bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous NiSb to Enhance Nitrogen Electroreduction via Tailoring Competitive Adsorption Sites
Authors: Fan Guilan , Xu Wence , Li Jinhan , Chen Jia‐Liang , Yu Meng , Ni Youxuan , Zhu Shengli , Su Xun‐Cheng , Cheng Fangyi
Published: September 2021

Ambient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is attracting extensive interest but still suffers from sluggish kinetics owing to competitive rapid hydrogen evolution and difficult nitrogen activation. Herein, nanoporous NiSb alloy is reported as an efficient electrocatalyst for N2 fixation, achieving a high ammonia yield rate of 56.9 µg h−1 mg−1 with a Faradaic efficiency of 48.0%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that in NiSb alloy, Ni favors N2 hydrogenation while the neighboring Sb separates active sites for proton and N2 adsorption, which optimizes the adsorption/desorption of intermediates and enables an energetically favorable NRR pathway. This work indicates promising electrocatalytic application of the alloys of 3d and p block metals toward the NRR and provides an intriguing strategy to enhance the reduction of inert molecules by restraining the competitive hydrogen adsorption.
Crystallographic‐Site‐Specific Structural Engineering Enables Extraordinary Electrochemical Performance of High‐Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Spinel Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liang Gemeng , Peterson Vanessa K. , Wu Zhibin , Zhang Shilin , Hao Junnan , Lu Cheng‐Zhang , Chuang Cheng‐Hao , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Liu Jue , Leniec Grzegorz , Kaczmarek Sławomir Maksymilian , D'Angelo Anita M. , Johannessen Bernt , Thomsen Lars , Pang Wei Kong , Guo Zaiping
Published: September 2021

The development of reliable and safe high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries is hindered by the structural instability of cathode materials during cycling, arising as a result of detrimental phase transformations occurring at high operating voltages alongside the loss of active materials induced by transition metal dissolution. Originating from the fundamental structure/function relation of battery materials, the authors purposefully perform crystallographic‐site‐specific structural engineering on electrode material structure, using the high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode as a representative, which directly addresses the root source of structural instability of the Fdm structure. By employing Sb as a dopant to modify the specific issue‐involved 16c and 16d sites simultaneously, the authors successfully transform the detrimental two‐phase reaction occurring at high‐voltage into a preferential solid‐solution reaction and significantly suppress the loss of Mn from the LNMO structure. The modified LNMO material delivers an impressive 99% of its theoretical specific capacity at 1 C, and maintains 87.6% and 72.4% of initial capacity after 1500 and 3000 cycles, respectively. The issue‐tracing site‐specific structural tailoring demonstrated for this material will facilitate the rapid development of high‐energy‐density materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Suppressing Interface Strain for Eliminating Double‐Slope Behaviors: Towards Ideal Conformable Polymer Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Shuya , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhang Cong , Yang Yahan , Liang Jing , Ni Yanping , Zhang Mingxin , Li Juntong , Ye Xiaolin , Zhang Jidong , Tong Yanhong , Tang Qingxin , Liu Yichun
Published: September 2021

High‐mobility polymer field‐effect transistors (PFETs) are being actively explored for applications in soft electronic skin and low‐cost flexible displays because of their superior solution processability, mechanical flexibility, and stretchability. However, most of high‐mobility PFETs often deviate from the idealized behavior with variable mobility, large threshold voltage, and high off‐state current, which masks their intrinsic properties and significantly impedes their practical applications. Here, it is first revealed that interface strain between polymer thin film and rigid substrate plays a crucial role in determining the ideality of PFETs, and demonstrate that various ideal conformable PFETs can be successfully fabricated by releasing strain. It is found that strain in film can be released by one‐step peeling strategy, which can reduce π‐π stacking distance and suppress generation of oxygen doped carriers, thereby obtaining linearly injected charge carriers and decreased carrier concentration in channel, eventually realizing ideal PFETs. More impressively, the fabricated ideal conformable PFET array displays outstanding conformability to curved objects, and meanwhile showing excellent organic light‐emitting display driving capability. The work clarifies the effect of the interface strain on the device ideality, and strain can be effectively released by a facile peeling strategy, thus offering useful guidance for the construction of ideal conformable PFETs.
Biodegradable Small‐Scale Swimmers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Llacer‐Wintle Joaquin , Rivas‐Dapena Antón , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Pellicer Eva , Nelson Bradley J. , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Pané Salvador
Published: September 2021

Most forms of biomatter are ephemeral, which means they transform or deteriorate after a certain time. From this perspective, implantable healthcare devices designed for temporary treatments should exhibit the ability to degrade and either blend in with healthy tissues, or be cleared from the body with minimal disruption after accomplishing their designated tasks. This topic is currently being investigated in the field of biomedical micro‐ and nanoswimmers. These tiny devices have the ability to move through fluids by converting physical or chemical energy into motion. Several architectures of these devices have been designed to mimic the motion strategies of nature's motile microorganisms and cells. Due to their motion abilities, these devices have been proposed as minimally invasive tools for precision healthcare applications. Hence, a natural progression in this field is to produce motile structures that can adopt, or even surpass, similar transient features as biological systems. The fate of small‐scale swimmers after accomplishing their therapeutic mission is critical for the successful translation of small‐scale swimmers’ technologies into clinical applications. In this review, recent research efforts are summarized on the topic of biodegradable micro‐ and nanoswimmers for biomedical applications, with a focus on targeted therapeutic delivery.
Lithium Fluoride in Electrolyte for Stable and Safe Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Tan Yi‐Hong , Lu Gong‐Xun , Zheng Jian‐Hui , Zhou Fei , Chen Mei , Ma Tao , Lu Lei‐Lei , Song Yong‐Hui , Guan Yong , Wang Junxiong , Liang Zheng , Xu Wen‐Shan , Zhang Yuegang , Tao Xinyong , Yao Hong‐Bin
Published: September 2021

Electrolyte engineering via fluorinated additives is promising to improve cycling stability and safety of high‐energy Li‐metal batteries. Here, an electrolyte is reported in a porous lithium fluoride (LiF) strategy to enable efficient carbonate electrolyte engineering for stable and safe Li‐metal batteries. Unlike traditionally engineered electrolytes, the prepared electrolyte in the porous LiF nanobox exhibits nonflammability and high electrochemical performance owing to strong interactions between the electrolyte solvent molecules and numerous exposed active LiF (111) crystal planes. Via cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth analysis, it is revealed that the electrolyte in active porous LiF nanobox involves the formation of a high‐fluorine‐content (>30%) solid electrolyte interphase layer, which enables very stable Li‐metal anode cycling over one thousand cycles under high current density (4 mA cm−2). More importantly, employing the porous LiF nanobox engineered electrolyte, a Li || LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 pouch cell is achieved with a specific energy of 380 Wh kg−1 for stable cycling over 80 cycles, representing the excellent performance of the Li‐metal pouch cell using practical carbonate electrolyte. This study provides a new electrolyte engineering strategy for stable and safe Li‐metal batteries.
The Interfacial Electronic Engineering in Binary Sulfiphilic Cobalt Boride Heterostructure Nanosheets for Upgrading Energy Density and Longevity of Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Zhonglin , Li Pengyue , Meng Xueping , Lin Zhang , Wang Ruihu
Published: September 2021

High gravimetric, areal and volumetric capacities together with long lifetime are key indexes for the applications of lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries in compact space. The sulfur host materials play pivotal roles in the practical deployment. Herein, one type of new heterostructure nanosheets composed of cobalt boride (CoB) on nitrogen, boron‐codoped porous carbon (NBC), which is constructed through molten salt‐assisted strategy using ZIF‐67‐encapsulated ZIF‐8 as precursors is reported on. Benefiting from strong interfacial electronic interactions between binary sulfiphilic CoB and porous NBC, the CoB/NBC‐S electrode exhibits the excellent cycling stability with low average capacity decay of 0.013% in ultralong 1500 cycles at high rate of 5 C. Remarkably, the electrode with high sulfur content of 82 wt% and high sulfur loading of 5.8 mg cm−2 delivers gravimetric capacity of 1309 mA h g−1, areal capacity of 7.59 mA h cm−2, and volumetric capacity of 1355 mA h cm−3 at 0.1 C. The favorable electrochemical performance can rival with the state‐of‐the‐art of those in the reported nanosheets‐based sulfur cathodes. This study provides new methodology for the design of heterostructure nanosheets of metal borides to achieve energy density and longevity of Li‐S batteries.
Uncovering the Promotion of CeO2/CoS1.97 Heterostructure with Specific Spatial Architectures on Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Dai Tengyuan , Zhang Xin , Sun Mingzi , Huang Bolong , Zhang Nan , Da Pengfei , Yang Rui , He Zidong , Wang Wei , Xi Pinxian , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: September 2021

Structural engineering and compositional controlling are extensively applied in rationally designing and fabricating advanced freestanding electrocatalysts. The key relationship between the spatial distribution of components and enhanced electrocatalysis performance still needs further elaborate elucidation. Here, CeO2 substrate supported CoS1.97 (CeO2‐CoS1.97) and CoS1.97 with CeO2 surface decorated (CoS1.97‐CeO2) materials are constructed to comprehensively investigate the origin of spatial architectures for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). CeO2‐CoS1.97 exhibits a low overpotential of 264 mV at 10 mA cm−2 due to the stable heterostructure and faster mass transfer. Meanwhile, CoS1.97‐CeO2 has a smaller Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1 through enhanced adsorption of OH−, fast electron transfer, and in situ formation of Co(IV)O2 species under the OER condition. Furthermore, operando spectroscopic characterizations combined with theoretical calculations demonstrate that spatial architectures play a distinguished role in modulating the electronic structure and promoting the reconstruction from sulfide to oxyhydroxide toward higher chemical valence. The findings highlight spatial architectures and surface reconstruction in designing advanced electrocatalytic materials.
Multichannel Piezo‐Ultrasound Implant with Hybrid Waterborne Acoustic Metastructure for Selective Wireless Energy Transfer at Megahertz Frequencies
Authors: Jiang Laiming , Lu Gengxi , Yang Yang , Xu Yang , Qi Fangjie , Li Jiapu , Zhu Benpeng , Chen Yong
Published: September 2021

Ultrasound energy transfer (UET) is developed and integrated into various bioelectronics with diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring capabilities. However, existing UET platforms generally enable one function at a time due to the single ultrasound channel architecture, limiting the full potential of bioelectronics that requires multicontrol modes. Here, a multichannel piezo‐ultrasound implant (MC‐PUI) is presented that integrates a hybrid waterborne acoustic metastructure (HWAM), multiple piezo‐harvesters, and a miniaturized circuit with electronic components for selective wireless control via ultrasound frequency switching. The HWAM that utilizes both a 3D‐printed air‐diffraction matrix and a half‐lambda Fabry–Perot resonator is optimized to provide the advantage of ultrasound selectivity at megahertz frequencies. Complying with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, frequency‐controlled multifunctional operations, such as wireless charging (≈11.08 µW) at 3.3 MHz and high‐sensitivity wireless switch/control (threshold ≈0.55 MPa) of micro‐light‐emitting diode/motor at 1 MHz, are demonstrated ex vivo using porcine tissue and in vivo in a rat. The developed MC‐PUI enhances UET versatility and opens up a new pathway for wireless implant design.
Tunable 2D Group‐III Metal Alloys
Authors: Rajabpour Siavash , Vera Alexander , He Wen , Katz Benjamin N. , Koch Roland J. , Lassaunière Margaux , Chen Xuegang , Li Cequn , Nisi Katharina , El‐Sherif Hesham , Wetherington Maxwell T. , Dong Chengye , Bostwick Aaron , Jozwiak Chris , van Duin Adri C. T. , Bassim Nabil , Zhu Jun , Wang Gwo‐Ching , Wurstbauer Ursula , Rotenberg Eli , Crespi Vincent , Quek Su Ying , Robinson Joshua A.
Published: September 2021

Chemically stable quantum‐confined 2D metals are of interest in next‐generation nanoscale quantum devices. Bottom‐up design and synthesis of such metals could enable the creation of materials with tailored, on‐demand, electronic and optical properties for applications that utilize tunable plasmonic coupling, optical nonlinearity, epsilon‐near‐zero behavior, or wavelength‐specific light trapping. In this work, it is demonstrated that the electronic, superconducting, and optical properties of air‐stable 2D metals can be controllably tuned by the formation of alloys. Environmentally robust large‐area 2D‐InxGa1−x alloys are synthesized byConfinement Heteroepitaxy (CHet). Near‐complete solid solubility is achieved with no evidence of phase segregation, and the composition is tunable over the full range of x by changing the relative elemental composition of the precursor. The optical and electronic properties directly correlate with alloy composition, wherein the dielectric function, band structure, superconductivity, and charge transfer from the metal to graphene are all controlled by the indium/gallium ratio in the 2D metal layer.
Hyperbolic Metamaterials Fabricated Using 3D Assembled Nanorod Arrays and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Li Caixia , Liu Jiatong , Wu Zheli , Chen Zhe , Jiang Jingwen , Dou Zhengkang , Liu Xiaoyu , Fu Ming , He Dawei , Wang Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

It is significant but challenging to develop a 3D colloidal assembly method for optical metamaterials. Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) with 3D porous periodic morphologies are suitable for loading functional components for energy harvesting and biosensing and for providing a tunable range of indefinite permittivity. In this study, porous HMMs with 3D periodicities are constructed from directionally assembled silica nanorods with conformal coating of metal. The indefinite dielectric ranges around visible wavelength are formed from the anisotropic geometry induced anisotropic effective permittivity along different directions and are tunable according to the rod length, rod diameter, and thickness of metal coating. The negative refraction of rod array based metamaterials is verified using the transmission ratio between the part beam and full beam in microscope–spectrum system with incident light beam. The rod‐based metamaterials show a higher optical absorption in near‐ultraviolet and visible wavelengths than the compared colloidal sphere assembled structures. The porous HMMs loaded with TiO2 can provide enhanced optical absorption and photocatalytic performances. The structures coated with 180–190 atomic‐layer‐deposition cycles of TiO2 and 8–9 min deposition of silver provide the best performance.
2,6‐Dicarbonitrile Diphenyl‐1λ5‐Phosphinine (DCNP)—A Robust Conjugated Building Block for Multi‐Functional Dyes Exhibiting Tunable Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Balijapalli Umamahesh , Tang Xun , Okada Daichi , Lee Yi‐Ting , Karunathilaka Buddhika S. B. , Auffray Morgan , Tumen‐Ulzii Ganbaatar , Tsuchiya Youichi , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , Matsushima Toshinori , Nakanotani Hajime , Adachi Chihaya
Published: September 2021

Highly efficient organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with the concurrent achievement of high external electroluminescence quantum efficiency (EQE) and low light amplification thresholds under optical excitation have been considered as a crucial evolution towards the development of high‐performance electrically pumped organic semiconductor laser diodes. Herein, a series of 2,6‐dicarbonitrile‐diphenyl‐1λ5‐phosphinine (DCNP) based donor (D)‐acceptor (A) type dyes with different electron‐withdrawing and donating moieties have been designed and characterized. The well‐manipulated D‐A strength with tunable optical properties guaranteed the low amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) thresholds of below 10 µJ cm−2 and furnished a wide‐range color‐tuning capability in the visible region (485–595 nm). Furthermore, employing a thermally‐activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecule as a triplet harvester boosted the performance of OLEDs based on mDMCz that exhibits an exceptional EQE value of 18.4% which is an eightfold enhancement as compared with that of standard fluorescence OLEDs. Also, the TADF‐assistant fluorescence (TAF) system enables a reduction of the ASE threshold to 3 µJ cm−2 and excellent ASE stability. These results provide a rational design strategy to construct color‐tunable lasing dyes with reduced ASE thresholds and clarify their potentiality as the fluorescent dopant in the TAF system to utilize up‐converted triplet excitons via efficient energy transfer.
Reversibly Photoswitchable Tristate Fluorescence within a Single Polymeric Nanoparticle
Authors: Yu Maolin , Zhang Peisheng , Liu Le , Wang Han , Wang Hong , Zhang Chonghua , Gao Yong , Yang Chuluo , Cui Jiaxi , Chen Jian
Published: September 2021

Herein, a class of novel photoswitchable tristate fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (TS‐PFPNs) consisting of a well‐designed perylenediimide‐spiropyran conjugate (PDI‐SP), two energy‐matched photochromics as spiropyran‐linked methacrylate and diarylethene (DTE) derivative (DTEo‐1) is described. By optimizing the feed ratio of three dyes and controllable switching fluorescence resonance energy transfer from excited PDI to SP or DTE moiety with different lights stimuli, the emission of these TS‐PFPNs can be reversibly switched among distinguishable green, red, and quenching states. In addition, these TS‐PFPNs exhibit high brightness, high contrast, excellent water‐dispersibility, and photoreversibility as well as outstanding long‐term storage stability and processability. It is also demonstrated that these TS‐PFPNs can be directly used for advanced anticounterfeiting, high‐density data storage, and multilevel information encryption.
Breaking Classic Heavy‐Atom Effect to Achieve Heavy‐Atom‐Induced Dramatic Emission Enhancement of Silole‐Based AIEgens with Through‐Bond and Through‐Space Conjugation
Authors: Xiong Zuping , Wang Zhenni , Liu Longxiang , Jiang Mengyi , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Qiaozhi , Feng Hui , Qian Zhaosheng
Published: September 2021

Classic heavy‐atom effect is well known on traditional luminophores, but its usability for newly developed AIEgens with through‐bond and through‐space conjugation leaves a question open. Herein, an interesting heavy‐atom‐induced emission enhancement against classic heavy‐atom effect is reported by examining unique photophysical behaviors of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active silole compounds both experimentally and theoretically. It is revealed that heavy atoms exert an insignificant impact on the fluorescence of AIEgens due to their through‐space conjugation nature, and weak intermolecular interactions and heavy‐atom‐caused vibration restriction collaboratively contribute to the emission enhancement of these AIEgens via restricting intramolecular motions. The breaking of classic heavy‐atom effect on silole‐based AIEgens not only proves its usability scope only on through‐bond conjugated dyes, it also provides an effective and simple strategy to dramatically improve the emission efficiency of AIEgens.
Ionic Conductivity of Nanopores with Electrically Conductive Surface: Comparison Between 1D and 2D Models
Authors: Krom Artur I. , Ryzhkov Ilya I.
Published: September 2021

Nanoporous membranes with high ionic conductivity are advantageous in such electrochemical processes as (reverse) electrodialysis, capacitive deionization, and hydrogen energy conversion. In membranes with electrically conductive surface, the conductivity can be regulated by varying the surface potential. This work is devoted to the theoretical study of switchable ionic conductivity. The transport of ions is described by the 2D space charge model and 1D uniform potential model taking into account the Stern layer. The conductivity decreases with lowering the Stern layer permittivity due to enhanced screening of electronic surface charge. The growth of surface potential leads to the conductivity enhancement due to accumulation of more counter‐ions inside the nanopore. For nanopores with constant surface charge density, the ionic conductivity follows the bulk electrolyte conductivity at high ion concentrations, and becomes independent of concentration when the latter is low. In contrast, the nanopores with constant surface potential demonstrate a linear decrease of conductivity with lowering the logarithm of ion concentration. The deviation between 1D and 2D models becomes noticeable at higher values of Stern layer permittivity, pore radius, electrolyte concentration, and surface potential. The proposed models are verified by comparison with experimental data on pure water conductivity in charged porous matrix.
The Interfacial Effect on the Open Circuit Voltage of Ionic Thermoelectric Devices with Conducting Polymer Electrodes
Authors: Mardi Saeed , Zhao Dan , Kim Nara , Petsagkourakis Ioannis , Tybrandt Klas , Reale Andrea , Crispin Xavier
Published: September 2021

Organic‐based energy harvesting devices can contribute to a sustainable solution for the transition to renewable energy sources. The concept of ionic thermoelectrics (iTE) has been recently proposed and motivated by the high values of thermo‐voltage in electrolytes. So far, most research has focused on developing new electrolytes with high Seebeck coefficient. Despite the major role of the electrode materials in supercapacitors and batteries, the effect of various electrodes on energy harvesting in iTE devices has not been widely studied. In this work, the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is investigated as the functional electrodes in iTE supercapacitors. Through investigating the thermo‐voltage of iTEs of the same electrolyte with varying composition of PEDOT electrodes, it is identified that the different PSS content greatly affects the overall thermo‐induced voltage coefficient, Seff (i.e., effective thermopower). The permselective polyanion in the electrode causes cation concentration differences at the electrode/electrolyte interface and contributes to an interfacial potential drop that is temperature dependent. As a result, the overall thermo‐voltage of the device possesses both an interfacial and a bulk contribution. The findings extend the fundamental understanding of iTE effect with functional electrodes, which could lead a new direction to enhance the heat‐to‐electricity conversion.
LiF‐Induced Stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase for a Wide Temperature SnO2‐Based Anode Extensible to −50 °C
Authors: Tan Liang , Lan Xuexia , Chen Jinwei , Zhang Hanyin , Hu Renzong , Zhu Min
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) suffer dramatic energy reduction, and are even unable to safely charge below ‐10 °C, due to sluggish Li+ transport kinetics in the anode, electrolyte and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), as well as large overpotential which causes Li plating on the anode surface. Herein, a SnO2‐LiF‐graphite (SLG) composite anode is developed for wide temperature application. The SLG with a propylene carbonate electrolyte delivers a stable capacity of more than 900 mA h g−1 at 60 °C with 100 mA g−1, maintaining 823.9 mA h g−1 at ‐10 °C. When matched with a tetrahydrofuran‐based electrolyte, the SLG delivers stable capacities of 780.4 mA h g−1 at ‐40 °C and 637.2 mA h g−1 at ‐50 °C, respectively. It is demonstrated that the LiF‐induced inorganic‐rich SEI maintains the nanostructure of the active Sn, and that their interfaces with the electrolyte are highly stable. Furthermore, the formation of α‐Sn with higher Li+ diffusion kinetics results in a very small overpotential (≈0.18 V) of lithiation for SLG from 30 °C to ‐50 °C. This work shows that LiF‐modified SnO2 anodes matched with suitable electrolytes can qualify the LIBs for a safe and long‐life at wide temperature, which is helpful to further promote these batteries for low‐temperature applications.
Controlling the Crystallization Kinetics of Lead‐Free Tin Halide Perovskites for High Performance Green Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Junfang , Gao Zhen , Yang Junjie , Lv Mingsheng , Chen Haining , Xue Ding‐Jiang , Meng Xiangyue , Yang Shihe
Published: September 2021

Tin halide perovskites are promising candidates for lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) not only due to their low‐toxicity, but also due to their ideal energy bandgap, high charge carrier mobility, and long hot carrier lifetime. The certified efficiency of tin halide PSCs has now reached over 10%, but this is still far from the theoretical expectation. Much of the efficiency gap relates to the poor quality of tin halide perovskite films due to the lack of in‐depth understanding about the crystal nucleation and growth mechanisms for such films. This recognition motivates the present review, which is focused on the crystallization kinetics of tin halide perovskites. In particular, starting from a germane discussion on crystal nucleation and growth theories, several methods that have been used for controlling the rapid crystallization of tin halide perovskites are dissected. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for tin halide PSCs are presented. This comprehensive review summarizes and illuminates the parameter space for the optimization of tin halide perovskite film quality, promoting the future development of ecofriendly PSCs with high efficiency and high stability.
Evaluation of DSSAT‐MANIHOT‐Cassava model to determine potential irrigation benefits for cassava in Jamaica
Authors: Rankine Dale , Cohen Jane , Murray Fradian , Moreno‐Cadena Patricia , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Campbell Jayaka , Taylor Michael , Stephenson Tannecia
Published: September 2021

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food crop, especially in developing countries, because of its resilience and ability to grow in conditions generally inhospitable for other crops. However, tropical crops like cassava are not as frequently modeled compared with crops from temperate locations. The objective of this research was to calibrate the CSM‐MANIHOT‐Cassava model of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer, DSSAT beta v4.8 and use the model to evaluate the potential benefits of irrigation on yield. We established two field trials with two water treatments (rainfed and irrigated) and four cultivars that had not been studied previously. We simulated in‐season biomass and end‐of‐season yield, evaluating the model performance with different statistical measures. There was good agreement between simulated and measured values; the best results showed a deviation of 9.7%, normalized RMSE of 18%, and d‐index of 0.98 for biomass, with corresponding values of 11, 24, and 0.98, respectively, for yield. Good simulations of yield correlated with accurate simulations for leaf area index and harvest index. The varieties showed differential responses to irrigation, suggesting that there are diverse levels of drought tolerance even within the same environmental conditions. The model was able to simulate total crop failure in harsh drought conditions, suggesting it can be used as a key decision‐making tool in unfavorable conditions that will be occasioned by climate change.
Low‐cost and efficient organic solar cells based on polythiophene‐ and poly(thiophene vinylene)‐related donors
Authors: Yang Chenyi , Zhang Shaoqing , Hou Jianhui
Published: September 2021

At present, most of state‐of‐the‐art power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic solar cells (OSCs) are achieved from the photoactive materials involving donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymer donors. It is well known that the complicated molecular structure of D–A copolymers means the tedious synthesis, which brings about severe cost issue and poor scalability for the industrial production. Therefore, to develop application‐oriented OSCs, considerable attention should be paid on simplifying the chemical structures of polymer donors. Polythiophene (PT) and poly(thiophene vinylene) (PTV) derivatives should be among the simplest polymer donors, and OSCs based on them have made some breakthroughs in past 2 years. Here, we briefly introduce the recent advances of OSCs based on low‐cost polymers including poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), PT derivatives, and PTV derivatives, respectively, and emphasize the importance of modulating energy levels, preaggregation effect, and D/A miscibility for the past progress as well as the future development. At last, we also propose some challenges demanding prompt solution for realizing practical application of OSCs, aiming at providing guidance and stimulating new ideas for further research.
Numerical study of a nonlinear density relation and binary reaction on nanofluid flow over a heated vertical surface with sinusoidal wall temperature
Authors: Oyelakin Ibukun S. , Sibanda Dorcas , Sibanda Precious
Published: September 2021

This study discusses the impact of the nonlinear relationship between nonlinear density‐temperature and density‐concentration on a nanofluid flow with Arrhenius activation energy and sinusoidal wall temperature variations. The highly nonlinear partial differential equations that model the nanofluid flow are solved using the bivariate spectral local linearization method. In literature, it is known that certain thermal systems perform better at high temperatures. This performance may be influenced by the nonlinear temperature‐concentration‐dependent density relation, which accounts for optimal thermal and solutal transport in such systems. This study explores the impact of some physical parameters on the fluid transport properties, and the results show, among other findings, that the nonlinear density‐temperature leads to increased fluid velocity. In contrast, the nonlinear density‐concentration reduces the fluid speed. This study provides new insights into the impact of nonlinear density‐temperature and density‐concentration on fluid properties. Additionally, there is a development of destructive chemical reactions in the nanoparticle volume fraction profiles due to the Arrhenius activation energy.
Large‐Area Hand‐Covering Elastomeric Electronic Skin Sensor with Distributed Multifunctional Sensing Capability
Authors: Zhu Lingfeng , Wang Yancheng , Mei Deqing , Zhang Lei , Mu Congcong , Wang Shihang , Dai Songqiao , Chen Zhijian
Published: September 2021

Replicating the haptic perception capability of the human hand is an indispensable goal for intelligent robots and human–machine interactions. Multifunctional electronic skin (e‐skin) sensors can be an ideal candidate to bridge the gaps among humans, robots, and the environment. Mutual interference of multistimuli and unconformable spatial distribution impedes the application of e‐skin sensors. Hence, a large‐area, hand‐covering elastomeric e‐skin sensor is proposed to imitate the human hand for multifunctional detection. Five multifunctional sensing units are designed on the fingertips, and 15 pressure‐sensing units are distributed on the finger phalanxes and palm to cover the main sensory area of the hand. A multilayer architecture is designed to improve the sensing performances and reduce the coupling interference during multifunctional detection. The e‐skin sensor exhibits similarity to the human hand not only in shape but also in functionality, possessing pressure sensitivity of 0.025 V kPa−1 in 0.1–120 kPa and temperature sensitivity of 0.38% °C−1 in 20–70 °C. The performance of the e‐skin sensor can meet the requirements of daily manipulations. Experimental studies on grasping objects with different grasping modes and object properties demonstrate the potential applications of the e‐skin sensor for grasping haptic perception and human–robot interactions.
Medical, welfare, and educational challenges and psychological distress in parents caring for an individual with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A cross‐sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Morishima Ryo , Kumakura Yousuke , Usami Satoshi , Kanehara Akiko , Tanaka Miho , Okochi Noriko , Nakajima Naomi , Hamada Junko , Ogawa Tomoko , Ando Shuntaro , Tamune Hidetaka , Nakahara Mutsumi , Jinde Seiichiro , Kano Yukiko , Tanaka Kyoko , Hirata Yoichiro , Oka Akira , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: September 2021

Parents of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) experience distress not only due to multimorbidity in the patients, but also due to professionals' lack of understanding about 22q11DS and insufficient support systems. This study investigated relationships between medical, welfare, and educational challenges and parental psychological distress. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted on primary caregivers of children with 22q11DS. Participants included 125 parents (114 mothers, 91.2%; average age = 44.3 years) who reported their challenges, psychological distress, and child's comorbidities of 22q11DS. Results showed that the difficulty in going to multiple medical institutions (β = 0.181, p < 0.05) and lack of understanding by welfare staff and insufficient welfare support systems for 22q11DS (β = 0.220–0.316, all p < 0.05) were associated with parental psychological distress, even after adjusting for child's comorbidities. In the subsample of parents whose child attended an educational institution, inadequate management in classroom and mismatch between service and users in educational settings were associated with psychological distress (β = 0.222–0.296, all p < 0.05). This study reveals the importance of assessing not only severity of comorbidities in 22q11DS, but also the medical, welfare, and educational challenges for parental mental health.
Rapid Generation of 2‐Acyl‐4‐phenyltetralones from 1,1‐Diacylphenylcyclopropanes
Authors: Henneveld Jackson S. , Gilmer Selena C. L. , Lucas Nigel T. , Hawkins Bill C.
Published: September 2021

A rapid and facile method of accessing 4‐phenyl‐β‐keto‐α‐tetralones is reported. The key homo‐Nazarov cyclization was achieved via treatment of the preceding phenylcyclopropane with TiCl4 at below ambient temperatures. In contrast to previous work, which was limited to electron‐rich substrates, the present transformations proceeded without heating and were applicable to an electronically broad range of substrates. Furthermore, a mechanistically novel reaction afforded an unexpected γ‐diarylketone as well as a rearranged regioisomer of the expected α‐tetralone.
General, Metal‐free Synthesis of Carbon Nanofiber Assemblies from Plant Oils
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Li Xinzhe , Antonietti Markus
Published: September 2021

We designed a metal‐free synthesis of carbon nanofiber based on ketene chemistry using phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and vegetable oil. Based on the characterization of intermediates, P2O5‐oil reaction yielded most possibly alkylketenes, which polymerized into poly(ketene) with abundant enol groups. The enol groups further reacted with P2O5, forcing the poly(ketene) to assemble into a nano‐sized preassembly structure. Moderate heating transforms these structures into carbonaceaus nanofibers. This approach is applicable to other chemicals with similar structure to vegetable oil. The carbon nanofibers with P‐O‐C functionalization show relatively high graphitization degree and promising textural properties. The C‐O‐P environment accounts for 66 at % of the total P and creates a superior thermal stability. As a model application, a CDI system built of a carbon‐nanofiber‐based electrode countered by an activated carbon‐based electrode exhibited exceptional performance.
Synthesis of zwitterionic polymer and its application in textile stiffening finish
Authors: Yu Xia , Min Jie , Dai Xianghui , Pan Jian Jun , Zhang Xiaoting
Published: September 2021

Development of formaldehyde‐free stiffening finish agents is highly desirable in modern environmental‐friendly textile chemical processing technologies. Herein, two zwitterionic monomers are synthesized and used to synthesize a series of acrylate soap‐free emulsions. The prepared acrylate soap‐free emulsion was analyzed by nanoparticle size analyzer to determine grain size and PDI. The properties of polymer film obtained from emulsion were characterized by IR, DSC, and DMA. The results showed that zwitterionic monomer in acrylate emulsion can greatly improve the glass transition temperature (Tg) and initial tensile modulus of polymer film, and that ambient temperature had little effect on initial tensile modulus. It was found that when the amount of zwitterionic monomer is 3% of the total monomer dosage, the synthesized polymer emulsion can achieve the same stiffening effect as that of commercial stiffening agents. Meanwhile, the stiffness of finished fabric is less affected by the change in ambient temperature. The effective Tg increase and high initial tensile modulus of these zwitterionic polymers demonstrate their applicability in stiffening finish for seat belts.
Water‐assisted melt processing of cellulose biocomposites with poly(ε‐caprolactone) or poly(ethylene‐acrylic acid) for the production of carton screw caps
Authors: Venkatesh Abhijit , Forsgren Lilian , Avella Angelica , Banke Karl , Wahlberg Jan , Vilaseca Fabiola , Lo Re Giada , Boldizar Antal
Published: September 2021

Composites in 25 kg batches were compounded of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and shaped into caps at industrial facilities on a pilot‐plant scale. Some of the material was also injection molded into plaques to compare the effect of laboratory‐scale and pilot‐scale compounding of poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid) (EAA7) and poly(caprolactone) composites reinforced with 10 wt% CNC and TMP. The materials compounded under laboratory‐scale conditions showed a different morphology, improved mechanical properties, and a higher viscosity, than the materials compounded on a pilot‐scale. In some cases, the rheological properties of the melts indicated the presence of a relatively strong percolating cellulosic network, and the interphase region between the cellulose and the matrix appears to be important for the mechanical performance of the composites. After the compounding on a pilot scale, both the length and width of the pulp fibers was reduced. The TMP provided better reinforcement than the CNC possibly due to the higher aspect ratio.
Reactive extrusion of biodegradable PGA/PBAT blends to enhance flexibility and gas barrier properties
Authors: Ellingford Christopher , Samantaray Paresh Kumar , Farris Stefano , McNally Tony , Tan Bowen , Sun Zhaoyang , Huang Weijie , Ji Yang , Wan Chaoying
Published: September 2021

Among commercial biodegradable polyesters, poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) has been rarely investigated for packaging applications, despite its unique advantages such as 100% compostability, high degree of crystallinity, high thermal stability and high gas barrier properties. The application of PGA has been limited by its mechanical brittleness, moisture sensitivity, and high melting temperature (~240°C), restricting its processing and applications for film packaging. In this study, PGA was modified by blending with poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) via melt‐extrusion. A commercial terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester and glycidyl methacrylate (EMA‐GMA) was selected for compatibilization. The phase morphology, rheology, thermal, mechanical and gas barrier properties of the blends were investigated. With addition of 20 wt. % EMA‐GMA, the elongation of PGA/PBAT (50/50 wt. %) blends was improved from 10.7% to 145%, the oxygen permeability was reduced from 125 to 103 (cm3 mm)/(m2 24 h atm), and the water vapor barrier performance was improved by ~47%. The enhancement in ductility, oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of the flexible blends were ascribed to the interfacial bonding between PBAT and PGA enabled by EMA‐GMA. The compatibilized PGA/PBAT blends with high thermal stability up to 300°C are preferable for high temperature or hot food packaging.
Polypropylene‐based soft ternary blends for power cable insulation at low‐to‐high temperature
Authors: Hong Shin‐Ki , Lee Seong Hwan , Han Jin Ah , Ahn Myung Sang , Park Hoyyul , Han Se Won , Lee Dae Ho , Yu Seunggun
Published: September 2021

Although cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) has been widely used as a power cable insulation material in electricity infrastructure for decades, it is necessary to find alternatives that exhibit higher performance than XLPE to meet the increasing demand of the industry. To this end, polypropylene (PP) ternary blends that are soft and exhibit high temperature stability were fabricated by melt blending isotactic PP, ethylene‐1‐octene polyolefin elastomer and ethylene‐propylene random copolymer. These blends exhibited improved higher impact resistance at low temperatures (−40°C) and room temperature than pristine iPP. The blends were mechanically stable even when the temperature was increased to ~120°C, unlike XLPE that exhibited rapid degradation of its modulus above ~90°C. Moreover, the soft ternary blends exhibited increased direct current volume resistivity and breakdown strength. Our work realizes the development of high‐performance insulators for power cables that can be used over a wide range of temperatures from cold to hot environments.
Melt behavior of polypropylene‐co‐ethylene composites filled with dual component of sago and kenaf natural filler
Authors: Rahim Nor Azura Abdul , Xian Loo Yu , Munusamy Yamuna , Zakaria Zunaida , Ramarad Suganti
Published: September 2021

A dual component natural filler system featuring discrete function appears to be suitable for modulating smooth flow of pseudo‐plastic into formulated biodegradable polymer composite. Polypropylene‐co‐ethylene (PPcoE) filled with sago starch and different kenaf powder loadings were compounded using co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder to produce dual component polymer composite. The flow characteristics of the composites were measured using capillary rheometer and Bagley corrections were performed to achieve the true rheological data. In addition, data collected from the twin‐screw extruder were used to calculate the composite apparent rheological value. The flow properties of PPcoE filled with sago starch (PPcoE/sago) exhibited deviation from the common non‐Newtonian thermoplastic flow paths at high shear rates. Interestingly, the addition of kenaf powder into the PPcoE/sago starch blend stabilized the melted composite flow stream. The calculation of interfacial tension revealed that the flow corrections were related to the phase selective localization of kenaf particle, which preferably embedded between the sago particles rather than in the surrounding PPcoE phase thus reducing the effect of sago clustering. At higher extrusion temperature, the extruded composite indicated sign of flow instability due to factors of high amount of kenaf powder loading and the degradation of sago starch and PPcoE chains.
Performance of the 2017 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology/American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies in Patients With Myositis‐Specific Autoantibodies
Authors: Casal‐Dominguez Maria , Pinal‐Fernandez Iago , Pak Katherine , Huang Wilson , Selva‐O'Callaghan Albert , Albayda Jemima , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Paik Julie J. , Tiniakou Eleni , Mecoli Christopher A. , Lloyd Thomas E. , Danoff Sonye K. , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Mammen Andrew L.
Published: September 2021

Objective

We undertook this study to 1) determine the sensitivity of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) to properly classify myositis‐specific autoantibody (MSA)–positive myositis patients, 2) describe the phenotype and muscle involvement over time in different MSA‐positive patients, and 3) compare MSA subgroups to EULAR/ACR criteria–defined myositis subgroups for their capacity to predict clinical phenotypes in patients with IIMs.

Methods

The study included 524 MSA‐positive myositis patients from the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center. Each patient was classified using the EULAR/ACR classification criteria. Patient phenotypes were summarized using factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD). We compared the ability of MSAs to that of the EULAR/ACR classification subgroups to predict the phenotype of patients by applying the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian information criteria (BIC) to the linear regression models.

Results

Overall, 91% of MSA‐positive patients met the EULAR/ACR criteria to be classified as having myositis. However, 20% of patients with anti–hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (anti‐HMGCR) and 50% of patients with anti–PL‐7 were incorrectly classified as not having myositis. Furthermore, ~10% of patients with anti–signal recognition particle (anti‐SRP) and patients with anti‐HMGCR were misclassified as having inclusion body myositis. FAMD demonstrated that patients within each MSA‐defined subgroup had similar phenotypes. Application of both the AIC and BIC to the linear regression models revealed that MSAs were better predictors of myositis phenotypes than the subgroups defined by the EULAR/ACR criteria.

Conclusion

Although the EULAR/ACR criteria successfully classified 91% of MSA‐positive myositis patients, certain MSA‐defined subgroups, including those with autoantibodies against HMGCR, SRP, and PL‐7, are frequently misclassified. In myositis patients with MSAs, autoantibodies outperform the EULAR/ACR‐defined myositis subgroups in predicting the clinical phenotypes of patients. These findings underscore the need to include MSAs in a revised myositis classification scheme.
Designing microfluidic devices for behavioral screening of multiple zebrafish larvae
Authors: Khalili Arezoo , van Wijngaarden Ellen , Youssef Khaled , Zoidl Georg R. , Rezai Pouya
Published: September 2021

Background

Microfluidic devices are being used for phenotypic screening of zebrafish larvae in fundamental and pre‐clinical research. A challenge for the broad use of these microfluidic devices is their low throughput, especially in behavioral assays. Previously, we introduced the tail locomotion of a semi‐mobile zebrafish larva evoked on‐demand with electric signal in a microfluidic device. Here, we report the lessons learned for increasing the number of specimens from one to four larvae in this device.

Methods and Results

Multiple parameters including loading and testing time per fish and loading and orientation efficiencies were refined to optimize the performance of modified designs. Flow and electric field simulations within the final device provided insight into the flow behavior and functionality of traps when compared to previous single‐larva devices. Outcomes led to a new design which decreased the testing time per larva by ≈60%. Further, loading and orientation efficiencies increased by more than 80%. Critical behavioral parameters such as response duration and tail beat frequency were similar in both single and quadruple‐fish devices.

Conclusion

The developed microfluidic device has significant advantages for greater throughput and efficiency when behavioral phenotyping is required in various applications, including chemical testing in toxicology and gene screening.