bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Carbazole/Phenol Resonant Partners within Diboron‐Based Multi‐Resonance Emitters Enable High‐Performance Narrowband Green to Red OLEDs
Authors: Miao Jingsheng , Chen Guohao , He Jiawei , Xiao Zhengqi , Song Xiufang , Wang Mengcheng , Huang Manli , Li Kai , Cao Xiaosong , Zou Yang , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2024

Diboron‐based multi‐resonance (MR) molecules featuring para‐B‐π‐B configuration represent a highly promising class of emitters for red and near‐infrared organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The emission spectra of the diboron‐based MR emitters can be fine‐tuned by modulating the carbazole/phenol resonant partners. However, beyond spectral tuning, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between molecular structure, and the overall properties of diboron‐based MR emitters remains elusive. In this work, through meticulous molecular design and precise material synthesis, the study has constructed three new MR emitters and completed the establishment of the diboron‐based MR molecular family involving a carbazole/phenol resonant counterpart. These emitters facilitate a systematic investigation into the comprehensive impact of resonant partners on critical properties beyond spectral tuning, such as thermally activated delayed fluorescence, full‐width at half‐maximum, and horizontal orientation ratio. Eventually, by employing these emitters, high‐performance narrowband emitting OLEDs with maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEmaxs) of 30.2%, 33.0%, and 37.0% are fabricated for the green, yellow, and red devices, respectively, together with exceptional operational lifetimes. In particular, both yellow and red OLEDs exhibit unprecedented low‐efficiency roll‐off, maintaining high EQEs over 30% and 25% at the ultrahigh brightness levels of 10 000 and 100 000 cd m−2, respectively.
Self‐Powered Flexible Sensor Array for Dynamic Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Wu Li , Xue Jiangtao , Meng Jianping , Shi Bojing , Sun Wei , Wang Engui , Dong Mengji , Zheng Xuemei , Wu Yuxiang , Li Yusheng , Li Zhou
Published: March 2024

Flexible pressure sensors are valuable in applications such as electronic skin, smart robots, artificial prosthetics, and wearable electronics. In this study, a fully packaged, flexible, self‐powered, long‐term stable sensor array based on piezoelectrets is developed for pressure monitoring. A pressure sensor with a microcavity structure and a thickness of 500 µm achieved an impressive piezoelectric coefficient of 23.8 pC N−1 and a fast response time of 93 ms. The sensor yielded an output voltage of 0.26 V when subjected to a force using 0.3 g soybeans, and it displayed a remarkable linear relationship (R2 = 0.992) between force and electricity with pressure ranging from 1.4 to 13.6 N and a sensitivity of 9 mV N−1. Real‐time monitoring of sound vibration, radial artery pulse, and finger movement is demonstrated along with the successful recording of dynamic pressure changes within the porcine knee joint. It holds potential for fields such as monitoring pressure changes in the movement of human bodies and robotics and can contribute significantly to pressure assessment during total knee replacement.
Highly Luminescent and Stable Perovskite Quantum Dots Films for Light‐Emitting Devices and Information Encryption
Authors: Ma Cong , Zhang Meiyun , Zhang Jingru , Liao Jianfei , Sun Hao , Ji Dexian , Pang Ruixue , Zhang Hui , Liu Jiawei , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: March 2024

The inherent flexibility and excellent mechanical strength of lead halide perovskite quantum dots (LHP‐QDs) films have attracted much attention in the fields of flexible lighting, displays, non‐planar x‐ray imaging, and wearable optoelectronics. Unfortunately, the complicated synthesis process and poor stability limit its practical applications, hence there is an urgent need to develop a feasible fabrication process for films to attain high device performance. Herein, a molecular level hybridization of bridged polysilsesquioxane (BPSQ) is designed as matrix to harvest both flexibility of organics and stability of inorganics, resulting in improved interfacial compatibility between the CsPbBr3 QDs and the matrix through chemical bond anchoring. The CsPbBr3@3‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane (APTES)@BPSQ films showcase bright narrow‐band photoluminescence, with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 61% and a half‐peak full width at half maximum of <17 nm. Notably, these films demonstrate excellent environmental stability, UV resistance, water stability (experiencing only an 18% decrease in luminescence intensity after 168 h of water immersion), and high‐temperature stability (withstanding temperatures up to 500 K). Furthermore, white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) and anti‐counterfeiting patterns have been fabricated using CsPbBr3@APTES@BPSQ, highlighting their wide application potential in flexible light‐emitting devices and information encryption.
Dynamically Reversible Gelation of Electrolyte for Efficient Wide‐Temperature Adaptable Energy Storage
Authors: Qin Guohui , Zhang Youbin , Qi Zhenguo , He Xiangming
Published: March 2024

Quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes (QSEs) via gelation of liquid electrolytes (LEs) are perspective protocols for constructing ingenious potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to the combined advantages of both liquid and solid state. However, most of QSEs yet researched face a trade‐off among low temperature adaptability and safely high temperature operation. Herein, in situ reversible gelation of Ni‐crosslinked pentaerythritol tetrakis (3‐mercaptopropionate) (PETMP‐Ni) co‐polymerized with tyramine‐modified hyaluronic acid (HA‐Tyr) (PHA) modified B, N modified carbon spheres (BNC) enclosing by red P (RP) is backed with compatible electrode‐electrolyte interface with laponite filler (L). Such high reversible in situ gelation displays high low temperature adaptability by LEs, and extraordinary safety in high temperature steered by QSEs, benefiting from topologic space crowding effect (TSCE) and reverse trap of Ni single atoms (Ni SAs). This work enlightens the missing prospects in constructing reversible in situ sol–gel strategy coupled by topologic space crowding effect and reverse SAs trapping stimulate toward revival hybrid electrode for wide‐temperature adaptive batteries.
Fabrication and Energy Collection of Superhydrophobic Ultra‐Stretchable Film
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Chen Yang , Zhang Yonghui , Wu Siqi , Sun Jing , Liu Xin , Song Jinlong
Published: March 2024

Superhydrophobic surfaces have broad application prospects in various fields due to their special surface wettability. However, most artificial superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated on rigid substrates or flexible substrates with low deformability, and their performance is difficult to guarantee when a large deformation occurs, hindering further application. Here, a superhydrophobic ultra‐stretchable (SU) film is fabricated by simple template replication and low surface energy modification method using the mixture of vulcanized natural latex (VNR) and silicone emulsion as raw material. The prepared SU film exhibits excellent elasticity and wettability stability and can maintain good superhydrophobicity even after 500% tensile strain. Moreover, droplets dropped on the SU film are bounced in time without any residue, avoiding the accumulation of droplets on the film. Finally, a magnetoelectric generator composed of a SU film and an electromagnetic system are developed to realize the efficient utilization and conversion of droplet energy via droplet impacting and bouncing behavior.
Carbon Mediated Multifunctional Sb2Se3–WSe2 Heterostructure Nanofiber Facilitates Rapid and Stable Na+ Transport
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Di , Wang Qiujun , Sun Qujiang , Sun Huilan , Li Zhaojin , Woo Haw Jiunn , Ramesh S. , Wang Bo
Published: March 2024

Alloying metal selenides as advanced anode materials for sodium‐ion devices requires overcoming the challenges of high diffusion energy barriers and large volume expansion at high‐power densities. The typical dealloying process is difficult to trigger under fast kinetics, leading to limited capacity utilization. Here, Sb/W‐hybridization precursor is synthesized by one‐step reaction, followed by electrostatic spinning strategy to achieve a localized domain‐limiting effect. Finally, the carbon mediated Sb2Se3–WSe2 heterostructure nanofiber (SbWSe/C/NF) are obtained after carbonization/selenization process. Physical characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that the SbWSe/C/NF‐500 has a heterogeneous structure and abundant edge carbon defects, facilitating rapid Na+ transfer from exterior to interior. Furthermore, compared with the Sb2Se3/C monomer, the SbWSe/C heterostructure shows a significant dealloying reaction at high current densities, enhancing capacity utilization. Resultantly, the Na half‐cell with SbWSe/C/NF‐500 electrode demonstrates excellent rate capability and a high specific capacity of 553.7 mA h g−1 after 250 cycles at 2 A g−1. Meanwhile, the assembled sodium‐ion capacitor exhibits 80.83% capacity retention after 8000 cycles at 3800 W kg−1. The structure design strategy of cationic heterostructures with dual‐carbon introduction provides a reference for developing high‐power anodes.
Bispecific, Exosome‐Mimetic Lipid Nanoparticles Facilitate Dual siRNAs for Synergistic Therapy against Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Zhen , Wang Zihua , Wang Jingyun , Ren Yongbo , Sun Xiaodan , Tian Jie , Kang Feiyu , Zhao Xinming , Yan Hao
Published: March 2024

While RNA therapeutics hold great promise for combating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the limited therapy outcome due to the insufficient delivery efficiency of vehicles and inadequate innate therapeutic potency for single siRNA hinders the broader application. Herein, report bispecific, exosome‐mimetic lipid nanoparticles (EM‐LNPs) carrying high loads of siKras and siTP53, which can efficiently overcome layers of barriers to accumulate cytoplasm in vitro and in vivo and achieve synergistic treatment for PDAC tumors. EM‐LNPs inherit features of synthetic LNPs and the protein characteristics of exosomes with outer CD47 proteins, membrane‐inserted integrin α6β4, and connexin 43. The siRNAs‐loaded EM‐LNPs can efficiently evade the host immune clearance in the circulation, considerably accumulate and penetrate dense tumors, and simultaneously target EGFR/VEGF of PDAC cells, following leakage into the cytoplasm. The intracellular siKras and siTP53 achieved synergistic therapeutic effects for PDAC cells with as high as 20 times enhancement in vitro and 3.5 times increase in vivo, significantly suppressed xenograft PDAC tumors, considerably reduced lung metastasis, and vastly extended mice survival at a low injection dose. These results explore an approach for delivering multiple gene cargoes to dense PDAC tumors for synergistic therapeutics.
3D Printing of Luminescent Perovskite Quantum Dot–Polymer Architectures
Authors: Jeon Hongryung , Wajahat Muhammad , Park Seobin , Pyo Jaeyeon , Seol Seung Kwon , Kim Namhun , Jeon Il , Jung Im Doo
Published: March 2024

Organic–inorganic perovskite quantum dot (PQD)–polymer composites are emerging optoelectronic materials with exceptional properties that are promising widespread application in next‐generation electronics. Advances in the utilization of these materials depend on the development of suitable fabrication techniques to create 3D architectures composed of PQD–polymer for sophisticated optoelectronics. This study introduces a straightforward and effective method for producing 3D architectures of PQD‐encapsulated high‐performance composites (PQD‐HPCs) through direct‐ink writing (DIW). This method employs an ink composed of prefabricated PQDs and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) in dichloromethane (DCM). HPC, an appropriate organic‐soluble polymer, exhibits optical transparency in the highly volatile DCM and enables the formulation of a stable, room‐temperature extrudable ink. The architectures, which are printed by adjusting the halide ratios (Cl, Br, and I) for the compositions of CH3NH3PbBr1.5I1.5, CH3NH3PbBr3, and CH3NH3PbBr1.5Cl1.5, exhibit single peak photoluminescence emissions of red (639 nm), green (515 nm), and blue (467 nm). Optimizing the printing parameters of DIW enables the precise fabrication of programmed and complex PQD‐HPC 3D architectures for advanced anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption. This method has the potential to enhance the functionality of modern printed electronic devices significantly.
Structural Motifs in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalysis
Authors: Qin Liyang , Ma Chengdi , Zhang Jian , Zhou Tianhua
Published: March 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) attract significant attention due to their ordered, crystalline, porous, metal‐free, and predictable structures. These unique characteristics offer great opportunities for the diffusion and transmission of photogenerated charges during photocatalysis. Currently, a considerable number of COFs are used as metal‐free organic semiconductor photocatalysts. This review aims to understand the relationships between the structure and photocatalysis performance of COFs and provides in‐depth insight into the synthetic strategy to improve photocatalysis performance. Subsequently, the review focuses on the structural motif of COFs in sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, hydrogen peroxide generation, and organic compound transformations. Last, in conjunction with the significant progress achieved and the challenges yet to be overcome, a candid discussion is undertaken regarding the challenges and opportunities in the field of COF photocatalysis, accompanied by the presentation of potential research avenues and future directions. This review seeks to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role of COFs in the field of photocatalysis, to offer robust guidance for the innovative utilization of COFs in future sustainable photocatalysis.
Argon Plasma Bombardment Induces Surface‐Rich Sn Vacancy Defects to Enhance the Thermoelectric Performance of Polycrystalline SnSe
Authors: Wu Chunlu , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Li Meng , Zheng Zhuanghao , Zhu Liangkui , Huang Keke , Liu Wei‐Di , Yuan Pei , Cheng Lina , Chen Zhi‐Gang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: March 2024

Nanoscale defects can induce the effective modulation of carrier concentration, mobility, and phonon scattering to secure high thermoelectric performance in semiconductors. However, it is still limited to effectively controlling nanoscale defects in thermoelectric materials. Here, argon plasma bombardment is employed to introduce a large number of point defects and dislocations in microcrystalline SnSe powders, synthesized by a solvothermal method. After sintering these powders into polycrystalline bulk materials, bulk SnSe shows the ZT increasing by up to 66.7% (from 0.36 to 0.6 at 773 K). Through detailed micro/nanostructure characterizations and first‐principles calculations, the underlying mechanism is elucidated for the evaluation of thermoelectric performance. This work provides a deep understanding of the mechanism of nanoscale defects in modulating thermoelectric performance and presents experimental evidence and experience for the design and synthesis of efficient thermoelectric materials, making significant contributions to future green energy technologies.
Freezing Shrinkage Dynamics and Surface Dendritic Growth of Floating Refractory Alloy Droplets in Outer Space
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Liao Hui , Hu Liang , Zheng Chenhui , Chang Jian , Liu Dingnan , Li Mingxing , Zhao Jiongfei , Xie Wenjun , Wei Bingbo
Published: March 2024

The freezing shrinkage and dendritic growth are of great importance for various alloys solidified from high‐temperature liquids to solids since they dominate microstructure patterns and follow‐up processing. However, the microgravity freezing shrinkage dynamics is scarcely explored on the ground as it is hard to suppress the strong natural convection inside liquid alloys. Here, a series of in‐orbit solidification experiments is conducted aboard the China Space Station with a long‐term stable 10−5 g0 microgravity condition. The highest temperature up to 2265 K together with substantial liquid undercoolings far from a thermodynamically stable state are attained for both Nb82.7Si17.3 and Zr64V36 refractory alloys. Furthermore, the solidification under microgravity of a droplet is simulated to reveal the liquid–solid interface migration, temperature gradient, and flow field. The microgravity solidification process leads to freezing shrinkage cavities and distinctive surface dendritic microstructure patterns. The combined effects of shrinkage dynamics and liquid surface flow in outer space result in the dendrites growing not only along the tangential direction but also along the normal direction to the droplet surface. These space experimental results contribute to a further understanding of the solidification behavior of liquid alloys under a weaker convection condition, which is often masked by gravity on the ground.
Non‐Oxidative Mechanism in Oxygen‐Based Magneto‐Ionics
Authors: Bhatnagar‐Schöffmann Tanvi , Schöffmann Patrick , Resta Andrea , Lamperti Alessio , Bernard Guillaume , Kovács András , Largeau Ludovic , Durnez Alan , Harouri Abdelmounaim , Lafosse Xavier , Ourdani Djoudi , Syskaki Maria‐Andromachi , Roussigné Yves , Ono Shimpei , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Langer Jürgen , Ravelosona Dafiné , Belmeguenai Mohamed , Solignac Aurelie , Herrera Diez Liza
Published: March 2024

The Ta/CoFeB/Pt/MgO/HfO2 system is investigated, whose magnetic anisotropy can be controlled through magneto‐ionic gating, using both ionic liquid and solid state gating, via a non‐oxidative mechanism combining reversible and irreversible gating effects. Analysis of X‐ray absorption spectroscopy at the Co and Fe edges reveals no indications of oxidation after gating, while a reversible change at the oxygen K edge suggests the involvement of oxygen species in the magneto‐ionic process. In addition, X‐ray diffraction measurements reveal that gating can irreversibly increase the crystalline volume of MgO, through an increase in the MgO/Mg(OH)2 ratio. This is in line with measurements in solid state devices showing that in a series of 150 gating cycles a reversible effect combines with a progressive increase in the strength of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy contribution that saturates after extensive cycling. Consequently, the observed gate‐induced changes in magnetic anisotropy can be attributed to the combined effects of Mg(OH)2 dehydration into MgO (irreversible) and most likely a gentle reordering of oxygen species at the CoFeB interface (reversible) leading to a non‐oxidative magneto‐ionic mechanism. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms governing the complex magneto‐ionic phenomena, including the coexistence of both reversible and irreversible effects, and a pathway to voltage‐control of crystalline order in spintronics materials.
Switchable Slippery Surfaces Controlled by a Humidity‐Induced Glass Transition of Polyelectrolyte‐Grafted Brushes
Authors: Merriman Stephen , Singla Saranshu , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: March 2024

Polymer brushes have found extensive applications as nano‐scale surface coatings with responsive properties, particularly in achieving tunable friction in solvent environments. Here, a special property of hygroscopic polyelectrolyte‐grafted brushes, where the friction forces change by over two orders of magnitude within a narrow range in humidity is reported. Using mechanical measurements of nano‐scale modulus and water absorption coupled with friction and surface‐sensitive spectroscopy, this sharp change in friction is controlled by a humidity‐induced glass transition that abruptly shifts the mode of sliding is demonstrated. Contrary to expectations based on conventional thinking regarding brush lubrication, friction remains large and humidity‐independent below the glass transition even for systems that absorb as much as 30–40% water by volume. This results in an abrupt change in friction past the glass transition humidity. Tuning the chemistry of brushes and their humidity‐induced glass transition offers the tunability to control the on/off friction (or slipperiness) for nanoactuators, ratchets, and catheters, without the need for externally applied lubricating liquids.
Voltage Detector Integrated Circuit as Versatile Toolbox for Charge Management of Thermally Chargeable Supercapacitor
Authors: Horike Shohei , Ebihara Teruo , Nakae Ryoko , Mukaida Masakazu , Koshiba Yasuko , Ishida Kenji , Wei Qingshuo
Published: March 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) is crucial for a sustainable society from the viewpoints of optimization of energy consumption and using timing, thus aiding reduced CO2 emissions. Traditional power supply methods such as batteries are impractical for driving the trillions of sensors that future systems will likely utilize for collecting extensive environmental information. Thermoelectric power generators that enable direct heat‐to‐electricity energy conversion are considered a promising power supplying technology without maintenance because thermal energy is a ubiquitous energy source. This study develops a new class of thermoelectric modules using redox‐free electrolytes—‐thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCS)—‐with extremely high thermoelectromotive force, generating over 2 V from a temperature difference of ≈65 °C without requiring a DC‐to‐DC converter. Additionally, using a voltage detector is demonstrated to be a versatile and efficient toolbox for the charge management of TCS. Optimization of the circuit comprising the TCS module with the ultrahigh open‐circuit voltage and voltage detector enables the automatic charging of a large capacitor, which intermittently powers different devices such as a beacon, LED, piezo speaker, and motor with the desired frequency. This approach represents a significant step toward sustainable energy in the context of low‐grade thermal energy harvesting and optimized energy consumption through IoT.
Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing Hydrogels and Bionic Adhesive Devices: A Minireview
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Yixian , Xu Xin , Liu Desheng , Ji Zhongying , Wang Xiaolong
Published: March 2024

Vivid biological structures with reversible adhesive properties are widely found in nature. Although current biomimicking adhesion systems have attracted extensive attention, unmet challenges remain in terms of excellent adhesion preservation, precise structural fabrication, and good environmental compatibility. By combining advanced vat photopolymerization 3D printing technology with hydrogel materials with excellent environmental adaptability, bioinspired adhesion devices present satisfactory application prospects. Herein, a systematic overview of bioinspired hydrogel adhesion devices from the perspectives of material design, structural design, and fabrication is presented. First, the main types and application prospects of vat photopolymerization 3D printed hydrogels are introduced. Subsequently, the research progress on hydrogel‐based vat photopolymerized 3D printed bionic adhesion devices is detailed. Future developments, such as balancing unmet challenges and expected opportunities, in 3D printable multiscale bionic adhesive devices are presented.
Improving Hybrid Tin Halide Layers by Melt Assisted Annealing for Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Can , Wang Xinyao , Yang Qingyun , Wang Xiaochun , Gao Chunxiao , Liu Xizhe
Published: March 2024

Hybrid tin halides with formamidinium cations become a promising candidate for eco‐friendly solar cells, which achieves the best photovoltaic performance among various lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Unfortunately, the low quality of perovskite layers and the oxidation of Sn2+ ions degrade the performance of devices, leading to an obviously lower power conversion efficiency (PCE) compare to hybrid lead halides. Additive engineering is a facile strategy for improving the quality of perovskite layers. In this work, the 2‐aminopyrazine (APZ) additive is investigated for depositing FA0.8PEA0.2SnI2.8Br0.2 layers, and corresponding PSCs are examined. It is found that the melting point of APZ additives drops below the annealing temperature of perovskite layers by the intermolecular interaction with formamidinium iodide (FAI). The melt phase at the grain boundaries encourages the diffusion of ions in the annealing process, leading to an improved quality of perovskite layers. And the formation of APZ‐SnI2 complex also inhibits the oxidation of Sn2+ ions. Consequently, the defect density and the recombination are significantly reduced in PSCs, resulting in an increase of PCEs from 11.4% to 13.0% and a simultaneous improvement of device stability. This work demonstrates a strategy for improving tin‐based PSCs based on melt assisted annealing and coordination interaction.
Electrochromic/Electrofluorochromic Devices based on Terpyridine‐Attached Viologen Derivatives
Authors: Zhuang Yanling , Zhu Mingye , Zhang Qidong , Ma Shaoyu , Ren Xiuli , Wang Shiyan , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2024

Electrochromic/electrofluorochromic (EC/EFC) dual‐functional materials with electrochemically switchable colors and fluorescence offer the possibility of developing reflection/emission dual‐mode integrated displays in one device. However, unlike the easily adjustable multi‐color EC properties, the EFC properties with tunable fluorescence intensity are relatively broad, while those with tunable color emission are rare. Herein, two terpyridine‐attached viologen derivatives Tpy‐Vio‐1 and Tpy‐Vio‐2 are designed and synthesized for exploring the relationship between molecular structure and their EC/EFC properties. Due to the introduction of 4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine groups, Tpy‐Vio‐1 and Tpy‐Vio‐2 devices exhibited EFC characteristics in addition to EC properties. Tpy‐Vio‐1 and Tpy‐Vio‐2 devices displayed similar color and fluorescence changes after applying electric potentials. Nevertheless, compared to the Tpy‐Vio‐2 devices, the Tpy‐Vio‐1 devices possessed lower applied voltage (1.8 V), shorter response times (9.5 s for coloring and 8.5 s for bleaching), higher cyclic stability (480 cycles), and better coloration efficiency (95 cm2 C−1). This study believes that this work will provide effective guidance for the design and preparation of EC/EFC dual‐functional materials.
Fine‐Tunable CO2 Colorimetric Sensors and CO2 Level Indicator Meter with Horizontal Linear Gauge via Inter‐Chain Spacers
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Hwang Ki‐Seob , Koh Won‐Gun , Lee Jun‐Young
Published: March 2024

Fine‐tuning the sensing properties of carbon dioxide (CO2) colorimetric sensors is a challenging task. In this study, a short synthetic route is developed for CO2‐responsive nanoparticles with diverse sensitivity and detection range across a wide range of CO2 concentrations. This involves the addition of oily liquids as inter‐chain spacers, which changes the diffusivity of CO2 gas into the sensing matrices without other chemical modifications. R values and the limit of detection (LOD) are estimated from Euclidean distance (ED) curves, indicating a ten‐fold difference in sensitivity. Optical and physical analyses revealed that these results arise from intercalating inter‐chain spacers between polymeric chains and modifying the gas diffusivity. Furthermore, the sensitivity and detection range can be easily tuned by mixing two CO2‐responsive nanoparticles having different inter‐chain spacers, allowing the fabrication of the sensors with subtle differences in sensitivity and detection range. Based on these results, a CO2 level meter with a horizontal linear gauge that allows visible identification of the level of CO2 over the entire range of CO2 concentrations (from 0% to 100%) is developed. Consequently, the findings will be helpful in achieving a better understanding of gas information and finding an effective way to control the characteristics of colorimetric sensors.
Gallium Ion Pre‐Insertion Protocol to (NH4)2V10O25·8H2O Cathode Materials for Reversible Aqueous Zn Battery
Authors: Zhao Ming , Li Shilong , Wu Xiang , Luo Shaohua
Published: March 2024

Vanadate is one of the promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to its abundant resources and various valence states. However, the further development is restricted by their sluggish reaction kinetics between zinc ions and the host materials. In this work, several kinds of gallium ions pre‐intercalated vanadate electrode materials through a simple hydrothermal strategy are designed. Ga‐NHVO‐0.5 sample achieves a specific capacity of 438.23 mAh g−1 at current density of 0.2 A g−1. At the same time, it delivers an energy density of 250.34 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 55 W kg−1. The assembled button cells retain 83.84% of its initial capacity after 4000 times cycling, revealing their promising applications in portable power devices. Moreover, the devices still possess a favorable stability under different bending conditions.
Sensor Technologies for Hydraulic Valve and System Performance Monitoring: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Liu Jingqi , Yuan Chenggang , Matias Lukas , Bowen Chris , Dhokia Vimal , Pan Min , Roscow James
Published: March 2024

Hydraulic fluid power systems are essential for a range of engineering applications such as transportation, heavy industry, and robotics. The scale of the industry is such that hydraulic pumps are estimated to account for 15% of all the energy consumption in the European Union and yet the average efficiency of fluid power systems is only 22%. The digitalization of hydraulic systems offers significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, performance, reduced maintenance, and automation. However, this requires advances in the integration of smart sensing technologies to provide real‐time feedback on the operation and health of hydraulic components. This review details developing trends in hydraulic fluid power research and provides an overview of progress related to the digitalization of these systems and their integration within an Industry 4.0 framework. The fundamentals of relevant sensor technologies and innovative approaches for integrating sensors into hydraulics systems are discussed. Methods to deliver power to the sensors and associated electronics through harvested pressure ripples are also reviewed. An outlook with respect to future directions in this field is given, including an assessment of the potential for exploiting advanced manufacturing technologies, in particular additive manufacturing, to facilitate successful sensor integration into hydraulic fluid power systems.
2D/2D Molybdenum Sulfo Selenides/Black Phosphorus Heterostructures for Supercapacitors and Light‐Driven Hydrogen Generation Applications
Authors: K Namsheer , Sanyal Gopal , Pramoda K. , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Cho Jung Sang , Jeong Sang Mun , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: March 2024

2D transition metal dichalcogenide alloys are considered as the promising duo for energy storage and catalyst for light‐driven energy conversion applications due to their novel physicochemical properties. However, heterostructuring with other 2D materials is an effective strategy to enhance the charge storage kinetics as well as comprehensive spectral light response and efficient charge separation. Herein, Molybdenum sulfo selenide (MoSSe)/black phosphorous (BP) heterostructure is synthesized by a one‐pot solvothermal technique, and energy storage and conversion efficiency are characterized. Interestingly, the fabricated symmetric supercapacitor based on the MoSSe/BP hybrid shows an exceptional capacitance of 230 mF cm−2 with an excellent energy density of 31.9 µWh cm−2 and a power density of 805.7 µW cm−2. To validate the experimental findings, Density Functional Theory (DFT) computational simulations are carried out concurrently. The lower diffusion energy barrier for electrolytic ions, in the case of hybrid MoSSe/BP compared to pristine MoSSe, supports the higher charge storage performance. Finally, MoSSe/BP nanocomposites' photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance is evaluated under 400 W of UV–vis light, with eosin Y dye acting as a sensitizer and triethanolamine acting as a sacrificial agent. The MoSSe/BP nanocomposite exhibits the maximum photocatalytic HER activity of 5718 µmol h−1 g−1, greater than the bare MoSSe nanostructure.
A Feasibility Test of the Disposable Drug Daughter Plate Combined with 384‐Pillar Plate for Patient‐Derived Organoid‐Based High Throughput Screening
Authors: Park Kyunghyun , Ryu Ji‐O. , Kim Gayeon , Ku Bosung , Choi Yongmun , Lee Ji‐Youn , Lee Sang‐Yun , Lee Dong Woo
Published: March 2024

A disposable daughter plate is developed for robotic organoid‐based high‐throughput screening (HTS). Previously, daughter drug plates are prepared using mother drug plates in conventional HTS. During each screening, the mother drug plate is thawed, a certain amount of the drug is transferred to the daughter plate, and frozen again. Drug manufacturing involves drug transfer processes that may result in drug damage owing to redissolution. Thus, disposable daughter plates are created by dispensing small drug spots into the well plates and freezing them. The cells at the Matrigel dorms of the pillar plate are easily exposed to the drugs by immersing the pillars. Unlike previously reported similar methods, it is verified that HTS‐based drug response analysis is possible by applying the proposed disposable daughter plate to breast cancer patient‐derived organoids (PDOs). And it is also verified the long‐term stability of disposable daughter plates (up to 3 months) in 3D cell culture system using patient‐derived cells (PDO). The drug response results are quantified using normalized area under curve values, while the experimental reproducibility of the disposable daughter plates is evaluated using the coefficient of variation and a simple linear regression test. Thus, the proposed disposable daughter plate allows reproducible drug efficacy analysis.
CircFBXW4 Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Progression by Regulating the MiR‐338‐5p/SLC5A7 Axis
Authors: Song Wei , Fu Jincheng , Wu Jing , Ren Jun , Xiang Rensheng , Kong Can , Fu Tao
Published: March 2024

Dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute to tumourigenesis and cancer progression. However, the expression patterns and biological functions of circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain elusive. Here, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses are applied to screen for aberrantly expressed circRNAs. The expression of circFBXW4 in CRC tissues and cell lines is determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. A series of in vitro and in vivo biological function assays are implemented to assess the functions of circFBXW4. The regulatory mechanisms linking circFBXW4, miR‐338‐5p, and SLC5A7 are explored by western blotting, dual luciferase reporter assays, and RNA pull‐down assays. CircFBXW4 is dramatically downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. circFBXW4 downregulation is clearly correlated with malignant features and patient overall survival in CRC. Functionally, ectopic expression of circFBXW4 strikingly impairs the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas circFBXW4 knockdown has the opposite effects. Mechanistically, circFBXW4 competitively binds to miR‐338‐5p and prevents it from interacting with and repressing its target SLC5A7, thus suppressing the progression of CRC. This study reveals the specific critical role of circFBXW4 in inhibiting CRC progression via the miR‐338‐5p/SLC5A7 axis and provides an additional target for eradicating CRC.
Solvation Modulation and Reversible SiO2‐Enriched Interphase Enabled by Deep Eutectic Sol Electrolytes for Low‐Temperature Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Peng Haijun , Xiao Kaishan , Tian Siyu , Han Shaohua , Zhou Jianda , Lu Bingan , Chen Zhizhao , Zhou Jiang
Published: March 2024

Zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) hold great promise for large‐scale energy storage in renewable solar and wind farms. However, their widespread application is hindered by poor stability and unsatisfactory low‐temperature performance, attributed to issues such as dendrite formation, strong Zn2+‐H2O coordination, and electrolyte freezing. Herein, a deep eutectic sol electrolyte (DESE) is proposed by mixing SiO2 nanoparticles with a solution composed of 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) and Zn(ClO4)2·6H2O for stable low‐temperature ZMBs. By substituting the strong Zn2+‐ H2O coordination with favorable Zn2+‐DOL coordination, the DESE exhibits exceptional antifreezing capability at temperatures beyond −40 °C. The formation of Si‐O‐Zn2+ bond near SiO2 nanoparticles further improves the low‐temperature performance of the DESE by decreasing Zn2+ desolvation energy. Moreover, the SiO2 nanoparticles co‐plating/co‐stripping with Zn metal, forming a reversible and homogeneous SiO2‐enriched interphase to protect the Zn anode from dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. Remarkably, the DESE‐based ZMB full cells exhibit significantly prolonged cycle life of 8000 cycles at 1 A g−1 at 25 °C and 700 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 at ‐40 °C. This work provides a promising strategy to design advanced electrolytes for practical low‐temperature ZMBs.
Self‐Supported Fe‐Based Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting and Selective Oxidation Reactions: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Gaikwad Mayur A. , Burungale Vishal V. , Malavekar Dhanaji B. , Ghorpade Uma. V. , Suryawanshi Umesh P. , Jang Suyoung , Guo Xinyao , Shin Seung Wook , Ha Jun‐Seok , Suryawanshi Mahesh P. , Kim Jin Hyeok
Published: March 2024

Electrochemical water splitting plays a vital role in facilitating the transition towards a sustainable energy future by enabling renewable hydrogen (H2) production, energy storage, and emission‐free transportation. Developing earth‐abundant electrocatalysts with outstanding overall water‐splitting performance, excellent catalytic activity, and robust long‐term stability is highly important in the practical application of water electrolysis. Self‐supported electrocatalysts have emerged as the most appealing candidate for practical H2 production due to their increased active site loading, rapid mass and charge transfer, and strong interaction with the underneath conducting support. Additionally, these electrocatalysts also provide enhanced reaction kinetics and stability. Here, a comprehensive review of recent progress in developing self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting and selective oxidation reactions is presented with examples of oxyhydroxides, layered double hydroxides, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, nitrides, and other Fe‐containing electrocatalysts. A comprehensive historical development in the synthesis of self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts is provided, with an emphasis on the various deposition methods and the choice of self‐supported conducting substrates considering large‐scale commercial applications. An overview of mechanistic understanding and approaches for enhanced H2 production are also presented. Finally, the challenges and opportunities associated with developing Fe‐based electrocatalysts for practical applications in water splitting and alternative oxidation reactions are discussed.
Constructing an Ion‐Wall to Achieve Excellent Lithium Anodes in Li–O2 Batteries with High DN Electrolytes
Authors: Tan Yanyan , Sun Zongqiang , Liu Yaqing , Yan Hao , Wang Chutao , Fan Jingmin , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: March 2024

For the lithium (Li) metal anode, constructing a strong and durable protective layer with lithium‐ion permeability is crucial, especially in high donor number (DN) solvent system. High DN solvent‐based electrolytes can support both higher capacity and lower charge overpotential in the rechargeable lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs). However, Li anodes in high DN solvent system suffer from severe corrosion and uncontrolled dendrite growth due to the unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI). Typically, this interface is formed in situ through electrochemical processes with complicated component and spatial distribution. Here, a functional molecule is introduced to construct an ion‐wall (IW) on Li surface by prechemical sequential reactions (p‐CSRs), through which the crystalline nanoparticles as bricks and amorphous hybrid compounds as the mortar can be produced to build such a “wall.” Different from the conventional SEI, this wall is not only compact and uniform, but also possess high strength, excellent passivation properties and high ionic conductivity. With these properties, the IW could suppress Li dendrites and inhabit the side reaction, supporting highly reversible Li plating/stripping behavior in high DN solvent system. As a result, the cycle stability of LOBs based on the IW protected Li anode is significantly improved.
Conformal Deposition of Lithium Metal on Electroactive Organic Materials
Authors: Kim Seung‐Hyeok , Park Jae‐Ho , Lee Ji Eun , Kristanto Imanuel , Park Jae Yeol , Suh Hoyoung , Kim Ji‐Young , Lee Kwon‐Hyung , Jeong Jiwon , Chang Wonyoung , Kwak Sang Kyu , Chung Kyung Yoon , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: March 2024

Despite the enormous efforts to control the growth behavior of Li, achieving a dendrite‐free Li deposition and high‐energy‐density have remained an inevitable challenge of Li metal batteries. Here, the conformal deposition of Li metal is reported on electroactive organic materials to achieve a high‐energy‐density and electrochemical longevity. To this end, Li2C8H4O4 (Li2TP), which can act as both the electrode material (providing the redox capacity) and Li host (inducing the dendrite‐free Li deposition), is used as the model electroactive organic material. The Li2TP host exhibits reversible sequential lithiation/delithiation and Li deposition/stripping reactions. Consequently, a Li‐free full cell constructed by the Li2TP host (without pre‐charging) and a LiFePO4 cathode delivered a high areal capacity (≈3.8 mAh cm−2), exceptional rate performance (≤12 mA cm−2), and superior cyclability (80% capacity retention after 100 cycles). This electroactive organic material‐based Li host strategy can provide a new perspective for the development of practical Li metal batteries.
Understanding the Inorganic‐Rich Feature of Anion‐Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphase
Authors: Li Yan , Bai Fengwei , Li Chengzong , Wang Yan , Li Tao
Published: March 2024

Anion‐derived solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) has received growing attention owing to its appealing properties like fast ion transport and excellent passivation effect. However, a sophisticated understanding of anion‐derived SEI is lacking. To common wisdom, anion‐derived SEI features an inorganic‐rich composition. Herein, it is reveal that the freshly formed anion‐derived SEI consists of a polymer‐rich outer layer and an inorganic inner layer. Then, the organic components dissolve during the discharge process, while the inorganic species with low solubility are retained in the empty SEI husk. The accumulation of empty SEI husks during cycling forms a reacted lithium (Li) layer, which features a much higher content of anion‐derived inorganic species than the newly formed SEI. Therefore, the acknowledged “anion‐derived inorganic‐rich SEI” actually refers to the reacted Li layer instead of the freshly formed SEI. This work provides fruitful insights on the compositional features of anion‐derived SEI.
3D Crystal Framework Regulation Enables Se‐Functionalized Small Molecule Acceptors Achieve Over 19% Efficiency
Authors: Gao Wei , Ma Ruijie , Zhu Lei , Li Lang , Lin Francis R. , Dela Peña Top Archie , Wu Jiaying , Li Mingjie , Zhong Wenkai , Wu Xuefei , Fink Zachary , Tian Chengbo , Liu Feng , Wei Zhanhua , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Li Gang
Published: March 2024

Se‐functionalized small molecule acceptors (SMAs) exhibit unique advantages in constructing materials with near‐infrared absorption, but their photovoltaic performance lags behind that of S‐containing analogs in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, two new Se‐containing SMAs, namely Se‐EH and Se‐EHp, are designed and synthesized by regulating bifurcation site of outer alkyl chain, which enables Se‐EH and Se‐EHp to form different 3D crystal frameworks from CH1007. Se‐EH displays tighter π–π stacking and denser packing framework with smaller‐sized pore structure induced by larger steric hindrance effect of outer alkyl chain branched at 2‐position, and a higher dielectric constant of PM6:Se‐EH active layer can be obtained. OSCs based on PM6:Se‐EH achieved very high PCEs of 18.58% in binary and 19.03% in ternary devices with a high FF approaching 80% for Se‐containing SMAs. A more significant alkyl chain steric hindrance effect in Se‐EH adjusts the molecular crystallization to form a favorable nanofiber interpenetrating network with an appropriate domain size to reduce rate of sub‐ns recombination and promote balanced transport of carriers. This work provides references for further design and development of highly efficient Se‐functionalized SMAs.
Fluorinated Quasi 2D Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Stability and Over 19% Efficiency
Authors: Zhou Tong , Li Qiaohui , Zhou Li
Published: March 2024

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPP) with excellent environmental and structural stability are emerging photovoltaic materials. Here, a benzylamine‐based spacer, namely 3,5‐difluorobenzylamine (DF‐BZA), is developed for stable and efficient quasi‐2D‐RP perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Compared to benzylamine (BZA)‐based quasi‐2D RPP, the DF‐BZA‐based perovskite film exhibited superior film quality with significantly enlarged grain size and improved charge carrier lifetime owing to the fluorine atoms in DF‐BZA. As a result, the optimized (DF‐BZA)2FA3Pb4I13 PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.24%, while BZA‐based PSCs ((BZA)2FA3Pb4I13) only achieve a PCE of 17.04%. This represents the champion PCE using FA as the A‐site cation in quasi‐2D RPPs with n = 4. Moreover, due to the effective insertion of fluorinated spacers into the inorganic layers, the moisture resistance stability and 85 °C thermal stability of (DF‐BZA)2FA3Pb4I13 are significantly improved. The improvement of photovoltaic performance and stability highlight the great potential of DF‐BZA‐based spacer for high‐performance quasi‐2D RP PSCs.
Highly Conductive Films Through PEDOT‐PSS Ink Formulation via Doping Using Spontaneous Wicking of Liquids for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Tadesse Melkie Getnet , Simon Nicolai , Felix Lübben Jörn
Published: March 2024

A novel electrode fabrication method based on liquid doping of PEDOT‐PSS onto PET‐G film by drop casting is reported. A dispersed liquid‐PEDOT‐PSS solution is prepared as an ink by a liquid doping synthesis method. The EG/DMSO:PEDOT‐PSS solution is then drop cast onto oxygen plasma‐modified PET‐G films for electrode fabrication. Their surface topography and electrochemical characteristics are characterized. The results show that the prepared electrode material has an electrical conductivity of 11661.7 and 11528.8 S m−1 for EG‐ and DMSO‐treated PEDOT‐PSS films, respectively. Ink formulation achieves unprecedented conductivity via spontaneous liquid wicking. The specific capacitance is 134 F g−1 at a scanning rate of 5 mV s−1 and 309.6 F g−1 at a scanning rate of 20 mV s−1 for EG and DMSO‐treated PEDOT‐PSS films, respectively, on the three‐electrode system while specific capacitance for pristine PEDOT‐PSS calculated at 80 mV s−1 is 4.6 F g−1. PEDOT‐PSS films are engineered for superior supercapacitor performance through liquid wicking. Moreover, the results of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy measurements confirm that the removal of PSS on the surface is due to liquid–liquid doping. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis proves the expulsion of PSS molecules from the solution interface. Therefore, the die‐cast PET‐G‐PEDOT‐PSS electrode is a promising candidate for advanced supercapacitor applications.