In this work, using the high-throughput density functional theory calculation method, the influence of 36 alloying elements on the elastic properties of FCC-Cu was systematically studied, and based on the Labusch model, a linear relationship was fitted between the composition and lattice parameters, and the shear modulus. The solid solution strengthening behavior brought about by alloying was studied quantitatively. The results showed that most alloying elements have solid solution potentiality in copper. The change in the elastic modulus and the strengthening effect of alloying on solid solutions were determined by the elements’ positions in the periodic table. In the same period, the alloying elements located in the middle of the period tended to enhance the elastic modulus of copper, while the elements located at both ends have greater solid solution strengthening ability. The predicted results are in good agreement with the experimental values, which provide theoretical guidance for the design of high-performance copper alloys.

The development, types, preparation methods, and applications of SACs are reviewed in this work.

Herein, we report a nickel cobalt pentlandite/black phosphorus (Ni–Co₉S₈/BP) heterostructure as a bifunctional electrocatalyst, i.e., Ni doped Co₉S₈ vertically grown on the surface of black phosphorus. The nanoporous network heterostructure and surface sulfur vacancies endow Ni–Co₉S₈/BP with more active sites and accelerated reaction kinetics, thus realizing a low potential of 1.65 V at 10 mA cm⁻² for water splitting, which outperforms most Co₉S₈-based electrocatalysts.

The Se-doping strategy optimizes the electronic structure of α-Fe₂O₃, thus enhancing the surface Lewis basicity. The Se–Fe₂O₃ based sensor demonstrates highly sensitive and selective NO₂ sensing performance.

The urea electro-oxidation reaction (UOR) is emerging as a new energy conversion technology and a promising method for alleviating water eutrophication problems. However, a rationally designed structure of the electrode materials is urgently required to achieve high UOR performance. Herein, P-doped MOF-derived Co₃O₄ nanowire arrays grown on nickel foam (P-Co₃O₄/NF) are successfully synthesized via the growth of Co-MOF and subsequent calcination followed by phosphorization treatment. Owing to the optimized electronic structure, the as-prepared P-Co₃O₄/NF composite exhibits much higher UOR electrocatalytic performance than the undoped Co₃O₄/NF sample. Beyond this, the meticulous structure of the one-dimensional nanowire arrays and the three-dimensional skeleton structure of nickel foam contribute to the enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability toward UOR. As a result, the P-Co₃O₄/NF composite displays a low overpotential of 1.419 V vs. RHE at 50 mA cm⁻², a small Tafel slope of 82 mV dec⁻¹, as well as favorable long-term stability over 65,000 s in 1.0 M KOH with 1.0 M urea. This work opens a new avenue in designing non-precious electrocatalysts for high-performance urea electro-oxidation reactions.