicator dynamic equations with delay terms, the model identifies three evolutionarily stable strategies \(\gamma _4(0,0,1)\), \(\gamma _6(1,0,1)\), and \(\gamma _8(1,1,1)\) under specific cost and benefit conditions. Numerical simulations reveal that time delays significantly influence convergence speed and trajectory complexity, particularly for Japan and the IAEA. Parametric analyses show that Japan’s decision to discharge is sensitive to storage costs (\(C_{SJ}\)), discharge costs (\(C_{DJ}\)), export tax revenue loss (\(T_{RJ}\)), and reputational damage (\(I_J\)), while other countries’ responses are shaped by litigation compensation (\(C_{LC}\)) and aid to Japan (\(C_{HJ}\)). The model also aligns with real-world developments such as China’s conditional partial lifting of its seafood import ban in June 2025, exemplifying the stabilizing role of credible international oversight and transparency. This research contributes a novel delayed-replication framework to evolutionary game theory and offers actionable insights for managing transboundary environmental conflicts.
On August 24, 2023, Japan controversially decided to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, sparking intense domestic and global debates. This study uses evolutionary game theory to analyze the strategic dynamics between Japan, other countries, and the Japan Fisheries Association. By incorporating economic, legal, international aid, and environmental factors, the research identifies three evolutionarily stable strategies, analyzing them via numerical simulations. The focus is on Japan's shift from wastewater release to its cessation, exploring the myriad factors influencing this transition and their effects on stakeholders' decisions. Key insights highlight the need for international cooperation, rigorous scientific research, public education, and effective wastewater treatment methods. Offering both a fresh theoretical perspective and practical guidance, this study aims to foster global consensus on nuclear wastewater management, crucial for marine conservation and sustainable development.