bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic Approach to Low‐Dimensional Perovskite Enveloping of Internal Interfaces and Grain Boundaries in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Chenghao , Xie Lin , Yang Jie , Wei Kun , Wu Tai , Wang Linqin , Sun Licheng , Zhang Jinbao , Hua Yong
Published: February 2024

To elevate the performance and durability of perovskite solar cells, a holistic approach to mitigating defects throughout the device is essential. While advancements in refining top interfaces have been significant, the potential of stabilizing buried interfaces and grain boundaries has not been fully tapped. The research underscores the transformative impact of guanidine phosphate (GP), a chemical agent that converts surplus PbI2 into a low‐dimensional perovskite, thus reinforcing the stability of both buried interfaces and grain boundaries. Employing GP on quantum dot tin dioxide (QD‐SnO2) surfaces revealed an exceptional grain wrapping effect at these critical junctures, as revealed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. This novel low‐dimensional perovskite enveloping strategy not only passivates the grain boundaries but also delays the cooling of hot carriers, thereby diminishing charge carrier recombination. This strategy exhibits an enhanced power conversion efficiency, rising from 23.16% to 24.55%. Moreover, the modified device sustains over 90% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h of maximum power point tracking under one sun illumination and maintain 90% efficiency after 1400 h in moderate humidity, all achieved without the encapsulation. This breakthrough points to a robust method for augmenting perovskite solar cell, promising a more durable, and efficient solar energy.
Digital Light Processing of Soft Robotic Gripper with High Toughness and Self‐Healing Capability Achieved by Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Huang Cong‐Wei , Wen Si‐Chun , Hsiao Chuan‐Hsun , Zhang Chen‐Zhen , Lin Kuan‐Chung , Yu Sheng‐Sheng
Published: February 2024

Inspired by nature's flexible and adaptable organisms, soft robotics are motorless robots made from highly compliant materials to work in confined environments and manipulate delicate objects. However, soft robots often suffer from early failure because of unexpected damage. At the same time, it is challenging to manufacture the geometrically complex structures of soft robots. This study introduces resins based on deep eutectic solvents (DES) to fabricate a pneumatically driven soft gripper using digital light processing (DLP). The resins consist of choline chloride (ChCl) as a hydrogen bond acceptor, glycerol (Gly), and acrylamide (AAm) as hydrogen bond donors. By utilizing the intense hydrogen bonding within DES, the resin can be rapidly cured by photopolymerization to form tough ionogels without chemical crosslinkers. The DES ionogels exhibit remarkable toughness and self‐healing performance compared to common hydrogels. Furthermore, the ionogels show not only efficient energy‐dissipating behavior but also achieve rapid self‐recovery. Finally, the DLP‐printed soft gripper from the DES‐based resin performs successful actuation and healing of macroscopic damages. This work presents a simple strategy to 3D print a soft robotic gripper with high toughness and self‐healing capability.
Simultaneous Segment Orientation and Anchoring for Robust Hydrogel Coating with Underwater Superoleophobicity
Authors: Jiang Xusheng , Xu Xiubin , Xia Zhaoji , Lin Dian , Chen Yanting , Wang Yaozhi , Yu Danfeng , Wu Xu , Zeng Hongbo
Published: February 2024

Underwater adhesive superoleophobic coatings are in high demand for underwater activities. However, hydrogel coatings have limited adhesiveness for long periods. In this work, a novel approach is presented that employs synergistic segment orientation and covalent anchoring strategies to fabricate superoleophobic hydrogel coatings on different substrates without prior surface treatments. The coating demonstrated remarkable long‐lasting superoleophobic properties even in extreme underwater environments. It also exhibited strong adhesion with a shear strength of up to 5 MPa and antiswelling and antibiofouling properties, making it highly effective for applications in antiliquid adhesion, crude oil self‐cleaning, and antibiofouling. The simplicity, ease of preparation, and exceptional performance of the hydrogel coating provide a notable example for the synergistic segment orientation and covalent anchoring of hydrogel‐based underwater coatings. Therefore, this study provides a new paradigm for designing straightforward surface‐functional materials.
Janus Nanofiber Membranes with Photothermal‐Enhanced Biofluid Drainage and Sterilization for Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Yu Nuo , Ren Qian , Niu Shining , Zhu Liqiong , Hong Ling , Cui Kangle , Wang Xiao , Jiang Weizhong , Wen Mei , Chen Zhigang
Published: February 2024

Diabetic wounds are difficult to heal, and the key to wound healing is exudate management and effective disinfection. Inspired by the asymmetric wettability of Janus‐structured lotus leaves, herein the study has presented the design of a biomimetic asymmetric Janus membrane that integrates unidirectional biofluid drainage and photothermal‐enhanced evaporation/sterilization capabilities for accelerating diabetic wound healing. This Janus membrane is prepared by electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membrane containing polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven membrane. Such PP/PANx%PDA Janus membrane enables antigravity “pumping” of the water from the hydrophobic PP layer to the hydrophilic PANx%PDA layer within 22 s through contact points on the Janus interface. The incorporation of 30 wt% PDA in PAN imparts high photoabsorption and photothermal responsiveness, facilitating continuous volatilization of the exudate, achieving twice the displacement of water, and causing irreversible damage to bacteria. As a result, it effectively alleviates inflammation and cellular fibrosis while promoting collagen deposition due to its structure and antibacterial properties. Impressively, such photothermal‐enhanced Janus membrane achieves an impressive closure rate of 96.7% for diabetic wounds, better than that of (59.8%) for conventional bandages. Therefore, this asymmetric Janus membrane offers a promising alternative for the healing of chronic diabetic wounds.
Selective CO2‐to‐CO Conversion Enabled by Ultrathin Nitrogen‐Modified Graphene Confined Cobalt–Cobalt Oxide Nanocomposites with Prominent Electron Synergy
Authors: Bi Qingyuan , Luo Rui , Zeng Mengqi , Deng Xinyue , Wang Jinyu , Hao Weiju , Hu Keyan , Fan Jinchen , Li Guisheng , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2024

Developing and fabricating cost‐effective materials for efficient thermocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO under mild conditions is a promising and practical way to sustainable and green low‐carbon energy systems, which remains a challenge. Herein, a facile high‐temperature pyrolysis strategy for the synthesis of efficient ultrathin nitrogen‐modified graphene confined cobalt oxide (CoOx@NG) nanocomposites with prominent electron synergistic effect on inner Co─CoO core and confinement of N‐modified graphene shell is reported. The electronic and/or geometric structures of active metallic Co and coordinatively unsaturated CoO species are modulated by the graphene confinement effect. The electron‐rich N dopant in the graphene shell enhances the surface electron density of the catalyst, thus regulating the adsorption of acidic CO2 molecules. The engineered CoOx@NG shows an outstanding selective CO2‐to‐CO efficiency, with a conversion of 19.5% and a near full CO selectivity at 523 K as well as excellent stability for 150 h on stream. Moreover, the in‐depth insights into the material microstructure, electron synergy, structure‐activity relationships, key intermediate species, and a three‐step reaction mechanism involving the rate‐determining step of C═O bond cleavage for critical *C═O species via 13CO2 isotope and in situ spectroscopy are also demonstrated.
Defect Passivation Toward Designing High‐Performance Fluorinated Polymers for Liquid–Solid Contact‐Electrification and Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis
Authors: Li Xiao‐Fen , Berbille Andy , Wang Tian‐Yu , Zhao Xin , Li Shunning , Su Yusen , Li Huifan , Zhang Guixin , Wang Ziming , Zhu Laipan , Liu Jianbo , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2024

Contact‐electrification at solid–liquid interfaces (SL‐CE) and contact‐electro‐catalysis (CEC) are two blooming research areas with promising applications in sustainable energy, sensing, and chemical processes. However, prior research has neglected the impact of electronic defects on the ability of high‐performance tribo‐materials, like fluorinated polymers, to perform SL‐CE/CEC. Here, through first‐principle calculations, the addition of surface functional groups to fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) enables the tuning of its molecular orbitals' positions, and displacing deep‐level defect states from the HOMO‐LUMO gap is shown. Thereafter, FEP films are modified accordingly by plasma etching; resulting in a significant performance improvement of up to 202% (charge) in SL‐CE experiments, and up to 398% (kinetic rate) in CEC dye degradation. This study provides a theoretical and experimental framework to design high‐performance materials for SL‐CE and CEC, and insights into their physical mechanisms and defect passivation, which are all fundamental for the advancement of these fields.
Self‐Organization of Long‐Lasting Human Endothelial Capillary‐Like Networks Guided by DLP Bioprinting
Authors: Mazari‐Arrighi Elsa , Lépine Matthieu , Ayollo Dmitry , Faivre Lionel , Larghero Jérôme , Chatelain François , Fuchs Alexandra
Published: February 2024

Tissue engineering holds great promise for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and as an alternative to animal models. However, as soon as the dimensions of engineered tissue exceed the diffusion limit of oxygen and nutriments, a necrotic core forms leading to irreversible damage. To overcome this constraint, the establishment of a functional perfusion network is essential. In this work, digital light processing bioprinting is used to encapsulate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in 3D light‐cured hydrogel scaffolds to guide them toward vascular network formation. In these scaffolds, EPCs proliferate and self‐organize within a few days into branched tubular structures with predefined geometry, forming capillary‐like vascular tubes or trees of diameters in the range of 10 to 100 µm. Presenting a confluent monolayer wall of cells strongly connect by tight junctions around a central lumen‐like space, these structures can be microinjected with a fluorescent dye and are stable for several weeks in vitro. These endothelial structures can be recovered and manipulated in an alginate patch without altering their shape or viability. This approach opens new opportunities for future applications, such as stacking with other cell sheets or multicellular constructs to yield bioengineered tissue with higher complexity and functionality.
Multi‐Domain Detection Computational Imaging via Reconfigurable Metasurfaces MIMO System
Authors: Tian Jianghao , Cao Xiangyu , Yang Huanhuan , Li Tong , Li Sijia
Published: February 2024

A reconfigurable transmission metasurfaces (RTMs) excited by a multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO)( RTMs‐MIMO) antenna is designed to implement multi‐domain metamaterial computational imaging (MCI). Based on the receiver‐transmitter metasurfaces structure, four PIN diodes are applied to control the operating state of the RTMs. It enables arbitrary switching among four polarization transmission waves. A reverse‐induced current can be generated by adjusting the PIN diodes in the symmetrical position, resulting in a perfect 1‐bit phase modulation with a 3dB‐loss bandwidth of 15.38~19.89 GHz. A microstrip antenna with mushroom‐shaped parasitic patches is employed to implement the MIMO feeds. The ‐10dB bandwidth of MIMO antenna is compatible with the RTMs, and the maximum envelope correlation coefficient of 0.16 demonstrates good isolation between the MIMO feeds. In the MCI system constructed by the RTMs‐MIMO antennas, a transmission matrix H can be achieved by MIMO space beams, metasurfaces phase, metasurfaces polarization, and frequency modes. The correlation coefficient µg = 0.018 is achieved by the multi‐domain integration, allowing H to be highly non‐correlated. Based on the detection results of H, an imaging result with a relative reconstruction error of 0.372 is achieved. The designed MCI system therefore has unparalleled application prospects in the broad field of medical and military detection.
Graphene‐Based Flexible Optically Transparent Dual‐Tunable Metasurface
Authors: Yang Fulong , Xu Huan , Zhu Xiaoqing , Wang Dayu , Zhang Yongxia , Feng Zhe
Published: February 2024

Dynamically tunable flexible metasurfaces with optical transparency are essentially useful in stealth, electromagnetic sensing, and camouflage while keeping continuous optical observation and communication. In this paper, a dual‐tunable graphene‐based metasurface is designed based on patterned graphene sandwich structures, showing independent dynamic control of reflection amplitude and resonance frequency, excellent optical transparency, and outstanding flexibility. Both the simulated and measured results demonstrate that the transition from dual band absorption at 12 and 24.8 GHz to broad band absorption from 10 to 25.7 GHz, and the absorption amplitude can be tuned between −5 and −15 dB on average in each case dynamically and independently by applying bias voltage to graphene layers. Lastly, the distributions of the induced electric field and surface currents, as well as an equivalent circuit model, are provided to illustrate the tunable electromagnetic absorption mechanism. The designed metasurface has potential applications that are speculated in the fields of electromagnetic tune and electromagnetic stealth.
Artificial Optoelectronic Synapses Based on Light‐Controllable Ferroelectric Semiconductor Memristor
Authors: Hu Yu‐Qing , Xu Wen , Liu Ning‐Tao , Li Yun‐Kangqi , Deng Xing , Guan Zhao , Zheng Yu‐Fan , Yang Shuai , Huang Rong , Yue Fang‐Yu , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Peng Hui , Chen Bin‐Bin , Zhong Ni , Xiang Ping‐Hua , Duan Chun‐Gang
Published: February 2024

Numerous synaptic devices have been explored for the next generation of energy‐efficient computing techniques. Among them, optoelectronic synaptic devices based on semiconductor/ferroelectric heterostructures have received a lot of attention lately due to their amazing parallelism, efficiency, and fault tolerance properties. However, polarizing the ferroelectric layer or gating the dielectric layer is necessary to achieve tunable synaptic functions, which generally causes an increase in energy consumption and complex manufacturing processes. Here, a simple and efficient method is demonstrated to develop a tunable optoelectronic synaptic device based on a single ferroelectric semiconductor, BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 (BF‐BT). Multi‐essential synaptic functions including short‐term plasticity, paired‐pulse facilitation, and long‐term plasticity are all satisfactorily replicated by the memristor device. More significantly, light‐controllable synaptic behaviors are realized by altering the ferroelectric polarization state of BF‐BT. Synaptic devices’ relaxation characteristics enable simulation of the effects of positive/negative emotions on learning and forgetting processes. This study highlights the potential of the ferroelectric semiconductor memristor in constructing the efficient optoelectronic synapses for future neuromorphic electronics with the ability to learn and sense optical information.
Dynamic Fluorescent Metal–Organic Frameworks Utilizing a Flexible Saddle‐Like 3D Linker
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Miao , Shen Zhan , Wu Miaomiao , Luo Xu‐Feng , Su Jian , Zhang Gen
Published: February 2024

Designing single‐component fluorochromic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with multiple stages presents a significant challenge in the field of functional and smart MOFs. In this study, this challenge is successfully addressed by designing and synthesizing a novel ligand called cyclooctatetrathiophene‐tetrapyridine (COTTTP), and incorporating it into 3D MOFs known as Zn/Cd‐COTTTP. By exploiting the intrinsic properties of COTTTP, specifically its ability to undergo geometry changes from a bent form to a more planar form, both COTTTP as an individual molecule and the resulting Zn/Cd‐COTTTP MOFs exhibit similar fluorochromic behavior. This behavior manifests as a color change from yellow to orange to red. Characterization techniques such as single crystal X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state UV–vis and near‐infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to investigate and confirm the geometry change of COTTTP within the MOF structures. Furthermore, the introduction of an auxiliary rigid ligand to the system is explored, which effectively restricts the geometry change of COTTTP and subsequently diminishes the fluorochromic behavior. This work sheds new light on the design and application of smart porous materials, particularly in the realm of single‐component fluorochromic MOFs. The successful incorporation of COTTTP and the understanding of its geometry change provide insights into the development of functional and responsive MOFs for various applications.
Gate‐Modulated Polarity Transition and Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetection Enabled by Sandwiching Anisotropic GeSe in vdW Heterojunction
Authors: Jiang Meihua , Zheng Tao , Zhang Jielian , Li Zhongming , Deng Qunrui , Pan Yuan , Gao Wei , Yang Yujue , Li Jingbo , Huo Nengjie
Published: February 2024

The ability to modulate the polarity of carrier transport and photo‐response in assembled heterostructure devices remains a huge challenge for the development of multifunctional optoelectronics. Herein, a polarity‐switchable and polarization‐sensitive photodetector is developed based on a van der Waals (vdW) MoTe2/GeSe/MoS2 sandwich heterostructure. By varying the gate voltage, an anti‐bipolar transfer characteristic is obtained with significant peak‐valley current ratio (PVCR) exceeding 104, showing the extraordinary potential to realize electronic functions in logic circuits. Under 635 nm laser irradiation, the device exhibits a gate‐controlled polarity transition of photocurrent, namely, the sign reversal of photocurrent occurs by changing the gate voltage. Furthermore, the device achieves broadband photovoltaic effect and high photodetection performance with responsivity (R) of 723 mA·W−1, noise spectral density (Sn) of 1 fA Hz−1/2, and specific detectivity (D*) of 2.3×1012 Jones in the absence of external bias, which greatly outperforms the MoTe2/MoS2 device. Leveraging the in‐plane anisotropic structure of GeSe, the device is also endowed with an additional capability of polarization‐sensing for linearly polarized laser, possessing a high polarization ratio (PR) value of 11.2. Thus, this work proposes an effective and facile strategy to realize the gate‐modulated polarity transition and polarization‐sensitive photodetection, offering a broad perspective for multifunctional integrated applications.
1D Tin(II)‐Based Chiral Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals with Extremely Distorted Inorganic Chains for Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Tao Kezheng , Li Qiang , Yan Qingfeng
Published: February 2024

The organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides with chiral structures have attracted great attentions in the field of optoelectronic functional materials, especially for nonlinear optics. To date, second harmonic generation (SHG) properties of several classes of chiral hybrid halides with different metal ions have been reported. However, SHG‐active tin(II)‐based chiral materials are rarely explored, hindering deep understandings of the relationship between their structures and SHG properties. Herein, Sn2+ ions are successfully introduced into chiral hybrid perovskites, and four new species of chiral hybrid perovskites (R/S‐α‐PEA)SnX3 (X = Cl and Br, PEA = phenylethylammonium) are obtained. The as‐grown crystals are in P212121 space group, with highly distorted [SnX6] octahedral units forming 1D chain structures in the lattice, due to the effect of stereochemically active lone pair 5s2 electrons in Sn2+. Such crystals have an SHG response of ≈1.4× Y‐cut α‐quartz for (S‐α‐PEA)SnBr3 and ≈0.9× Y‐cut α‐quartz for (S‐α‐PEA)SnCl3 at 1020 nm excitation, with high polarization ratio of SHG signals as well as wide bandgaps and transparency windows in the meanwhile. This work opens up a new platform for discovering more novel tin(II)‐based chiral perovskites with superior nonlinear optical properties in the future.
Catalytic Orthogonal Glycosylation Enabled by Enynal‐Derived Copper Carbenes
Authors: Pratap Singh Surya , Ghosh Bidhan , Sharma Indrajeet
Published: February 2024

Herein, we present an approach for catalytic orthogonal glycosylation utilizing earth‐abundant copper carbenes. This method operates under mild conditions and employs readily accessible starting materials, including benchtop stable enynal‐derived glycosyl donors, synthesized at the gram scale. The reaction accommodates a variety of glycosyl acceptors, including primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. The enynal‐derived copper carbenes exhibit remarkable reactivity and selectivity, allowing for the formation of glycosidic linkages with different protecting groups and stereochemical patterns. This approach provides access to both 1,2‐cis‐ and ‐trans‐glycosidic linkages. The product stereoselectivity is independent of the anomeric configuration of the glycosyl donor, which also has orthogonal reactivity to widely used alkynes and thioglycoside donors. An iterative synthesis of a trisaccharide further demonstrates the application of this orthogonal reactivity.
Highly Flexible and Sensitive Pressure Sensor: Fabrication of Porous PDMS/Graphene Composite via Laser Thermoforming
Authors: Guo Dingyi , Lei Xiao , Chen Haobing , Yi Longju , Li Yunfan , Zhao Yilin , Liu Feng , Cheng Gary J.
Published: February 2024

Flexible pressure sensors employing porous polymer materials are renowned for their superior sensing capabilities, attributed to the inherently low stiffness of porous polymers. The practical utilization of such sensors hinges on the development of a straightforward, cost‐effective, and patternable method for preparing porous polymer materials. In this research, a novel laser thermoforming process is introduced to craft a porous Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, leveraging carbon black (CB) as an endothermic agent and glucose as a porogen. The resulting porous PDMS film serves as the foundation for a remarkably sensitive flexible piezoresistive sensor. Owing to the inherent flexibility endowed by the porous structure, the porous PDMS‐based pressure sensor achieves a remarkable sensitivity of 109.4 kPa−1 within 0–200 Pa, an effective measurement span of 0–100 kPa, rapid response and recovery times of 79 and 55 ms, and impressive stability over 5000 cycles. The sensor's utility extends to applications such as human pulse monitoring, Morse coding, and robot claw sensing, underscoring its promise in the realm of flexible electronics. In summary, the laser thermoforming process realizes the one‐step, economical, and patternable preparation of porous polymer materials, and introduces a novel avenue for the realization of high‐performance flexible sensors based on thermally cured porous polymers.
The Evolution of Technology‐Driven In Vitro Models for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: De Vitis Eleonora , Stanzione Antonella , Romano Alessandro , Quattrini Angelo , Gigli Giuseppe , Moroni Lorenzo , Gervaso Francesca , Polini Alessandro
Published: February 2024

The alteration in the neural circuits of both central and peripheral nervous systems is closely related to the onset of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Despite significant research efforts, the knowledge regarding NDD pathological processes, and the development of efficacious drugs are still limited due to the inability to access and reproduce the components of the nervous system and its intricate microenvironment. 2D culture systems are too simplistic to accurately represent the more complex and dynamic situation of cells in vivo and have therefore been surpassed by 3D systems. However, both models suffer from various limitations that can be overcome by employing two innovative technologies: organ‐on‐chip and 3D printing. In this review, an overview of the advantages and shortcomings of both microfluidic platforms and extracellular matrix‐like biomaterials will be given. Then, the combination of microfluidics and hydrogels as a new synergistic approach to study neural disorders by analyzing the latest advances in 3D brain‐on‐chip for neurodegenerative research will be explored.
Fluid Oscillation‐Driven Bi‐Directional Air Turbine Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting
Authors: Yang Shaohui , Zhang Chengzhuo , Du Zhichang , Tu Yongqiang , Dai Xianggang , Huang Yan , Fan Jianyu , Hong Zhanyong , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2024

Ocean wave energy is one of the important renewable energy sources. However, random, low‐frequency, and micro‐amplitude characteristics of ocean waves make it difficult for traditional electromagnetic generators to collect wave energy efficiently. The emergence of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) provides an extremely effective technical means for the collection of low‐frequency and micro‐amplitude wave energy. In this work, a non‐contact turntable‐structured oscillating water column TENG (OWC‐TENG) is designed by combining an OWC wave energy conversion mechanism with a TENG for the first time. The OWC is optimized through simulation experiments according to the principles of ship hydrostatics and wave theory. The output performances of the OWC‐TENGs with different structural parameters under different water wave excitation conditions are then tested. The TENG delivers a maximum output current of 55.45 µA and an output power of 5.28 mW, which corresponds to a power density of 114.8 W m−3, enabling a stable power supply for small sensors at sea. This work provides a new solution to the efficient collection of low‐frequency micro‐amplitude ocean wave energy for powering various offshore equipments, presenting broad application prospects in ocean blue energy development and offshore Internet of Things.
Recent Progress of Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia on Copper‐Based Catalysts: From Nanoparticles to Single Atoms
Authors: Yu Zixun , Gu Mingyao , Wang Yangyang , Li Hao , Chen Yuan , Wei Li
Published: February 2024

Ammonia (NH3) is a vital chemical for modern human society. It is conventionally produced by the energy‐ and emission‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. Alternatively, sustainable NH3 production from renewable electricity‐driven electrolyzers has emerged as a promising route. Particularly, NH3 synthesis from nitrate (NO3−), a common pollutant in water and soil, by the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) has drawn wide attention. Among various catalysts demonstrated recently, copper (Cu)‐based catalysts have been recognized as attractive candidates due to their availability, good activity, high NH3 selectivity, and facile reaction kinetics. In this review, the recent progress of Cu‐based NO3RR catalysts from the reaction mechanistic fundamentals to various catalyst design strategies, aiming at providing an on‐time summary, is summarized, and perspectives that can guide the rational and on‐demand design of Cu‐ and other earth‐abundant metal‐based catalysts for selective NO3RR toward sustainable NH3 production are elucidated.
Experimental Estimation of Gap Thickness and Electrostatic Forces Between Contacting Surfaces Under Electroadhesion
Authors: AliAbbasi Easa , Martinsen Ørjan Grottem , Pettersen Fred‐Johan , Colgate James Edward , Basdogan Cagatay
Published: February 2024

Electroadhesion (EA) is a promising technology with potential applications in robotics, automation, space missions, textiles, tactile displays, and some other fields where efficient and versatile adhesion is required. However, a comprehensive understanding of the physics behind it is lacking due to the limited development of theoretical models and insufficient experimental data to validate them. This article proposes a new and systematic approach based on electrical impedance measurements to infer the electrostatic forces between two dielectric materials under EA. The proposed approach is applied to tactile displays, where skin and voltage‐induced touchscreen impedances are measured and subtracted from the total impedance to obtain the remaining impedance to estimate the electrostatic forces between the finger and the touchscreen. This approach also marks the first instance of experimental estimation of the average air gap thickness between a human finger and a voltage‐induced capacitive touchscreen. Moreover, the effect of electrode polarization impedance on EA is investigated. Precise measurements of electrical impedances confirm that electrode polarization impedance exists in parallel with the impedance of the air gap, particularly at low frequencies, giving rise to the commonly observed charge leakage phenomenon in EA.
Neopolyploidy has variable effects on the diversity and composition of the wild strawberry microbiome
Authors: Anneberg Thomas J. , Cullen Nevin P. , O'Neill Elizabeth M. , Wei Na , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: February 2024

Premise

Whole‐genome duplication (neopolyploidy) can instantly differentiate the phenotype of neopolyploids from their diploid progenitors. These phenotypic shifts in organs such as roots and leaves could also differentiate the way neopolyploids interact with microbial species. While some studies have addressed how specific microbial interactions are affected by neopolyploidy, we lack an understanding of how genome duplication affects the diversity and composition of microbial communities.

Methods

We performed a common garden experiment with multiple clones of artificially synthesized autotetraploids and their ancestral diploids, derived from 13 genotypes of wild strawberry, Fragaria vesca. We sequenced epiphytic bacteria and fungi from roots and leaves and characterized microbial communities and leaf functional traits.

Results

Autotetraploidy had no effect on bacterial alpha diversity of either organ, but it did have a genotype‐dependent effect on the diversity of fungi on leaves. In contrast, autotetraploidy restructured the community composition of leaf bacteria and had a genotype‐dependent effect on fungal community composition in both organs. The most differentially abundant bacterial taxon on leaves belonged to the Sphingomonas, while a member of the Trichoderma was the most differentially abundant fungal taxon on roots. Ploidy‐induced change in leaf size was strongly correlated with a change in bacterial but not fungal leaf communities.

Conclusions

Genome duplication can immediately alter aspects of the plant microbiome, but this effect varies by host genotype and bacterial and fungal community. Expanding these studies to wild settings where plants are exposed continuously to microbes are needed to confirm the patterns observed here.
Moss functional trait ecology: Trends, gaps, and biases in the current literature
Authors: Coe Kirsten , Carter Benjamin , Slate Mandy , Stanton Daniel
Published: February 2024

Functional traits are critical tools in plant ecology for capturing organism–environment interactions based on trade‐offs and making links between organismal and ecosystem processes. While broad frameworks for functional traits have been developed for vascular plants, we lack the same for bryophytes, despite an escalation in the number of studies on bryophyte functional trait in the last 45 years and an increased recognition of the ecological roles bryophytes play across ecosystems. In this review, we compiled data from 282 published articles (10,005 records) that focused on functional traits measured in mosses and sought to examine trends in types of traits measured, capture taxonomic and geographic breadth of trait coverage, reveal biases in coverage in the current literature, and develop a bryophyte‐function index (BFI) to describe the completeness of current trait coverage and identify global gaps to focus research efforts. The most commonly measured response traits (those related to growth/reproduction in individual organisms) and effect traits (those that directly affect community/ecosystem scale processes) fell into the categories of morphology (e.g., leaf area, shoot height) and nutrient storage/cycling, and our BFI revealed that these data were most commonly collected from temperate and boreal regions of Europe, North America, and East Asia. However, fewer than 10% of known moss species have available functional trait information. Our synthesis revealed a need for research on traits related to ontogeny, sex, and intraspecific plasticity and on co‐measurement of traits related to water relations and bryophyte‐mediated soil processes.
Mediational pathways between aggregate genetic liability and nonfatal suicide attempt: A Swedish population‐based cohort
Authors: Lannoy Séverine , Ohlsson Henrik , Stephenson Mallory , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Edwards Alexis C.
Published: February 2024

Despite recent progress in the genetics of suicidal behavior, the pathway by which genetic liability increases suicide attempt risk is unclear. We investigated the mediational pathways from family/genetic risk for suicide attempt (FGRSSA) to suicide attempt by considering the roles of psychiatric illnesses. In a Swedish cohort, we evaluated time to suicide attempt as a function of FGRSSA and the mediational effects of alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and non‐affective psychosis. Analyses were conducted by sex in three age periods: 15–25 years (Nfemales = 850,278 and Nmales = 899,366), 26–35 years (Nfemales = 800,189 and Nmales = 861,774), and 36–45 years (Nfemales = 498,285 and Nmales = 535,831). The association between FGRSSA and suicide attempt was mediated via psychiatric disorders. The highest mediation effects were observed for alcohol use disorder in males (15–25 years, HRtotal = 1.60 [1.59; 1.62], mediation = 14.4%), drug use disorder in females (25–36 years, HRtotal = 1.46 [1.44; 1.49], mediation = 11.2%), and major depression (25–36 years) in females (HRtotal = 1.46 [1.44; 1.49], mediation = 7%) and males (HRtotal = 1.50 [1.47;1.52], mediation = 4.7%). While the direct effect of FGRSSA was higher at ages of 15–25, the mediation via psychiatric disorders was more prominent in later adulthood. Our study informs about the psychiatric illnesses via which genetic liability operates to impact suicide attempt risk, with distinct contributions according to age and sex.
An Emerging Strategy towards the Iodine‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Streptindole and its Derivatives in Water Medium
Authors: Saini Parul , Nair Abhishek , Elias Anil J.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we propose an alternative metal‐free methodology for the synthesis of Streptindole and its derivatives. This approach employs economically viable and easily handled molecular iodine (I2) as the catalyst in an aqueous medium. The method demonstrates remarkable tolerance towards a diverse array of functional groups. The versatility of the developed protocol is highlighted by its application in the efficient total syntheses of the alkaloid natural products, Streptindole and Arsindoline B accomplished in a single step from indole. Furthermore, the methodology is also useful for the synthesis of pharmaceutically significant compounds, specifically anti‐TMV agents (5 c, 5 d, and 5 e) and an anticancer agent (5 f). Control experiments have been carried out to study the plausible catalytic cycle by finding the key intermediates. The experimental findings support the mechanistic pathway involving halogen bond activation in molecular iodine catalysis.
SN2 Reaction at the Amide Nitrogen Center Enables Hydrazide Synthesis
Authors: Fang Wen , Luo Zhi‐Wen , Wang Ye‐Cheng , Zhou Wei , Li Lei , Chen Yimin , Zhang Xiangke , Dai Mingji , Dai Jian‐Jun
Published: February 2024

Nucleophilic substitutions are fundamentally important transformations in synthetic organic chemistry. Despite the substantial advances in bimolecular nucleophilic substitutions (SN2) at saturated carbon centers, analogous SN2 reaction at the amide nitrogen atom remains extremely limited. Here we report an SN2 substitution method at the amide nitrogen atom with amine nucleophiles for nitrogen–nitrogen (N−N) bond formation that leads to a novel strategy toward biologically and medicinally important hydrazide derivatives. We found the use of sulfonate‐leaving groups at the amide nitrogen atom played a pivotal role in the reaction. This new N−N coupling reaction allows the use of O‐tosyl hydroxamates as electrophiles and readily available amines, including acyclic aliphatic amines and saturated N‐heterocycles as nucleophiles. The reaction features mild conditions, broad substrate scope (>80 examples), excellent functional group tolerability, and scalability. The method is applicable to late‐stage modification of various approved drug molecules, thus enabling complex hydrazide scaffold synthesis.
Graphitic Armor: A Natural Molecular Sieve for Robust Hydrogen Electroxidation
Authors: Chen Hai‐Wen , Cao De‐Quan , Xie Shi‐Jun , Dai Jia‐Jun , Dai Zhi‐Hai , Zhen Chun‐Hua , Li Jian‐Feng , Paulus Beate , Yin Zu‐Wei , Li Jun‐Tao , Zhou Yao , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: February 2024

Carbon coating layers have been found to improve the catalytic performance of transition metals, which is usually explained as an outcome of electronic synergistic effect. Herein we reveal that the defective graphitic carbon, with a unique interlayer gap of 0.342 nm, can be a highly selective natural molecular sieve. It allows efficient diffusion of hydrogen molecules or radicals both along the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane direction, but sterically hinders the diffusion of molecules with larger kinetic diameter (e.g., CO and O2) along the in‐plane direction. As a result, poisonous species lager than 0.342 nm are sieved out, even when their adsorption on the metal is thermodynamically strong; at the same time, the interaction between H2 and the metal is not affected. This natural molecular sieve provides a very chance for constructing robust metal catalysts for hydrogen‐relevant processes, which are more tolerant to chemical or electrochemical oxidation or CO‐relevant poisoning.
Two‐dimensional Cu Plates with Steady Fluid Fields for High‐rate Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia and Efficient Zn‐Nitrate Batteries
Authors: Zhou Limin , Chen Xueqiu , Zhu Shaojun , You Kun , Wang Zheng‐Jun , Fan Ru , Li Jun , Yuan Yifei , Wang Xin , Wang Jichang , Chen Yihuang , Jin Huile , Wang Shun , Lv Jing‐Jing
Published: February 2024

Nitrate electroreduction reaction (eNO3−RR) to ammonia (NH3) provides a promising strategy for nitrogen utilization, while achieving high selectivity and durability at an industrial scale has remained challenging. Herein, we demonstrated that the performance of eNO3−RR could be significantly boosted by introducing two‐dimensional Cu plates as electrocatalysts and eliminating the general carrier gas to construct a steady fluid field. The developed eNO3−RR setup provided superior NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 99 %, exceptional long‐term electrolysis for 120 h at 200 mA cm−2, and a record‐high yield rate of 3.14 mmol cm−2 h−1. Furthermore, the proposed strategy was successfully extended to the Zn‐nitrate battery system, providing a power density of 12.09 mW cm−2 and NH3 FE of 85.4 %, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art eNO3−RR catalysts. Coupled with the COMSOL multiphysics simulations and in situ infrared spectroscopy, the main contributor for the high‐efficiency NH3 production could be the steady fluid field to timely rejuvenate the electrocatalyst surface during the electrocatalysis.
Activating and Identifying the Active Site of RuS2 for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Yang Chaoyi , Yue Jianchao , Wang Guangqin , Luo Wei
Published: February 2024

Searching for highly efficient and economical electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is crucial for the development of alkaline polymer membrane fuel cells. Here, we report a valid strategy to active pyrite‐type RuS2 for alkaline HOR electrocatalysis by introducing sulfur vacancies. The obtained S‐vacancies modified RuS2−x exhibits outperformed HOR activity with a current density of 0.676 mA cm−2 and mass activity of 1.43 mA μg−1, which are 15‐fold and 40‐fold improvement than those of Ru catalyst. In situ Raman spectra demonstrate the formation of S−H bond during the HOR process, identifying the S atom of RuS2−x is the real active site for HOR catalysis. Density functional theory calculations and experimental results including in situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy suggest the introduction of S vacancies can rationally modify the p orbital of S atoms, leading to enhanced binding strength between the S sites and H atoms on the surface of RuS2−x, together with the promoted connectivity of hydrogen‐bonding network and lowered water formation energy, contributes to the enhanced HOR performance.
‘No one believed us: no one came to help’: caregivers' experiences of violence and abuse involving children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Gibbs Anita
Published: February 2024

Child and adolescent‐to‐parent violence and abuse (CAPVA) refers to abusive and violent behaviours by children towards their parents or primary caregivers. The abuse and harmful behaviours can include a full range of physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and material actions over prolonged periods of time, from childhood to young adulthood. Parents and caregivers of children with neuro‐developmental conditions are vulnerable to CAPVA, and little research has been undertaken exploring the experiences of caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). In Aotearoa New Zealand, 56 caregivers were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews, and over half identified significant levels and impacts of CAPVA, including dealing with physical violence and frequent emotional abuse. Health and stress issues were present in all caregivers interviewed. Caregivers also identified how systemic ignorance and a lack of understanding from caring professionals led to parent blaming, a sense of shame and isolation. Yet, caregivers also showed resilience and implemented strategies of de‐escalation and distraction. More specialised practice is needed in this emerging field of family violence and in how to support families with children who have FASD.
Influence of environmentally friendly curing system on properties of railway rubber pad
Authors: He Chunjiang , Chen Chuanzhi , Zhang Guowen , Bai Tao , Ji Yuan , Pei Dingfeng , Gao Ming , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

Improving the aging resistance and elasticity of rubber materials can increase the service life of rubber pads and reduce railway operation costs. The purpose of this work was to improve aging resistance, decrease compression set and ratio of dynamic stiffness to static stiffness (Rd/s) of railway rubber pads by using environmentally friendly accelerators N‐t‐butyl‐2‐benzothiazole sulfenimide (TBSI) and tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide (TBzTD). The influence of the curing system on the properties of rubber pads was assessed using multiple techniques. Compared to sulfur/tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) /N‐cyclohexyl‐2‐benzothiazole sulfenamide (CZ), compression set of S/TBSI/TBZTD decreased to 29.5% from 35.7%, retention of elongation at break after hot air aging increased to 77.7% from 66.1%, and Rd/s decreased to 1.82 from 1.85. Thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analysis indicated that maximum thermal decomposition temperature of TBSI/TBZTD was higher, which was the reason for the good aging resistance and low compression set results. Rubber processing analysis (RPA) demonstrated that the loss factor of TBSI/TBZTD was smaller. The rubber cured by TBSI/TBZTD had a higher crosslinking density and smaller loss factor, which decreased the Rd/s. This study provides a reference for preparing of environmentally friendly rubber pads with a low Rd/s and long service life.
Gallic acid crosslinked peanut protein‐corn starch composite edible films produced at alkaline pH with ultrasound application
Authors: Ertan Kubra , Sahin Serpil , Sumnu Gulum
Published: February 2024

Corn starch and peanut protein blend films were prepared with and without gallic acid addition (0.25%, w/v) at pH 7, 9, and 11 by casting. The ultrasound (160 W, 20 kHz, 10 min) treatment was applied to the film‐forming solutions. This study aimed to develop biopolymer‐based films with gallic acid and to determine the interactions of components at different pHs and with ultrasound. The barrier, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of films were examined. Moreover, structural characterization of films was conducted by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction, and trinitro benzenesulfonic acid assay to enlighten the crosslinking interactions of gallic acid with biopolymers at different pHs. At neutral pH, gallic acid behaved as plasticizer. By acting as a crosslinker at pH 9, gallic acid provided the lowest moisture content, darker and more opaque appearance, enhanced barrier performance and thermal stability. The crosslinking degrees of gallic acid‐enriched films were 49.1% (pH 7), 77% (pH 9), and 67.4% (pH 11). Additionally, gallic acid increased antioxidant capacity. The ultrasonication adversely affected the film properties by breaking bonds in the film structure. Peanut protein‐corn starch‐gallic acid films under mild alkaline conditions exhibited outstanding thermal stability, mechanical durability, light, and water barrier characteristics, making them appropriate for sustainable food packaging applications.
Self‐healing efficiency of cinnamaldehyde‐crosslinked soy protein resins with elongated soy protein microcapsules
Authors: Yong Vuthtyra , Netravali Anil N.
Published: February 2024

Self‐healing green thermoset soy protein isolate (SPI) based resins, crosslinked with cinnamaldehyde (CA), were developed. Self‐healing was achieved using elongated microcapsules (MCs) as against spherical MCs that have been used in most earlier studies. MCs containing SPI solution as healant within poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) shells were prepared using Water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (w/o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation (ESE) technique. Process parameters such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentrations and stirring speed were optimized to obtain elongated MCs. The average aspect ratio of MCs was over four. SPI resins crosslinked with 10% CA (10%CA‐SPI) increased Young's modulus and fracture stress by 54% and 87%, respectively, compared with their noncrosslinked counterpart. The resins containing 15% elongated MCs (15%MC‐10%CA‐SPI) showed self‐healing efficiencies of over 42% in fracture stress and about 35% in toughness recovery, after 24 h of healing. Improvement in self‐healing can be attributed to the high aspect ratio of the MCs that increases the probability of MCs being in the path of the microcracks and releasing the healant. Elongated MCs also contain higher amount of healant than spherical ones of same diameter. Self‐healing resins and composites can not only help prevent their premature failure but also improve their performance as well as service life and safety.