bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Triboelectric Materials for Smart Active Sensing Systems
Authors: Wei Zhiting , Wang Jinlong , Liu Yanhua , Yuan Jinxia , Liu Tao , Du Guoli , Zhu Siqiyuan , Nie Shuangxi
Published: October 2022

With the vigorous development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, the active sensing system based on triboelectric nanogenerators plays an excellent performance potential and application value as a pioneering technology for smart manufacturing. Nevertheless, achieving material innovation to strike a good balance between active sensing systems and environmental friendliness remains a difficult task. As the most abundant biopolymer on earth, the sustainability potential and excellent performance of cellulose are of great importance for the development of smart sensing systems. This review intends to provide a new perspective on the sustainability of smart active sensing systems to design and fabricate cellulosic triboelectric materials for self‐powered sensing systems. Herein, the structure and advantageous properties of cellulosic triboelectric materials are briefly described. Furthermore, the structure–property–application relationship of the materials is addressed from the perspective of material design and structure optimization. Next, the latest applications of cellulose triboelectric materials are comprehensively described in smart sensing fields such as environmental monitoring, smart home, smart medical, human–machine interaction, and the Internet of everything. Lastly, the current challenges and future developments of cellulose triboelectric materials for smart sensor systems are presented.
Microsphere Structure Composite Phase Change Material with Anti‐Leakage, Self‐Sensing, and Photothermal Conversion Properties for Thermal Energy Harvesting and Multi‐Functional Sensor
Authors: Guo Hongyuan , Jiao Weicheng , Jin Haozheng , Yuan Zijian , He Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

The low thermal conductivity and liquid melt leakage of phase change materials are long‐standing bottlenecks for efficient and safe thermal energy harvesting. Although high thermal conductivity materials combined with phase change materials can address the thermal conductivity problem, ensuring no leakage and no reduction in latent heat in the meantime remains challenging. Here, a strategy to synthesize microsphere‐structured phase change composites by encapsulating phase change materials in graphene via emulsion polymerization (no additional emulsifier) and chemical reduction is proposed. Multiple graphene sheets are connected to construct an efficient thermally conductive (increase 58.5 times in thermal conductivity) and electrically conductive network. The composite microspheres exhibit no leakage (<0.5%) and superior phase transition behavior after 1500 heating‐cooling cycles, and sense external environments such as temperature changes and water drops falling, allowing them to be engineered into devices for temperature monitoring. In addition, it converts electrical energy into thermal energy to achieve rapid temperature increases. The incorporation of polydopamine improves the photothermal efficiency of the phase change microspheres and senses light irradiation, offering a promising route to extend the single source of thermal energy. This method provides new insight into the photothermal integration and intelligent sensing of phase‐change materials.
A General Self‐Assembly Induced Strategy for Synthesizing 2D Ultrathin Cobalt‐Based Compounds Toward Optimizing Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Guo Xingmei , Duan Mengting , Zhang Junhao , Xi Baojuan , Li Ming , Yin Rui , Zheng Xiangjun , Liu Yuanjun , Cao Fu , An Xuguang , Xiong Shenglin
Published: October 2022

Exploring a general method for synthesizing 2D compounds with high accessible surface area and nano‐thickness as advanced electrocatalysts is essential yet challenging. Herein, a self‐assembly induced reverse micelle templating method followed by topochemical transformation is developed to synthesize a series of cobalt‐based compounds with varied anions and similar ultrathin 2D structures. Electrocatalytic behaviors for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are systematically investigated, which demonstrate enhanced performances of ultrathin 2D compounds than their agglomerated counterparts. Among them, 2D CoP is particularly prominent. The overpotential of 144 mV at 10 mA cm−2, together with superb stability, place it among the best single‐phase phosphide HER catalysts reported thus far. Theoretical calculation and experimental results demonstrate the favorable valence electronic structure with moderate hydrogen adsorbability and good intracrystalline conductivity, as well as the homogeneous ultrathin 2D configuration with sufficiently exposed active sites and shortened intracrystalline electron transport route, are the dominant reasons that 2D CoP exhibits optimal electrocatalytic activity for HER. This study presents a novel and extendable strategy for synthesizing various 2D metal‐based compounds with valuable insights into the modulation essence of advanced electrocatalysts.
Orientation Independent Growth of Uniform Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films on Silicon for High‐Density 3D Memory Applications
Authors: Liu Chen , Yang Qijun , Zeng Binjian , Jiang Yongquan , Zheng Shuaizhi , Liao Jiajia , Dai Siwei , Zhong Xiangli , Zhou Yichun , Liao Min
Published: October 2022

The highly scalable ferroelectric hafnia‐based thin films can be easily integrated into ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) by existing Si technology, which are regarded as one of the promising candidates for fast read/write, energy‐efficient, and high‐density nonvolatile memories. However, device‐to‐device variation in threshold voltage (VTH) caused by non‐uniformity of ferroelectric properties is a serious challenge for implementing hafnia‐based FeFETs in high‐density nonvolatile memories. Here, the substrate‐orientation independent growth of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) thin films is realized with uniform ferroelectricity by using HfO2 seed layers. The HfO2 seed layers are beneficial to improving the ferroelectric polarization of HZO thin films grown on differently oriented Si substrates and reducing the variation in ferroelectric properties. Moreover, device simulation confirms that the proposed scheme contributes to realizing uniform memory properties in 3D vertical HZO‐based FeFETs. This study suggests the possibility to implement hafnia‐based FeFETs into 3D vertical high‐density memory.
Advances in Chemically Powered Micro/Nanorobots for Biological Applications: A Review
Authors: Feng Ying , An Miao , Liu Yang , Sarwar Muhammad Tariq , Yang Huaming
Published: October 2022

Micro/nanorobots (MNRs) are capable of autonomous motion, breaking through the limitations of traditional passive transport of nanocarriers. Among them, chemically driven MNRs are the earliest MNRs studied and have received extensive attention from researchers. This review first focuses on the material properties, preparation, driving forms, and mechanisms of chemically driven MNRs. The current status of research on chemically driven MNRs in biomedicine is summarized for various biological applications (drug delivery, diagnostics, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and disease treatment). In terms of biosafety, possible safety issues are analyzed in the context of chemically driven microrobotic applications in terms of three aspects: component characteristics, chemical engines and biological environment. Finally, the challenges and possible future directions of chemically driven MNRs are presented.
Direct Freeform Laser Fabrication of 3D Conformable Electronics
Authors: Zheng Bujingda , Zhao Ganggang , Yan Zheng , Xie Yunchao , Lin Jian
Published: October 2022

3D conformable electronic devices on freeform surfaces show superior performance to the conventional, planar ones. They represent a trend of future electronics and have witnessed exponential growth in various applications. However, their potential is largely limited by a lack of sophisticated fabrication techniques. To tackle this challenge, a new direct freeform laser (DFL) fabrication method enabled by a 5‐axis laser processing platform for directly fabricating 3D conformable electronics on targeted arbitrary surfaces is reported. Accordingly, representative laser‐induced graphene (LIG), metals, and metal oxides are successfully fabricated as high‐performance sensing and electrode materials from different material precursors on various types of substrates for applications in temperature/light/gas sensing, energy storage, and printed circuit board for circuit. Last but not the least, to demonstrate an application in smart homes, LIG‐based conformable strain sensors are fabricated and distributed in designated locations of an artificial tree. The distributed sensors have the capability of monitoring the wind speed and direction with the assistance of well‐trained machine‐learning models. This novel process will pave a new and general route to fabricating 3D conformable electronic devices, thus creating new opportunities in robotics, biomedical sensing, structural health, environmental monitoring, and Internet of Things applications.
A Hierarchical Structure Perovskite Quantum Dots Film for Laser‐Driven Projection Display
Authors: Liao Shengxiang , Yang Zezhong , Lin Jidong , Wang Shaoxiong , Zhu Jiwen , Chen Shuxin , Huang Feng , Zheng Yuanhui , Chen Daqin
Published: October 2022

Laser‐driven projection display puts forward urgent demand for color converter materials to achieve wide‐color‐gamut and high‐quality image presentation. In this study, a hierarchical structure quantum dots‐in‐glass film (QiGF) is fabricated via co‐sintering stable green/red‐emitting CsPbX3@glass (X3 = Br3, Br1.5I1.5) and commercial low‐melting glass on the sapphire substrate. Benefiting from the well‐retained optical properties of CsPbX3 quantum dots in amorphous glass and high thermal conductivity, QiGF succeeded in inhibiting luminescence saturation after 20 W mm−2 blue laser irradiation. A brand‐new white‐lighting source designed by coupling a blue laser with a pattern “QiGF wheel” produced ultra‐narrow blue/green/red tri‐color emissions and total luminous flux of 146 lm. Accordingly, a QiGF‐converted laser projection system is successfully designed for the first time, showing more natural and real color restoration for its wide color gamut display feature (157% of conventional light‐emitting diode projection and 107% of NTSC standard). The present study highlights the practical application of CsPbX3 quantum dots composite as an efficient laser‐driven color converter in projection display.
Bimetal Organic Framework–Ti3C2Tx MXene with Metalloporphyrin Electrocatalyst for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Nam Sanghee , Mahato Manmatha , Matthews Kyle , Lord Robert W. , Lee Yonghee , Thangasamy Pitchai , Ahn Chi Won , Gogotsi Yury , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: October 2022

The gravest oxidation of MXenes has become a critical problem due to the formation of metal oxides, leading to the loss of their intrinsic properties. Herein, bimetallic cobalt–manganese organic framework (CMT) directly grown on a Ti3C2Tx MXene sheet via solvothermal treatment to obtain strong oxidation resistance in an open structured application and to enhance electrocatalytic properties for oxygen evolution and reduction reaction is reported. Inspired by ligand chemistry, the carboxyl acids in tetrakis(4–carboxyphenyl)porphyrin acting as an organic linker are grafted with the surface terminators of Ti3C2Tx MXene through the Fischer esterification and substitution reaction of fluorine, thereby greatly enhancing the antioxidation stability. Furthermore, the as‐formed metalloporphyrin structure and unpaired electrons, produced between CMT and Ti3C2Tx MXene during solvothermal treatment, improve their electrocatalytic activity, durability, and electrical conductivity through an electron hopping mechanism. Consequently, the CMT@MXene demonstrates high stability as a bifunctional electrocatalyst at a fixed specific capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 and a current density of 500 mA g−1 for 247 cycles in lithium–oxygen (LiO2) battery. This approach suggests new strategies for the synergistic coupling of MXenes and MOFs for future open structured applications.
Roles of Low‐Dimensional Nanomaterials in Pursuing Human–Machine–Thing Natural Interaction
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Xuan Jingyue , Li Qi , Gao Fangfang , Xun Xiaochen , Liao Qingliang , Zhang Yue
Published: October 2022

A wide variety of low‐dimensional nanomaterials with excellent properties can meet almost all the requirements of functional materials for information sensing, processing, and feedback devices. Low‐dimensional nanomaterials are becoming the star of hope on the road to pursuing human–machine–thing natural interactions, benefiting from the breakthroughs in precise preparation, performance regulation, structural design, and device construction in recent years. This review summarizes several types of low‐dimensional nanomaterials commonly used in human–machine–thing natural interactions and outlines the differences in properties and application areas of different materials. According to the sequence of information flow in the human–machine–thing interaction process, the representative research progress of low‐dimensional nanomaterials‐based information sensing, processing, and feedback devices is reviewed and the key roles played by low‐dimensional nanomaterials are discussed. Finally, the development trends and existing challenges of low‐dimensional nanomaterials in the field of human–machine–thing natural interaction technology are discussed.
Self‐Sustained Programmable Hygroelectronic Interfaces for Humidity‐Regulated Hierarchical Information Encryption and Display
Authors: Zhang Yaoxin , Yu Zhen , Qu Hao , Guo Shuai , Yang Jiachen , Zhang Songlin , Yang Lin , Cheng Shaoan , Wang John , Tan Swee Ching
Published: October 2022

The emerging moisture‐driven energy generation (MEG) technology opens up new possibilities for humidity‐responsive materials, devices, and interdisciplinary opportunities in fields like information security. However, such potential remains untapped. Here, an original MEG structure with a hygroionic energy‐conversion route by selective coating of ionic hygroscopic hydrogels on a carbon black surface is reported. The hygroionic route features a process in which the scavenged energy is stored in the electrical double layers formed at the interfaces between the ionic hydrogel and the carbon nanoparticles. The resultant electrical field developed across the hydrogel‐coated wet carbon and the rest of the dry carbon area is thus durably lasted. Based on this unique structure, hygroelectronic information interfaces (HEII) for humidity‐regulated information encryption and display are put forward by devising hydrogel patterns on a carbon platform. Further by tuning the hygroscopicity of the ionic hydrogels and incorporating encoding methods (e.g., Morse code), it is demonstrated that the HEII platform is programmable to carry different information in certain humidity ranges. Unlike those conventional anti‐counterfeiting methods that optically reveal the hidden information once the required stimulus is provided, the new HEII serves as a hierarchical solution for high‐security encryption and display.
Perspectives for the Growth of Epitaxial 2D van der Waals Layers with an Emphasis on Ferromagnetic Metals for Spintronics
Authors: Dimoulas Athanasios
Published: October 2022

Wafer scale epitaxial growth of 2D van der Waals materials and heterostructures is of ultimate importance for applications. Using synthetic thin film methods is also important to realize 2D materials which do not exist in nature and cannot be grown in equilibrium in bulk form. In this work, the perspectives in wafer scale growth of 2D van der Waals metallic ferromagnets (FMs) and the combination with other structurally and chemically compatible materials are described to propose functional devices. The areas such as 2D van der Waals ferromagnetic π‐junctions for quantum computing, and all 2D magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and spin orbit torque devices which can be used for spintronics are identified. It is foreseen that a new class of Janus materials which can be realized only by epitaxial synthetic methods can enhance the performance of spintronic devices. Finally, this work describes the perspectives to overcome the shortcomings of epitaxial techniques and layer transfer by proposing remote epitaxy for the detachment of 2D materials films from the substrate and the use of liquid substrates or liquid catalysts to achieve single crystalline 2D materials films over large areas on the wafer.
Realizing Favorable Synergism Toward Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Heterojunction Engineered Cu7S4/CuS2/NiS2 and Functionalized Carbon Sheet Heterostructures
Authors: Beere Hemanth Kumar , Pakhira Srimanta , Yadav Prahlad , Singh Ashok , Upadhyay Shrish Nath , Naik Pooja B. , Kotrappanavar Nataraj Sanna , Ghosh Debasis
Published: October 2022

Electrochemical hydrogen generation via water splitting is the greenest approach toward the hydrogen economy. To satisfy the practical utilization, the electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) must be of low cost with high catalytic activity. Accordingly, transition metal based electrocatalysts have attracted significant research interest. Herein, this work demonstrates an efficient HER electrocatalyst based on copper nickel sulfide (CNS), and Agaricus bisporus biomass derived functionalized carbon (FMCs) based nanocomposites, where the CNS are in situ hydrothermally grown in presence of FMCs.  First, the effect of solvent (water, ethylene glycol, and glycerol) on the phase and crystallinity of CNS and their performance as HER electrocatalyst in acidic medium are demonstrated. The CNS heterojunction synthesized in aqueous medium (CNSW) shows the best HER catalytic activity with 269 mV (at 10 mA cm−2) overpotential and corresponding Tafel slope of 146.86 mV dec−1. Further, while the FMCs possess no catalytic activity itself, its control presence in the nanocomposites CNSW/FMCs nanocomposites caused a dramatic reduction in the HER overpotential (180 mV@10 mA cm−2) and the corresponding Tafel slope (78.71 mV dec−1). Notably, where the nonlayered metal sulfides generally are unstable in acidic medium, the synergistic interaction between the CNSW and FMCs enables stable catalytic activity for the measured 10 h.
Photo‐Enhanced Resistive Switching Effect in High‐Performance MAPbI3 Memristors
Authors: Liu Zehen , Cheng Pengpeng , Kang Ruyan , Zhou Jian , Zhao Xian , Zhao Jia , Zuo Zhiyuan
Published: October 2022

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) requires processing vast amounts of complex information, which has accelerated the exploration of neuromorphic computing systems. Artificial neuromorphic synapses based on memristors of organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OHPs) potentially exploit a niche area for brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing, which can be operated as biological synapses to realize signal processing. Here, MAPbI3‐based memristors with reliable resistance states triggered by electric fields or photons are reported. A model for resistive switching (RS) originated from conductive filaments (CFs) based on intrinsic defect migrations is proposed. Importantly, the unique photoresponsive characteristic provides the opportunity to enhance the RS through multifunctional photo‐coupling. Enhanced by monochromatic illumination, memristors exhibit RS with remarkable characteristics such as ultralow operating voltage, high ON/OFF ratio (4.3 × 103), small HRS/LRS variation coefficient (29.91%/13.82%), stable endurance (104 cycles), long retention time (105 s), and ultralow power consumption. Moreover, photons can modulate the nonvolatile devices to maintain a great ON/OFF ratio over 9 days under ambient conditions without any encapsulation. The research presents plausible applications of memristors in coupling ions, electrons, and photons, thus contributing to applicability for multifunctional optoelectronics and optogenetics tunable neuromorphic systems.
Selective Enrichment of Hypermethylated DNA by a Multivalent Binding Platform
Authors: Kolkman Ruben W. , Segerink Loes I. , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: October 2022

The preselection of hypermethylated DNA (hmDNA) from liquid biopsy samples is key to enable early‐stage cancer diagnostics. Due to limited selectivity of the existing preselection approaches, however, wide integration in the clinic is currently prohibited. Here, it is argued that an affinity method on a surface, such as used in affinity chromatography, can be significantly improved by employing the principles of multivalency and superselectivity. In the here proposed method, a methyl binding domain (MBD) protein immobilized at a surface is used as a receptor for (hyper)methylated DNA. By the organization of multiple MBDs on a surface, a multivalent binding platform is achieved. The MBD surface receptor density on that platform is key to increase the enrichment selectivity of hmDNA as a single MBD protein binds both methylated and non‐methylated DNA with a small difference in affinity. When the receptor density is varied, multivalent analyte binding typically responds in a non‐linear fashion, which phenomenon is called superselectivity. By careful tuning of the MBD density, it is envisaged that the selectivity for methylated over non‐methylated DNA can be optimized. Strong applicability is foreseen in a medical setting by implementing such an enrichment step in an analytical process or a lab‐on‐a‐chip device.
Chemical Treatment of Sn‐Containing Transparent Conducting Oxides for the Enhanced Adhesion and Thermal Stability of Electroplated Metals
Authors: Ahmet Ibbi Y. , Abdi Fatwa F. , van de Krol Roel
Published: October 2022

A surface treatment process, named ReTreat, is presented, and is shown to enhance the adhesion of electroplated metals on Sn‐containing transparent conducting oxides (TCOs). The ReTreat process uses Zn powders, FeSO4 and glycine‐buffered aqueous solutions (pH 3 to 5) in order to regulate a controlled and uniform conversion of SnO2 surfaces to SnO, Sn metal, and FexSny alloys. These surface metallic and intermetallic layers selectively enrich the electroplating of metallic films (including Ni, Au, and Ag). Subsequently, the process has been used to fabricate thermally stable metal films on rigid FTO‐coated glass and flexible ITO‐coated PET substrates. Standardized testing confirms that the metallic coatings exhibit sufficient adhesion to the underlying TCO with high thermal stability and tolerance to flexural strain. A reaction mechanism for the heterogenous surface treatment is deduced from X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in situ transmittance measurements. These investigations show how the process parameters (e.g., Zn powders, FeSO4 concentration, pH, and TCO type) impact the reaction rate, morphology, and composition of the treated TCO surface. This report provides detailed insights necessary for the future implementation of this innovative surface treatment, which has the prospect to be a customary process for electroplating onto Sn‐containing TCOs.
Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2/rGO Heterogenous Nanocubes Anode for Stable and Efficient Na/K‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Fuyang , Song Weiming , Sun Li , Ye Jun , Feng Jian , Sun Jingzhuo , Jing Tao
Published: October 2022

Rational design of electrode materials with cycle stability and high reversible capacity is crucial to the commercial applications of sodium/potassium ion batteries (SIBs/PIBs) in the future. Developing a high‐efficiency anode for SIBs and PIBs, which is formed from the heterogenous Ni‐Fe bimetallic nanocube composite selenide grown on graphene (Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2/rGO, abbreviated as NFSG). The Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2 nanocubes of about 200 nm in which uniformly grown on rGO can provide larger specific surface, broader redox potential, and the stable microchannels to elevate the diffusion rate of Na/K‐ion charge transfer. Utilized as a anode for SIBs, the NFSG electrode exhibits the rate capacity of 366.9 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1 and the longevity of 82.3% circulating over 1000 cycles. For PIBs, NFSG electrode displays the capacities of 335.6 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and 108.1 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 and an outstanding cyclic performance with retained capacity of 260.9 mAh g−1 (0.1 A g−1) after 100 cycles.
Unveiling Ruthenium(II) Diazadienyls for Gas Phase Deposition Processes: Low Resistivity Ru Thin Films and Their Performance in the Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zanders David , Obenlüneschloß Jorit , Wree Jan‐Lucas , Jagosz Julia , Kaur Parmish , Boysen Nils , Rogalla Detlef , Kostka Aleksander , Bock Claudia , Öhl Denis , Gock Michael , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Devi Anjana
Published: October 2022

Two novel ruthenium complexes belonging to the Ru(II)(DAD)(Cym) (DAD = diazadienyl) (Cym = cymene) compound family are introduced as promising precursors. Their chemical nature, potential for chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and possibly atomic layer deposition (ALD) are demonstrated. The development of nonoxidative CVD processes yielding high‐quality Ru thin films is realized. Chemical analyses are exercised that vitiate the deceptive assumption of Ru(DAD)(Aryl) complexes being zero‐valent through clear evidence for the redox noninnocence of the DAD ligand. Two different CVD routes for the growth of Ru films are developed using Ru(tBu2DAD)(Cym). Ru thin films from both processes are subjected to thorough and comparative analyses that allowed to deduce similarities and differences in film growth. Ru thin films with a thickness of 30–35 nm grown on SiO2 yielded close‐to‐bulk resistivity values ranging from 12 to 16 µΩ cm. Catalysis evaluation of the films in the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) results in promising performances based on overpotentials as low as 240 mV with Tafel slopes of 45–50 mV dec−1. Based on the degradation observed during electrochemical measurements, the impact of OER conditions on the layers is critically assessed by complementary methods.
Understanding the Advantageous Features of Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Separator in Li–S Battery
Authors: Zhang Zhijia , Li Yueqing , Cui Xinjiao , Guan Sijia , Tu Long , Tang Haolin , Li Zhenhua , Li Junsheng
Published: October 2022

Separator is a critical component of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery, and the property of separator influences the battery performance significantly. Cellulose‐based separator is emerging as a promising alternative to the traditional polyolefin separator used in Li–S battery. Although the excellent battery performance of various cellulose‐based separators is shown, a comprehensive understanding of the advantageous features of bacterial cellulose (BC)‐based separator in Li–S battery still is lacking. In this work, models of BC separators with different thicknesses are prepared and compared with polypropylene separators in terms of their electrochemical performance. The results show that the BC separator exhibits favorable electrolyte affinity, improved lithium‐ion transport, suppressed shuttling of soluble polysulfides, and inhibited the formation of lithium dendrites. The combination of these unique characters of BC separator endows it with excellent battery performance. These results provide insight into the use and design of functional cellulose‐based separators in advanced secondary batteries.
Trap States Ruling Photoconductive Gain in Tissue‐Equivalent, Printed Organic X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Fratelli Ilaria , Basiricò Laura , Ciavatti Andrea , Lamport Zachary A. , Anthony John E. , Kymissis Ioannis , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: October 2022

Organic semiconductors are excellent candidates for X‐ray detectors that can adapt to new applications, with unique properties including mechanical flexibility and the ability to cover large surfaces. Their chemical composition, primarily carbon and hydrogen, makes them human tissue equivalent in terms of radiation absorption. This is a highly desirable property for a radiation dosimeter to be employed in medical diagnostics and therapy, however a low‐Z composition limits the absorption of ionizing radiation. The detection efficiency can be enhanced by considering the photoconductive gain (PG) effect, a significant contributor to the ionizing radiation detection mechanism in this class of materials. In this work, a process of controlled solution deposition by nozzle printing and crystallization of an organic semiconductor thin film is demonstrated whereby a flexible, arrayed thin‐film X‐ray detector with record X‐ray sensitivities among flexible radiation detectors (S = (9.0 ± 0.4) × 107 µC Gy−1 cm−3) is developed. The excitonic peaks responsible for the activation of the PG effect are investigated and identified using a novel technique called photocurrent spectroscopy optical quenching, and the analysis of the changes in trap states is further demonstrated.
Printed Structurally Colored Cellulose Sensors and Displays
Authors: Wei Jingjiang , Aeby Xavier , Nyström Gustav
Published: October 2022

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a commercially available and biodegradable cellulose derivative, which is known to self‐assemble into chiral nematic liquid crystal phases in water. These features, including liquid crystal‐induced selective reflections in the visible range, make HPC an ideal biopolymer host material for dynamic structural color‐shifting materials. Herein, HPC is used as a starting matrix material and found that, by adding carbon nanotubes (CNT) to an aqueous dispersion of HPC, the color saturation can be improved without influencing the structural color formation and simultaneously conferring electrical conductivity to the material. Additionally, up to 0.4 wt% of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) can be added to control and tune the rheological properties of the suspension allowing for 3D printability while also maintaining the structural colors. The HPC‐CNT‐CNF printed composite materials show application for flexible color‐changing devices in the form of a dual readout optical and resistive strain sensor and is used as the active material in a dynamic seven‐segment color display. This multipurpose color‐changing material has the potential to be used in the creation of eco‐friendly visual intelligent devices and biodegradable user interfaces and, as such, contributes to the advancement of the field of sustainable and green electronics.
Nanoarchitectonics of Two‐Dimensional Electrochromic Materials: Achievements and Future Challenges
Authors: Li Meng , Wu Zhenzhen , Tian Yuhui , Pan Feng , Gould Tim , Zhang Shanqing
Published: October 2022

Electrochromic effect has been discovered in many materials with a wide range of applications from visible to infrared, such as smart windows, electronic displays, infrared camouflage, and color‐changeable tactile sensor. However, conventional electrochromic materials cannot meet the growing demand for electrochromic performance in terms of optical contrast, response time, durability, color diversity, and flexibility, which slows down developments in this area. This is mainly due to the limited number and variety of electrochromic materials. In strong contrast, nanoarchitectonics of 2D materials with atomically thin thickness, large lateral size, and diversified series can be an effective way to address these issues and improve the electrochromic performances. This review highlights the recent achievements of emerging 2D electrochromic materials, namely covalent organic frameworks, coordination nanosheets, and transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides (MXenes). The structures, electrochromic performances and their structure–performance relationship, and future challenges of these materials have been systematically explored. This review can pave a new avenue for the promotion of the nanoarchitectonic 2D materials for the up‐scaled practical electrochromic applications.
Digital Selective Reversible Phase Control of Monolithically Integrated Heterogeneous Piezoelectric Polymer for Frequency Dependent Unimorph
Authors: Won Daeyeon , Cho Hyunmin , Kim Hongdeok , Lee Gunhee , Kwon Jinhyeong , Kim Jihye , Hong Sukjoon , Choi Joonmyung , Kim Sang‐Woo , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: October 2022

Thanks to spontaneous polarization in molecular structure, piezoelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) holds great potential for diverse applications such as organic memory and electromechanical devices. However, the transformation of PVDF into a highly polarized β‐phase has still relied on conventional processes such as repeated mechanical strain, high‐temperature heat treatment, and high‐voltage electric poling, which are time‐consuming and can potentially cause undesired damages. Here, an ultrafast and reversible digital patterning process to transform the polymorphic phase of the PVDF has been developed using the interaction of laser with molecular structure. Plasmonic gold nanoparticles realize the interaction between PVDF and laser by increasing the absorption of the laser and amplifying its characteristics. The parameters of the laser process for phase conversion are designed under the theoretical background based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and through this, the process is able to freely convert phases by simple parameter modifications. The selective laser process enables a monolithically integrated heterogeneous phase of PVDF which is not allowed in conventional single‐phase producing processes. Moreover, a practical soft robot that can control its direction has been developed by utilizing the difference in mechanical responses of each phase to the electric field in a monolithically integrated single functional layer.
Tuning Near‐Infrared‐to‐Ultraviolet Upconversion in Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wei Han‐Lin , Zheng Weilin , Zhang Xin , Suo Hao , Chen Bing , Wang Yanze , Wang Feng
Published: October 2022

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation offers many exciting biomedical applications such as biosensing and cancer therapy. Photon upconversion through lanthanide (Ln)‐doped nanoparticles is an attractive approach for UV generation by excitation of near‐infrared (NIR) light, which is readily accessible and highly penetrating in tissue environments. By rationally engineering the emission property of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) coupled with surface functionalization with photoactivatable molecules, various nanosystems can be constructed for biomedicine with the feature of minimal living tissue damage and remote light delivery at high spatiotemporal precisions. Such technology facilitates sensitive diagnosis and effective treatment of various diseases. This review focuses on the recent development of NIR‐to‐UV UCNPs, simultaneously highlighting emergent biomedical applications enabled by these materials.
Thermally Stable Nanotwins: New Heights for Cu Mechanics
Authors: Edwards Thomas Edward James , Rohbeck Nadia , Huszár Emese , Thomas Keith , Putz Barbara , Polyakov Mikhail Nikolayevich , Maeder Xavier , Pethö Laszlo , Michler Johann
Published: October 2022

Nanocrystalline and nanotwinned materials achieve exceptional strengths through small grain sizes. Due to large areas of crystal interfaces, they are highly susceptible to grain growth and creep deformation, even at ambient temperatures. Here, ultrahigh strength nanotwinned copper microstructures have been stabilized against high temperature exposure while largely retaining electrical conductivity. By incorporating less than 1 vol% insoluble tungsten nanoparticles by a novel hybrid deposition method, both the ease of formation and the high temperature stability of nanotwins are dramatically enhanced up to at least 400 °C. By avoiding grain coarsening, improved high temperature creep properties arise as the coherent twin boundaries are poor diffusion paths, while some size‐based nanotwin strengthening is retained. Such microstructures hold promise for more robust microchip interconnects and stronger electric motor components.
Machine Learning in the Development of Adsorbents for Clean Energy Application and Greenhouse Gas Capture
Authors: Mai Haoxin , Le Tu C. , Chen Dehong , Winkler David A. , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: October 2022

Addressing climate change challenges by reducing greenhouse gas levels requires innovative adsorbent materials for clean energy applications. Recent progress in machine learning has stimulated technological breakthroughs in the discovery, design, and deployment of materials with potential for high‐performance and low‐cost clean energy applications. This review summarizes basic machine learning methods—data collection, featurization, model generation, and model evaluation—and reviews their use in the development of robust adsorbent materials. Key case studies are provided where these methods are used to accelerate adsorbent materials design and discovery, optimize synthesis conditions, and understand complex feature–property relationships. The review provides a concise resource for researchers wishing to use machine learning methods to rapidly develop effective adsorbent materials with a positive impact on the environment.
2D Layers of Group VA Semiconductors: Fundamental Properties and Potential Applications
Authors: Batool Saima , Idrees Muhammad , Han Su‐Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: October 2022

Members of the 2D group VA semiconductors (phosphorene, arsenene, antimonene, and bismuthine) present a new class of 2D materials, which are recently gaining a lot of research interest. These materials possess layered morphology, tunable direct bandgap, high charge carrier mobility, high stability, unique in‐plane anisotropy, and negative Poisson's ratio. They prepare the ground for novel and multifunctional applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and batteries. The most recent analytical and empirical developments in the fundamental characteristics, fabrication techniques, and potential implementation of 2D group VA materials in this review, along with presenting insights and concerns for the field's future are analyzed.
Single‐Cell‐Driven Tri‐Channel Encryption Meta‐Displays
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Seong Junhwa , Naveed Muhammad Ashar , Kim Joohoon , Zubair Muhammad , Riaz Kashif , Massoud Yehia , Rho Junsuk
Published: October 2022

Multi‐functional metasurfaces have attracted great attention due to the significant possibilities to realize highly integrated and ultra‐compact meta‐devices. Merging nano‐printing and holographic information multiplexing is one of the effective ways to achieve multi‐functionality, and such a merger can increase the information encoding capacity. However, the current approaches rely on stacking layers and interleaving, where multiple resonators effectively combine different functionalities on the cost of efficiency, design complexity, and challenging fabrication. To address such challenges, a single meta‐nanoresonator‐based tri‐functional metasurface is proposed by combining the geometric phase‐based spin‐decoupling and Malus's law intensity modulation. The proposed strategy effectively improves information capacity owing to the orientation degeneracy of spin‐decoupling rather than layer stacking or super‐cell designs. To validate the proposed strategy, a metasurface demonstrating two helicity‐dependent holographic outputs is presented in far‐field, whereas a continuous nano‐printing image is in near‐field. It is also employed on CMOS‐compatible and cost‐effective hydrogen amorphous silicon providing transparent responses for the whole visible band. As a result, the proposed metasurface has high transmission efficiency in the visible regime and verifies the design strategy without adding extra complexities to conventional nano‐pillar geometry. Therefore, the proposed metasurface opens new avenues in multi‐functional meta‐devices design and has promising applications in anti‐counterfeiting, optical storage and displays.​
Modular Flow Reactors for Valorization of Kraft Lignin and Low‐Voltage Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yim Se‐Jun , Oh Hyeonmyeong , Choi Yuri , Ahn Gwang‐Noh , Park Chae‐Hyeon , Kim Yong Hwan , Ryu Jungki , Kim Dong‐Pyo
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have found that green hydrogen production and biomass utilization technologies can be combined to efficiently produce both hydrogen and value‐added chemicals using biomass as an electron and proton source. However, the majority of them have been limited to proof‐of‐concept demonstrations based on batch systems. Here the authors report the design of modular flow systems for the continuous depolymerization and valorization of lignin and low‐voltage hydrogen production. A redox‐active phosphomolybdic acid is used as a catalyst to depolymerize lignin with the production of aromatic compounds and extraction of electrons for hydrogen production. Individual processes for lignin depolymerization, byproduct separation, and hydrogen production with catalyst reactivation are modularized and integrated to perform the entire process in the serial flow. Consequently, this work enabled a one‐flow process from biomass conversion to hydrogen gas generation under a cyclic loop. In addition, the unique advantages of the fluidic system (i.e., effective mass and heat transfer) substantially improved the yield and efficiency, leading to hydrogen production at a higher current density (20.5 mA cm−2) at a lower voltage (1.5 V) without oxygen evolution. This sustainable eco‐chemical platform envisages scalable co‐production of valuable chemicals and green hydrogen for industrial purposes in an energy‐saving and safe manner.
Ultrafast and Sensitive Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on Graphene/Pentacene Single Crystal Heterostructure with Weak Light Detection Capacity
Authors: Gan Yuquan , Qin Shuchao , Du Qianqian , Zhang Yuting , Zhao Jing , Li Mengru , Wang Anran , Liu Yunlong , Li Shuhong , Dong Ruixin , Zhang Linglong , Chen Xiaoqing , Liu Cailong , Wang Wenjun , Wang Fengqiu
Published: October 2022

Organic materials exhibit efficient light absorption and low‐temperature, large‐scale processability, and have stimulated enormous research efforts for next‐generation optoelectronics. While, high‐performance organic devices with fast speed and high responsivity still face intractable challenges, due to their intrinsic limitations including finite carrier mobility and high exciton binding energy. Here an ultrafast and highly sensitive broadband phototransistor is demonstrated by integrating high‐quality pentacene single crystal with monolayer graphene. Encouragingly, the −3 dB bandwidth can reach up to 26 kHz, which is a record‐speed for such sensitized organic phototransistors. Enormous absorption, long exciton diffusion length of pentacene crystal, and efficient interfacial charge transfer enable a high responsivity of >105 A W−1 and specific detectivity of >1011 Jones. Moreover, self‐powered weak‐light detection is realized using a simple asymmetric configuration, and the obvious zero‐bias photoresponses can be displayed even under 750 nW cm−2 light intensity. Excellent response speed and photoresponsivity enable high‐speed image sensor capability in UV‐Vis ranges.  The results offer a practical strategy for constructing high‐performance self‐powered organic hybrid photodetectors, with strong applicability in wireless, weak‐light detection, and video‐frame‐rate imaging applications.
Pathways to Energy‐efficient Water Production from the Atmosphere
Authors: Feng Yaohui , Wang Ruzhu , Ge Tianshu
Published: October 2022

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) provides a fascinating chance to facilitate a sustainable water supply, which obtains considerable attention recently. However, ignoring the energy efficiency of AWH leads to high energy consumption in current prototypes (ca. 101 to 102 MJ kg−1), misfitting with the high‐strung and complicated water‐energy nexus. In this perspective, a robust evaluation of existing AWHs is conducted and a detailed way to high‐efficiency AWH is paved. The results suggest that using cooling‐assisted adsorption will weaken the bounds of climate to sorbent selections and have the potential to improve efficiency by more than 50%. For device design, the authors deeply elucidate how to perfect heat/mass transfer to narrow the gap between lab and practices. Reducing heat loss, recovering heat and structured sorbent are the main paths to improve efficiency on the device scale, which is more significant for a large‐scale AWH. Besides efficiency, the techno‐economic evaluation reveals that developing a cost‐effective AWH is also crucial for sustainability, which can be contributed by green synthesis routes and biomass‐based sorbents. These analyses provide a uniform platform to guide the next‐generation AWH to mitigate the global water crisis.
A Novel Protein Encoded by Exosomal CircATG4B Induces Oxaliplatin Resistance in Colorectal Cancer by Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Pan Zihao , Zheng Jun , Zhang Jiebin , Lin Jiatong , Lai Jianguo , Lyu Zejian , Feng Huolun , Wang Junjiang , Wu Deqing , Li Yong
Published: October 2022

Oxaliplatin is commonly used in chemotherapeutic regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC) after surgical resection. However, acquired chemoresistance seriously affects the curative effect in CRC patients, and the mechanism is still unclear. Here, a circular RNA, circATG4B is identified, which plays an important role in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC. circATG4B expression is found to be increased in exosomes secreted by oxaliplatin‐resistant CRC cells. In addition, the results suggest that circATG4B induces oxaliplatin resistance by promoting autophagy. Further in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that the effect of circATG4B is attributed to its potential to encode a novel protein, circATG4B‐222aa. Next, circATG4B‐222aa is found to function as a decoy to competitively interact with TMED10 and prevent TMED10 from binding to ATG4B, which leads to increased autophagy followed by induction of chemoresistance. Therefore, this study reveals that exosomal circATG4B participates in the decreased chemosensitivity of CRC cells, providing a new rationale for a potential therapeutic target for oxaliplatin resistance in CRC.
The Multi‐Functional Effects of CuS as Modifier to Fabricate Efficient Interlayer for Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Geng Mengzi , Yang Hangqi , Shang Chaoqun
Published: October 2022

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) has a detrimental impact on their electrochemical performance. To effectively mitigate the shuttle effect, in this study, the coral‐like CuS is introduced to modify the carbon nanotube (CNTs), which is coated on commercial separator and served as the S cathode interlayer (PE@CuS/CNTs). The CuS/CNTs interlayer possesses efficient physical impediment and chemisorption to polysulfide anions. When achieving maximum adsorption to polysulfide anions, a “polysulfide‐phobic” surface would be formed as a shield to restrain the polysulfide anions in the cathode region. Simultaneously, the CuS/CNTs interlayer can improve the lithium ion diffusion and guarantee desirable electrochemical reaction kinetics. Consequently, the LSBs with PE@CuS/CNTs show an initial discharge capacity of 1242.4 mAh g−1at 0.5 C (1 C = 1675 mA g−1) and retain a long‐term cycling stability (568.5 mAh g−1after 1000 cycles, 2 C), corresponding to an ultra‐low capacity fading rate of only 0.05% per cycle. Also, the LSBs with PE@CuS/CNTs exhibit high resistance to self‐discharge and favorable performance under high S loading (4.5 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (9.4 mLElectrolyte g S−1).