We study the dynamics of viscous capillary rising in small corners between two curved walls described by a function $y=cx^n$ with $n \ge 1$. Using the Onsager principle, we derive a partial differential equation that describes the time evolution of the meniscus profile. By solving the equation both numerically and analytically, we show that the capillary rising dynamics is quite universal. Our theory explains the surprising finding by Ponomarenko et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 666, 2011, pp. 146–154) that the time dependence of the height not only obeys the universal power-law of $t^{1/3}$, but also that the prefactor is almost independent of $n$.

Activated carbon adsorbents with superhigh specific surface areas (SHACs), which are used as adsorbents, were prepared by chemical activation of petroleum coke with potassium hydroxide. We investigated the influence of specific surface area on hydrogen desorption capacity using SHACs with the same pore size distribution, whereas the effect of pore size distribution on hydrogen desorption capacity was studied using SHACs with same specific surface area. Results revealed that hydrogen desorption capacity (N) increased with higher specific surface area (S) of SHAC adsorbents, according to the linear relation: N = k·S + b (k > 0). At 273 K and 9.0 MPa, hydrogen desorption capacity of 20.96 mmol/g (4.02 wt%) was observed on a SHAC adsorbent with a specific surface area of 3348 m2/g. There was a linear relationship between hydrogen desorption capacity and mesopore percentage in SHAC adsorbents, described as: N = k2·Xmic + b (k2 > 0). Hydrogen desorption per unit mesopore surface amounted to 0.72 mmol/m2.

Broadband spectral conversion from visible light to near-infrared radiation in Ce3+–Nd3+/Yb3+ codoped yttrium aluminum garnet is reported. Excitation, emission spectra, and decay curves have been measured to prove the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Nd3+ or Yb3+. The energy transfer efficiencies have been estimated, and the mechanisms of the energy transfer between Ce3+ and Nd3+/Yb3+ have been proposed. Ce3+–Nd3+ codoped YAG can obtain more effective emission in the desired near-infrared region (around 1100 nm) through broadband conversion, showing potential application to improve the conversion efficiency of Si solar cells.

Transparent glass ceramics containing Li2MgSiO4: Cr4+ nanocrystallites were prepared. Intense broadband near-infrared emission with full width at half-maximum larger than 200 nm and long fluorescence lifetime (τ > 100 μs) were observed. The temperature-dependent optical characteristics of the glass ceramics containing Li2MgSiO4: Cr4+ crystallites were compared to those of Li2MgSiO4: Cr4+ single crystals. The reason for extra-long near-infrared fluorescence lifetime was illuminated by the mixed effect between 3T2 and 1E levels. The crystal-filed-induced particular energy-level scheme makes the fluorescence lifetime of the glass ceramics containing Li2MgSiO4: Cr4+ crystallites one order longer than those of other Cr4+-doped glass ceramics.