bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eutectic Electrolytes with Doubly‐Bound Water for High‐Stability Zinc Anodes
Authors: Han Dong , Sun Tianjiang , Zhang RuoChen , Zhang Weijia , Ma Tao , Du Haihui , Wang Qiaoran , He Dan , Zheng Shibing , Tao Zhanliang
Published: October 2022

The aqueous zinc‐ion battery has the advantages of environmental friendliness, safety, and reliability, which is expected to be used for large‐scale energy storage. However, due to the high activity of water, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) easily occurs on the surface of the zinc anode during the charge–discharge process, which is accompanied by corrosion, by‐products, and dendrite formation. Herein, a new‐type eutectic electrolyte consisting of ZnCl2, tetramethylurea (TMU), and H2O with the optimal molar ratio of 1:3:1 (ZT‐1) is developed for the high‐stability zinc anodes. The H2O in this system is doubly bound through the coordination with Zn2+ and the hydrogen bonding with TMU, thus leading to the greatly inhibited activity of H2O. In addition, the H2O and TMU are successively stripped during the desolvation process of ZnCl2(TMU)(H2O), followed by the deposition of [ZnCl2] at the zinc interface. In this way, the tendency of HER, corrosion, dendrites, and by‐products induced by the decomposition of H2O molecules at the zinc interface is minimized, enabling a much more stable plating/stripping process of Zn2+. Consequently, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell can stably cycle for >2000 h, while the Zn//Cu half cell can stably cycle 800 times with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.5%.
Enhancing the Kinetics of Zinc Ion Deposition by Catalytic Ion in Polymer Electrolytes for Advanced Zn–MnO2 Batteries
Authors: Hu Jinling , Qu Yuanduo , Shi Fengwei , Wang Junkai , He Xia , Liao Siqi , Duan Lianfeng
Published: October 2022

The practicality of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) is compromise seriously because of the mutual restrictions of hydrogen evolution, by‐product formation and zincdendrite growth. Herein, anhydrous gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with catalytic ions and in situdomain‐constrained zinc ions are designed. Innovatively, copper ions are confined in the network structure of the gel for accelerating the deposition and migration kinetics of zinc ions. Not only does this anhydrous GPEs exhibit strong mechanicaland thermal properties, but it also presents a high ionic conductivity (24.32 mS cm−1) and a high zinc ion transference number (0.42). Consequently, the anhydrous GPEs is capable of stable cycling of symmetrical Zn cells at 1 mA cm−2 with acumulative capacity of 1000 mAh cm−2 and maintaines a high discharge specific capacity of 124.6 mAh g−1 after 1000 long‐term cycles of the Zn‐MnO2 battery (ZMB) at 1 C. The synergistic catalytic strategy of composite gel opens new opportunities for a promising pathway to facilitate the large‐scale application of ZIBs with hydrogel electrolytes.
Molecular Bridge Assisted Bifacial Defect Healing Enables Low Energy Loss for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Deng Jidong , Zhang Huifeng , Wei Kun , Xiao Yuanhui , Zhang Cuiping , Yang Li , Zhang Xiaoli , Wu Deyin , Yang Ye , Zhang Jinbao
Published: October 2022

Interface engineering is of paramount importance for optimizing carrier dynamics and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), but little attention has been paid to understanding and managing the buried interfaces. Here, a molecular bridge strategy is developed to modify the properties of buried interfaces in n–i–p PSCs by introducing a multi‐functional additive 2‐Hydroxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (ChCl) in the bottom SnO2 electron transport layer. The ChCl treatment enables bifacial defects passivation and improved perovskite quality, leading to notably enhanced electron extraction and suppressed non‐radiative recombination at the buried interfaces. As a result, a significantly improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 20.0% to 23.07% with a remarkable open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of up to 1.193 V is achieved, along with superior stability (up to 4000 h) for the unsealed devices under different conditions (moisture, heat and maximum power point). Furthermore, this molecular bridge strategy demonstrates the ability to release the stress in perovskite thin film and simultaneously strengthen the interfacial toughness in flexible PSCs, yielding remarkable mechanical stability and a champion PCE of 21.50%. This study offers deep insights into understanding and engineering the buried interfaces and provides effective strategies to further enhance the performance and stability of PSCs.
Carbon Nanocoils/Carbon Foam as the Dynamically Frequency‐Tunable Microwave Absorbers with an Ultrawide Tuning Range and Absorption Bandwidth
Authors: Wu Lihong , Shi Shaohua , Wang Guizhen , Mou Pengpeng , Liu Xiao , Liu Jun , Li Liang , Du Changlong
Published: October 2022

The absorption frequency of conventional microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) is hardly tuned in operando, while such dynamic frequency regulation of MAMs is of great significance to meet the high demands of modern radars and intelligent electron devices. Here, an ingenious frequency‐tuning strategy by means of the pressure variations is developed by fabricating highly compressible carbon nanocoils/carbon foam (CNCs/CF) as a dynamically frequency‐tunable microwave absorber. Through adjusting the compression strain, the absorption bandwidth of CNCs/CF can be precisely tuned from S‐band (2−4 GHz) to Ku‐band (12−18 GHz). The adjustable effective absorption bandwidth is as wide as 15.4 GHz, which covers 96% of the entire microwave frequency. Under 10% compression strain, CNCs/CF shows an attractive bandwidth of 9.0 GHz and a strong reflection loss of −64.6 dB. Furthermore, the CNCs/CF also exhibit a good thermal insulation, strong hydrophobicity, and strain‐sensitive conductivity, endowing them with fascinating functions of heat insulation and self‐cleaning. The method of utilizing an external pressure to dynamically adjust the absorption frequencies of CNCs/CF is demonstrated for the first time, which opens an avenue for the applications of dynamically frequency‐tunable MAMs with an ultrawide adjusting range and absorption bandwidth.
Deciphering the Role of Side‐Chain Engineering and Solvent Vapor Annealing for Binary All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Tongle , Lv Jie , Chen Zhanxiang , Luo Zhenghui , Zhang Guangye , Liu Heng , Huang Hui , Hu Dingqin , Lu Xinhui , Lu Shirong , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2022

Fibrous interpenetrating network structure morphology is extremely crucial for all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs) in achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Rational molecular design and suitable posttreatment to the film are feasible methods to accomplish this goal. Herein, two small molecule donors, namely T4 and T6, with different substituents on their selenophene conjugated units, alkyl for T4 while trialkylsilyl for T6, are developed. Both as cast devices obtain poor PCEs (≈4.5%) when blending these two donors with N3 due to the oversize phase separation. Satisfactorily, the PCEs are dramatically increased after CS2 annealing, which mainly originates from the favorable reorganization of donor and acceptor in the active layer, ultimately improving the phase separation and vertical electronic properties. As a result, the device based on trialkylsilyl‐substituted T6 acquires a remarkable PCE of 16.03%, much higher than that of the blends of alkyl‐substituted T4 and N3 (12.61%). The enhanced PCE of the T6‐based device is attributed to the deeper HOMO energy levels, more obvious fibrous interpenetrating networks, and stronger molecular interaction between T6 and N3, as compared with T4‐based ones. This study indicates that precise molecular design and the proper posttreatment process can be a brilliant approach for realizing highly efficient ASM‐OSCs.
Large‐Area Flexible Organic Solar Cells with a Robust Silver Nanowire‐Polymer Composite as Transparent Top Electrode
Authors: Xie Cong , Liu Yang , Wei Wanxia , Zhou Yinhua
Published: October 2022

Upscaling of efficient flexible organic solar cells (OSCs) is still a challenging task, where flexible transparent electrode is a key limiting factor. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are widely used as flexible transparent electrodes to fabricate efficient small‐area flexible OSCs, but the high surface roughness of AgNWs electrodes causes large leakage current and performance deterioration in large‐area OSCs. In this study, it is reported that a strategy of switching the bottom AgNWs electrode and the top Ag film electrode to avoid the detrimental effect of the high surface roughness of AgNWs electrodes. Mechanical robustness of the AgNWs has been enhanced by introducing a cross‐linked poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) layer. The AgNWs‐polymer transparent film is fabricated by water transfer printing as the top electrode. 21 cm2 flexible organic modules containing 10 sub‐cells are fabricated and delivered power conversion efficiencies of 12.3% with the design of switched electrodes.
Controlled Delivery of Corticosteroids Using Tunable Tough Adhesives
Authors: Koh Esther , Freedman Benjamin R , Ramazani Farshad , Gross Johannes , Graham Adam , Kuttler Andreas , Weber Eckhard , Mooney David J
Published: October 2022

Hydrogel‐based drug delivery systems typically aim to release drugs locally to tissue in an extended manner. Tissue adhesive alginate‐polyacrylamide tough hydrogels are recently demonstrated to serve as an extended‐release system for the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide. Here, the stimuli‐responsive controlled release of triamcinolone acetonide from the alginate‐polyacrylamide tough hydrogel drug delivery systems (TADDS) and evolving new approaches to combine alginate‐polyacrylamide tough hydrogel with drug‐loaded nano and microparticles, generating composite TADDS is described. Stimulation with ultrasound pulses or temperature changes is demonstrated to control the release of triamcinolone acetonide from the TADDS. The incorporation of laponite nanoparticles or PLGA microparticles into the tough hydrogel is shown to further enhance the versatility to control and modulate the release of triamcinolone acetonide. A first technical exploration of a TADDS shelf‐life concept is performed using lyophilization, where lyophilized TADDS are physically stable and the bioactive integrity of released triamcinolone acetonide is demonstrated. Given the tunability of properties, the TADDS are a suggested technology platform for controlled drug delivery.
Impact‐Resistant Hydrogels by Harnessing 2D Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Liang Xiangyu , Chen Guangda , Lei Iek Man , Zhang Pei , Wang Zeyu , Chen Xingmei , Lu Mengze , Zhang Jiajun , Wang Zongbao , Sun Taolin , Lan Yang , Liu Ji
Published: October 2022

With the strengthening capacity through harnessing multi‐length‐scale structural hierarchy, synthetic hydrogels hold tremendous promise as a low‐cost and abundant material for applications demanding unprecedented mechanical robustness. However, integrating high impact resistance and high water content, yet superior softness, in a single hydrogel material still remains a grand challenge. Here, a simple, yet effective, strategy involving bidirectional freeze‐casting and compression‐annealing is reported, leading to a hierarchically structured hydrogel material. Rational engineering of the distinct 2D lamellar structures, well‐defined nanocrystalline domains and robust interfacial interaction among the lamellae, synergistically contributes to a record‐high ballistic energy absorption capability (i.e., 2.1 kJ m−1), without sacrificing their high water content (i.e., 85 wt%) and superior softness. Together with its low‐cost and extraordinary energy dissipation capacity, the hydrogel materials present a durable alternative to conventional hydrogel materials for armor‐like protection circumstances.
Ultralow‐Temperature Li/CFx Batteries Enabled by Fast‐Transport and Anion‐Pairing Liquefied Gas Electrolytes
Authors: Yin Yijie , Holoubek John , Liu Alex , Sayahpour Baharak , Raghavendran Ganesh , Cai Guorui , Han Bing , Mayer Matthew , Schorr Noah B. , Lambert Timothy N. , Harrison Katharine L. , Li Weikang , Chen Zheng , Meng Y. Shirley
Published: October 2022

Lithium fluorinated‐carbon (Li/CFx) is one of the most promising chemistries for high‐energy‐density primary energy‐storage systems in applications where rechargeability is not required. Though Li/CFx demonstrates high energy density (>2100 Wh kg−1) under ambient conditions, achieving such a high energy density when exposed to subzero temperatures remains a challenge, particularly under high current density. Here, a liquefied gas electrolyte with an anion‐pair solvation structure based on dimethyl ether with a low melting point (−141 °C) and low viscosity (0.12 mPa s, 20 °C), leading to high ionic conductivity (>3.5 mS cm−1) between −70 and 60 °C is reported. Besides that, through systematic X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy integrated with transmission electron microscopy characterizations, the interface of CFx is evaluated for low‐temperature performance. The fast transport and anion‐pairing solvation structure of the electrolyte are concluded to bring about reduced charge‐transfer resistance at low temperatures, which results in significantly enhanced performance of Li/CFx cells (1690 Wh kg−1, −60 °C based on active materials). Utilizing 50 mg cm−2 loading electrodes, the Li/CFx still displays 1530 Wh kg−1 at −60 °C. This work provides insights into the electrolyte design that may overcome the operational limits of batteries in extreme environments.
Borate‐Based Surface Coating of Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Disordered Rocksalt Cathode Materials
Authors: Shirazi Moghadam Yasaman , El Kharbachi Abdel , Cambaz Musa Ali , Dinda Sirshendu , Diemant Thomas , Hu Yang , Melinte Georgian , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: October 2022

Upon cycling, Li‐rich Mn‐based disordered rocksalt (DRS) oxyfluoride cathode materials undergo unwanted degradation processes, which are triggered by chemical side reactions or irreversible oxygen redox activity, especially at high voltages and in contact with the electrolyte. A surface coating can be an effective strategy to mitigate these parasitic reactions. However, oxyfluorides generally experience limited stability, which makes the application of coatings requiring high temperatures challenging. For this purpose, this study is dealing with the implementation of a chemically inert and Li ion conducting borate‐based coating at mild‐temperature (300 °C), following a dry process on the Li2Mn2/3Ti1/3O2F particles. Electrochemical characterization, as function of the amount of coating, C‐rate and temperature, indicate that the coated samples possess considerably improved capacity retention and reduced Mn‐dissolution, however, at the cost of a measurable initial capacity loss. The authors further demonstrate that the presence of the coating reduces the interfacial resistance, which is beneficial for Li ion transfer. The 3 wt%‐coated sample loses only 27% of the capacity, where around 130 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles is retained. The utilization of surface modification can open up a path for further development of DRS cathode materials with high performance for Li‐ion batteries.
Organs‐on‐Chips: Trends and Challenges in Advanced Systems Integration
Authors: Mughal Sheeza , López‐Muñoz Gerardo A. , Fernández‐Costa Juan M. , Cortés‐Reséndiz Armando , De Chiara Francesco , Ramón‐Azcón Javier
Published: October 2022

Organ‐on‐chip platforms combined with high‐throughput sensing technology allow bridging gaps in information presented by 2D cultures modeled on static microphysiological systems. While these platforms do not aim to replicate whole organ systems with all physiological nuances, they try to mimic relevant structural, physiological, and functional features of organoids and tissues to best model disease and/or healthy states. The advent of this platform has not only challenged animal testing but has also presented the opportunity to acquire real‐time, high‐throughput data about the pathophysiology of disease progression by employing biosensors. Biosensors allow monitoring of the release of relevant biomarkers and metabolites as a result of physicochemical stress. It, therefore, helps conduct quick lead validation to achieve personalized medicine objectives. The organ‐on‐chip industry is currently embarking on an exponential growth trajectory. Multiple pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are adopting this technology to enable quick patient‐specific data acquisition at substantially low costs.
Design of Multiphase Metal Balls via Maskless Localized Anodization Based on Bipolar Electrochemistry
Authors: Asoh Hidetaka , Mizota Kanako , Kokubo Yuuka
Published: October 2022

Nanoporous metal‐oxide films formed on some metals and their alloys during anodization are crucial for both basic research and commercial applications. They are used as important materials for various types of device fabrication due to their distinctive solid‐state shapes, such as nanopores and nanotubes. However, preparing nanoporous films using anodization, which is a surface treatment for plate‐like specimens, requires a direct electrical connection to the workpiece. Developing new materials independent of the specimen's shape and size will vary if the need for direct energization is eliminated. Here, bipolar electrochemistry is employed to fabricate two‐phase (insulator–conductor) and three‐phase (insulator–conductor–insulator) aluminum balls by controlling the redox reaction region in an electric field. The aluminum balls are site‐selectively anodized employing a wireless and maskless operation. The multiphase aluminum balls’ versatility is demonstrated in the site‐selective electroless deposition of copper on their exposed regions. Additionally, it is demonstrated that various types of materials, including aluminum and titanium, can be oxidized simultaneously in the same cell.
Principles and Applications of Liquid‐Environment Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Chen Xinhai , Li Baowen , Liao Zixuan , Li Jidong , Li Xuemei , Yin Jun , Guo Wanlin
Published: October 2022

Liquid environment is essential for the occurrence of various vital processes in fields of chemistry, biology, mechanics, and so on, underscoring the importance of understanding the solid–liquid interfaces. In the past decades, liquid‐environment atomic force microscopy (LE‐AFM) has played a nonsubstitutable role in studying solid–liquid interfaces because of its sub‐nanometer spatial resolution, video‐level imaging rates as well as piconewton‐level force measuring capabilities. Various state‐of‐the‐art developments and exciting applications are made recently. In this review, following a brief discussion on the development history of LE‐AFM, its working principles and operating modes with an emphasis on challenges posed by liquid environments and the corresponding solutions are introduced. As tip–sample interactions set the basis of all kinds of AFM, the interactions between the tip and the sample in liquid, including long‐range DLVO forces with quantitative description and short‐range non‐DLVO, whose physical origination is, by contrast, still in ambiguous, are elaborated. The applications of LE‐AFM are then summarized in four aspects, including high‐resolution imaging, high‐speed imaging, tribological characterization, and force spectroscopy‐based characterization. Finally, the perspectives on the future developing direction of LE‐AFM are shared.
Stable CsPbBr3 Achieved by Porphyrin–Thiol Surface Management and Their Dual‐Stimuli Responsive for Optical Encoding
Authors: Feng Xiaoxia , Zhao Xiyue , Liu Jinli , Xu Pengxiao , Liu Jiacheng
Published: October 2022

Surface ligand management plays an essential role in improving the stability of perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and endowing them with novel property. Herein, a red fluorescence porphyrin‐thiol (named Por‐SH) is applied to adjust the surface and stimuli responsiveness of CsPbBr3 QDs. According to the theoretical and experimental results, Por‐SH can bind tightly to the exposed Pb of CsPbBr3 QDs, thus leading to the formation of Por‐SH‐QDs with an excellent resistance to water and UV light. Moreover, CsPbBr3 act as energy donors to improve the photoresponse of Por‐SH through energy transfer, especially when heated. Notably, the Por‐SH and QDs behave differently in terms of response to the temperature in the Por‐SH‐QDs system. Therefore, the Por‐SH‐QDs are capable of reversible stimuli–response property in the presence of heat/cool stimuli when excited by UV light. Finally, the disposable or reversible optical encoding label based on Por‐SH‐QDs and QDs is obtained by combining stability and the responsiveness to stimuli. Through the selection of suitable ligands, the surface of QDs is efficiently managed, which can not only mitigate instability but also endow perovskite QDs with the responsiveness to stimuli.
Design and Validation of Isomorphic Crystal Library for Nonlinear Optics and THz Wave Generation
Authors: Shin Bong‐Rim , Yu In Cheol , Puc Uros , Kim Won Tae , Yoon Woojin , Kim Chaeyoon , Yun Hoseop , Kim Dongwook , Jazbinsek Mojca , Rotermund Fabian , Kwon O‐Pil
Published: October 2022

Development of new organic crystals possessing large second‐order optical nonlinearity is very challenging because of strong tendency of centrosymmetric dipole–dipole molecular assembly in crystals. This tendency makes it difficult to develop various analogous crystals that allow fine tuning of optical and physical properties to enhance the device performance. A design approach of an isomorphic crystal library consisting of 11 highly efficient nonlinear optical salt crystals is reported. Analyzing the so‐called isomorphic tolerance space in previously reported mother crystals (PMnXQ chromophores, where PM denotes piperidin‐4‐ylmethanol electron donor, n corresponds to the substituted position of halogen (X) group on the quinolinium (Q) electron acceptor), various substituents are introduced into the PMnXQ crystals at different positions, considering their space‐filling characteristics and interionic interaction ability. All 11 PMnXQ crystals exhibit an isomorphic (or pseudo‐isomorphic) crystal structure, in which the cationic chromophores form a perfectly parallel assembly for maximizing the second‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility. The optical, physical, and crystal characteristics of newly designed, synthesized, and grown isomorphic PMnXQ crystals show both similarities and differences. Excellent THz wave‐generation performance is demonstrated in both kHz‐ and MHz‐repetition optical pump systems with new PMnXQ crystals. Therefore, the design approach using isomorphic tolerance space is very attractive for developing diverse isomorphic analogous organic crystals.
Short‐Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Imaging Sensors Based on Lead Chalcogenide Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Wu Zhixu , Ou Yingdong , Cai Mengqiang , Wang Yuhao , Tang Rongxin , Xia Yong
Published: October 2022

Lead chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) are one of the next generations of ideal narrow bandgap infrared semiconductors, due to their succinct solution processing, low‐cost fabrication, size‐tunable infrared bandgap, and excellent optoelectronic properties. Tremendous efforts including synthesis methods, surface ligand engineering, and device architecture engineering, drastically contribute to the significant improvement of the performance of the photodetectors based on QDs. In recent years, with the rapid development of consumer electronics, short‐wave infrared (SWIR) imaging sensors are in urgent demand. Thanks to the flexible manipulation of the QD thin film deposition process, a variety of QD‐based imaging technologies have been studied, including single‐pixel imaging sensors, integrated imaging sensors with readout circuit, and upconversion imaging sensors, which can effectively reduce the cost of SWIR imaging sensors and promote the commercial application in the consumer electronics. Herein, recent advances of QD‐based photodetectors and imaging sensors are summarized, emphatically focusing on the synthesis of QDs, surface ligand engineering, device architecture engineering, and imaging technology.
Piezoelectric Strain Control of Terahertz Spin Current
Authors: Chaurasiya Avinash , Li Ziqi , Medwal Rohit , Gupta Surbhi , Mohan John Rex , Fukuma Yasuhiro , Asada Hironori , Chia Elbert E. M. , Rawat Rajdeep Singh
Published: October 2022

Electrical control of photogenerated terahertz (THz) spin current pulses from a spintronic emitter has been at the forefront for the development of scalable, cost‐efficient, wideband optospintronic devices. Artificially combined ferroelectric and ferromagnet heterostructure provides the potential avenue to deterministically control the phase of THz spin current pulse through piezoelectric strain. Here, the electric field‐mediated piezoelectric strain control of photogenerated THz spin current pulse from a multiferroic spintronic emitter is demonstrated. The phase reversal of the THz spin current pulse is obtained from the combined effect of piezoelectric strain and a small magnetic field applied opposite to the initial magnetization of the ferromagnet. The piezoelectric strain‐controlled phase switching of THz spin current thus opens a door to develop efficient strain engineered scalable on‐chip THz spintronics devices.
Highly Scalable, Sensitive and Ultraflexible Graphene‐Based Wearable E‐Textiles Sensor for Bio‐Signal Detection
Authors: Tan Sirui , Islam Md Rashedul , Li Huixuan , Fernando Anura , Afroj Shaila , Karim Nazmul
Published: October 2022

Graphene‐based wearable electronic textiles (e‐textiles) show promise for next‐generation personalized healthcare applications due to their non‐invasive nature. However, the poor performance, less comfort, and higher material cost limit their wide applications. Here a simple and scalable production method of producing graphene‐based electro‐conductive yarn that is further embroidered to realize piezoresistive sensors is reported. The multilayer structures improved the conductivity of the piezoresistive sensors, exhibiting good sensitivity with high response and recovery speed. Additionally, the potential applications of such wearable, ultraflexible and machine‐washable piezoresistive sensors as pressure and breathing sensors are demonstrated. This will be an important step toward realizing multifunctional applications of wearable e‐textiles for next‐generation personalized healthcare applications.
Bioengineered Pancreas–Liver Crosstalk in a Microfluidic Coculture Chip Identifies Human Metabolic Response Signatures in Prediabetic Hyperglycemia
Authors: Zandi Shafagh Reza , Youhanna Sonia , Keulen Jibbe , Shen Joanne X. , Taebnia Nayere , Preiss Lena C. , Klein Kathrin , Büttner Florian A. , Bergqvist Mikael , van der Wijngaart Wouter , Lauschke Volker M.
Published: October 2022

Aberrant glucose homeostasis is the most common metabolic disturbance affecting one in ten adults worldwide. Prediabetic hyperglycemia due to dysfunctional interactions between different human tissues, including pancreas and liver, constitutes the largest risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. However, this early stage of metabolic disease has received relatively little attention. Microphysiological tissue models that emulate tissue crosstalk offer emerging opportunities to study metabolic interactions. Here, a novel modular multitissue organ‐on‐a‐chip device is presented that allows for integrated and reciprocal communication between different 3D primary human tissue cultures. Precisely controlled heterologous perfusion of each tissue chamber is achieved through a microfluidic single “synthetic heart” pneumatic actuation unit connected to multiple tissue chambers via specific configuration of microchannel resistances. On‐chip coculture experiments of organotypic primary human liver spheroids and intact primary human islets demonstrate insulin secretion and hepatic insulin response dynamics at physiological timescales upon glucose challenge. Integration of transcriptomic analyses with promoter motif activity data of 503 transcription factors reveals tissue‐specific interacting molecular networks that underlie β‐cell stress in prediabetic hyperglycemia. Interestingly, liver and islet cultures show surprising counter‐regulation of transcriptional programs, emphasizing the power of microphysiological coculture to elucidate the systems biology of metabolic crosstalk.
Atomic Level Defect Structure Engineering for Unusually High Average Thermoelectric Figure of Merit in n‐Type PbSe Rivalling PbTe
Authors: Ge Bangzhi , Lee Hyungseok , Huang Lulu , Zhou Chongjian , Wei Zhilei , Cai Bowen , Cho Sung‐Pyo , Li Jing‐Feng , Qiao Guanjun , Qin Xiaoying , Shi Zhongqi , Chung In
Published: October 2022

Realizing high average thermoelectric figure of merit (ZTave) and power factor (PFave) has been the utmost task in thermoelectrics. Here the new strategy to independently improve constituent factors in ZT is reported, giving exceptionally high ZTave and PFave in n‐type PbSe. The nonstoichiometric, alloyed composition and resulting defect structures in new Pb1+xSe0.8Te0.2 (x = 0–0.125) system is key to this achievement. First, incorporating excess Pb unusually increases carrier mobility (µH) and concentration (nH) simultaneously in contrast to the general physics rule, thereby raising electrical conductivity (σ). Second, modifying charge scattering mechanism by the authors’ synthesis process boosts a magnitude of Seebeck coefficient (S) above theoretical expectations. Detouring the innate inverse proportionality between nH and µH; and σ and S enables independent control over them and change the typical trend of PF to temperature, giving remarkably high PFave ≈20 µW cm−1 K−2 from 300 to 823 K. The dual incorporation of Te and excess Pb generates unusual antisite Pb at the anionic site and displaced Pb from the ideal position, consequently suppressing lattice thermal conductivity. The best composition exhibits a ZTave of ≈1.2 from 400 to 823 K, one of the highest reported for all n‐type PbQ (Q = chalcogens) materials.
Enhanced Built‐in Electric Field Promotes Photocatalytic Hydrogen Performance of Polymers Derived from the Introduction of B←N Coordination Bond
Authors: Ru Chenglong , Chen Peiyan , Wu Xuan , Chen Changjuan , Zhang Jin , Zhao Hao , Wu Jincai , Pan Xiaobo
Published: October 2022

High concentrations of active carriers on the surface of a semiconductor through energy/electron transfer are the core process in the photocatalytic hydrogen production from water. However, it remains a challenge to significantly improve photocatalytic performance by modifying simple molecular modulation. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance using boron and nitrogen elements to construct B←N coordination bonds. Experimental results show that polynaphthopyridine borane (PNBN) possessing B←N coordination bonds shows a hydrogen evolution rate of 217.4 µmol h−1, which is significantly higher than that of the comparison materials 0 µmol h−1 for polyphenylnaphthalene (PNCC) and 0.66 µmol h−1 for polypyridylnaphthalene (PNNC), mainly attributed to the formation of a strong built‐in electric field that promotes the separation of photo‐generated electrons/holes. This work opens up new prospects for the design of highly efficient polymeric photocatalysts at the molecular level.
A Lightweight, Elastic, and Thermally Insulating Stealth Foam With High Infrared‐Radar Compatibility
Authors: Gu Weihua , Ong Samuel Jun Hoong , Shen Yuhong , Guo Wenyi , Fang Yiting , Ji Guangbin , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: October 2022

The development of infrared‐radar compatible materials/devices is challenging because the requirements of material properties between infrared and radar stealth are contradictory. Herein, a composite of poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) coated melamine foam is designed to integrate the advantages of the dual materials and the created heterogeneous interface between them. The as‐designed PEDOT:PSS@melamine composite shows excellent mechanical properties, outstanding thermal insulation, and improved thermal infrared stealth performance. The relevant superb radar stealth performance including the minimum reflection loss value of −57.57 dB, the optimum ultra‐wide bandwidth of 10.52 GHz, and the simulation of radar cross section reduction value of 17.68 dB m2, can be achieved. The optimal specific electromagnetic wave absorption performance can reach up as high as 3263.02 dB·cm3 g−1. The average electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness value can be 30.80 dB. This study provides an approach for the design of high‐performance stealth materials with infrared‐radar compatibility.
Spin‐Decoupled Interference Metasurfaces for Complete Complex‐Vectorial‐Field Control and Five‐Channel Imaging
Authors: Wu Tong , Xu Quan , Zhang Xueqian , Xu Yuehong , Chen Xieyu , Feng Xi , Niu Li , Huang Fan , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: October 2022

Light is a complex vectorial field characterized by its amplitude, phase, and polarization properties, which can be further represented by four basic parameters, that is, amplitudes and phases of two orthogonally polarized components. Controlling these parameters simultaneously and independently at will using metasurfaces are essential in arbitrarily manipulating the light propagation. However, most of the studies so far commonly require a great number of different meta‐atoms or rely on diffraction under oblique incidence, which lack convenience and flexibility in design and implementation. Here, a new metasurface paradigm is proposed that can completely manipulate the amplitudes and phases of two spin components based on the interference effect, where only two different meta‐atoms are applied. For proof‐of‐concept demonstration, two five‐channel meta‐holograms for imaging and information encryption are designed and experimentally characterized. The interference method provides a simple route toward compact complex and multifunctional meta‐devices.
Ultra‐Thin SnOx Buffer Layer Enables High‐Efficiency Quantum Junction Photovoltaics
Authors: Jia Yuwen , Wang Haibin , Wang Yinglin , Wang Chao , Li Xiaofei , Kubo Takaya , Liu Yichun , Zhang Xintong , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Solution‐processed solar cells are promising for the cost‐effective, high‐throughput production of photovoltaic devices. Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are attractive candidate materials for efficient, solution‐processed solar cells, potentially realizing the broad‐spectrum light utilization and multi‐exciton generation effect for the future efficiency breakthrough of solar cells. The emerging quantum junction solar cells (QJSCs), constructed by n‐ and p‐type CQDs only, open novel avenue for all‐quantum‐dot photovoltaics with a simplified device configuration and convenient processing technology. However, the development of high‐efficiency QJSCs still faces the challenge of back carrier diffusion induced by the huge carrier density drop at the interface of CQDs and conductive glass substrate. Herein, an ultra‐thin atomic layer deposited tin oxide (SnOx) layer is employed to buffer this carrier density drop, significantly reducing the interfacial recombination and capacitance caused by the back carrier diffusion. The SnOx‐modified QJSC achieves a record‐high efficiency of 11.55% and a suppressed hysteresis factor of 0.04 in contrast with reference QJSC with an efficiency of 10.4% and hysteresis factor of 0.48. This work clarifies the critical effect of interfacial issues on the carrier recombination and hysteresis of QJSCs, and provides an effective pathway to design high‐performance all‐quantum‐dot devices.
A Bioinspired Hierarchical Fast Transport Network Boosting Electrochemical Performance of 3D Printed Electrodes
Authors: Zhao Bo , Wu Jiawen , Liang Zhiqiang , Liang Wenkai , Yang He , Li Dan , Qin Wei , Peng Meiwen , Sun Yinghui , Jiang Lin
Published: October 2022

Current 3D printed electrodes suffer from insufficient multiscale transport speed, which limits the improvement of electrochemical performance of 3D printed electrodes. Herein, a bioinspired hierarchical fast transport network (HFTN) in a 3D printed reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (3DP GC) electrode demonstrating superior electrochemical performance is constructed. Theoretical calculations reveal that the HFTN of the 3DP GC electrode increases the ion transport rate by more than 50 times and 36 times compared with those of the bulk GC electrode and traditional 3DP GC (T‐3DP GC) electrode, respectively. Compared with carbon paper, carbon cloth, bulk GC electrode, and T‐3DP GC electrode, the HFTN in 3DP GC electrode endows obvious advantages: i) efficient utilization of surface area for uniform catalysts dispersion during electrochemical deposition; ii) efficient utilization of catalysts enables the high mass activity of catalysts and low overpotential of electrode in electrocatalytic reaction. The cell of 3DP GC/Ni‐NiO||3DP GC/NiS2 demonstrates a low voltage of only 1.42 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 and good stability up to 20 h for water splitting in alkaline conditions, which is superior to commercialized Pt/C||RuO2. This work demonstrates great potential in developing high‐performance 3D printed electrodes for electrochemical energy conversion and storage.
Investigating Underlying Mechanisms for Nonfullerene Hybrid Bulk Heterojunctions‐Based Organic Magnetoresistance
Authors: Li Juqian , Kan Lixuan , Hu Jiaji , Tao Sheng , Pan Ruiheng , Yu Haomiao , Duan Wubiao , Wang Kai
Published: October 2022

Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) are potential candidates for high‐performance organic solar cells. As a group of promising organic optoelectronic materials, it is of particular importance to further explore while establishing their novel functionalities for other critical applications such as low power consumptions and high‐speed organic spintronic devices for data storage and memories. Here, a joint of experimental and theoretical studies are performed for the magneto‐transport in PM6:Y6 and PBDB‐T: ITIC‐based prototypical nonfullerene hybrid bulk heterojunction (BHJ) systems. Robust magnetic‐driven behaviors can be realized due to the existence of charge transfer states (CTS) for the systems. Largely stable high and low resistive states can be well achieved through a wide temperature range from 300 K to 4 K. Magneto‐responses are dealt with at different field strengths separately based on microscopically theoretical models. The interior spin dynamics lay primarily on field‐induced coherent spin mixing mechanisms. The main channels for pronounced OMR effects with negative signs stem from the triplet exciton‐polaron interaction and coulomb blockade hopping transport upon charge injection. More importantly, the polaron back transfer (PBT) turns out to be desirable for nonfullerene molecular spintronics. This study opens a new avenue for novel applications of NFAs in organic spintronics.
Modulating Quantum Interference Between Destructive and Constructive States in Double N‐Substituted Single Molecule Junctions
Authors: Chen Zi‐Zhen , Wu Shun‐Da , Lin Jin‐Liang , Chen Li‐Chuan , Cao Jing‐Jing , Shao Xiangfeng , Lambert Colin J. , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: October 2022

Quantum interference (QI) plays a crucial role in determining the charge transport in molecular devices. In this work, the efficient modulation of QI in meta‐phenylene ethylene oligomer molecular devices by a double N‐substitution strategy is demonstrated. By altering the positions of two N atoms in the central ring with respect to the connecting sites, the molecular conductance can be tuned by more than one order of magnitude. Theoretical analysis, including magic ratio theory, orbital rule, and transmission simulations, reveals how the two N atoms synergistically modulate the molecule conductance between destructive QI and constructive QI states. Remarkably, addition of a second N atom does not simple reinforce the effect of the first; in contrast, it may completely cancel the effect of the first. Understanding the complex electronic interplay between the two N atoms in double N‐substituted molecules paves a path toward utilization of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in molecular electronics.
Conductive Passivator for Efficient Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cell on Commercially Textured Silicon
Authors: Xu Qiaojing , Shi Biao , Li Yucheng , Yan Lingling , Duan Weiyuan , Li Yuxiang , Li Renjie , Ren Ningyu , Han Wei , Liu Jingjing , Huang Qian , Zhang Dekun , Ren Huizhi , Xu Shengzhi , Zhang Chaohua , Zhuang Huihu , Lambertz Andreas , Ding Kaining , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: October 2022

Monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells on commercially textured silicon with conformal perovskite top cells allow compatibility with standard industrial processes of silicon photovoltaic, as well as maximization of light trapping at the least cost. However, the efficiency is still limited by unsatisfactory open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF), owing to the challenge of growing high‐quality perovskite film on textured substrates and the lack of particularly effective passivation at the inferior interface between perovskite and C60. Different from traditionally electricity‐insulating passivator, herein, a conductive organic amine salt is introduced into this interface to suppress nonradiative recombination loss and promote carriers transfer synchronously, significantly increasing the VOC while preserving high FF, thus improving the efficiency substantially. Finally, a champion efficiency of up to 28.51% is obtained. Furthermore, due to the favorable electrical properties of this molecule, there is a wide processing window for the passivation, which helps to achieve an efficiency of 25.13% when the active area is enlarged to 11.879 cm2.
High‐Entropy‐Alloy‐Nanoparticles Enabled Wood Evaporator for Efficient Photothermal Conversion and Sustainable Solar Desalination
Authors: Li Yixing , Ma Yi , Liao Yijun , Ji Lianze , Zhao Rongzhi , Zhu Dapeng , Hu Xin , Qin Gaowu , Rong Huawei , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: October 2022

High‐entropy‐alloy (HEA) nanoparticles with excellent photothermal conversion performances have been proven effective for solar steam generation abilities, but it remains a challenge to fabricate a macroscale evaporator through them. Here, assisting by the unique anisotropic porous structures of balsawood matrixes, a sustainable HEA‐nanoparticles‐balsawood (HEA‐BW) composited evaporator, in which two compositions construct an asymmetric surface wettability that the top surface of HEA nanoparticles acts as a hydrophobic photothermal area, while the bottom hydrophilic surface of balsawood allows for rapid water transportation, is assembled. The most efficient 8‐HEA‐BW realized an average optical absorption greater than 97% over the entire solar spectrum (250–2500 nm) and an excellent evaporation rate of 2.58 kg m−2 h−1 with a surface temperature of 80 °C under one sun irradiation. Surprisingly, a stable solar desalination performance of such composited evaporator can be observed in a 10‐cycles long‐term evaluation of the hypersaline water (20 wt% salinity) with an average evaporation rate of 1.65 kg m−2 h−1.
Anchoring Metal‐Organic Framework‐Derived ZnTe@C onto Elastic Ti3C2Tx MXene with 0D/2D Dual Confinement for Ultrastable Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Hu Rongxiang , Sha Dawei , Cao Xin , Lu Chengjie , Wei Yicheng , Pan Long , Sun ZhengMing
Published: October 2022

The prosperous deployments of renewable energy have stimulated the looming exploration of K‐ion batteries (KIBs) for grid‐scale energy storage because of their high energy density and low cost. However, lacking advanced anode materials with high theoretical capacity, fast K+ storage kinetics, and eco‐friendliness discourages KIB development. Here, for the first time, ZnTe as an advanced KIB anode material with a conversion reaction mechanism (yZnTe + xK+ + xe− → yZn + KxTey) is demonstrated. The ZnTe nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in a carbon matrix using metal–organic frameworks as starting materials, which are subsequently anchored on Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets, forming elaborate ZnTe@C/Ti3C2Tx (ZCT) nanohybrids. Various theoretical modeling and postmortem examinations reveal the synergistic integrations between carbon and Ti3C2Tx. Compositionally, they regulate the electronic structure of ZnTe, providing fast K+ adsorption kinetics. Morphologically, they construct a 0D/2D dual confinement, addressing the volume change of ZnTe upon cycling. Therefore, the ZCT exhibits a high capacity (408.0 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and excellent long‐term cyclability (230.2 mA h g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 3500 cycles), outperforming other reported transition‐metal‐chalcogenides. Significantly, the ZCT‐based full cells achieve a high energy density of 110.3 Wh Kg−1, making ZCT promising for practical applications.
Fall–winter cover crops promote soil health and weed control in the southeastern clayey soils
Authors: St Aime Ricardo , Bridges William C. , Narayanan Sruthi
Published: October 2022

Seven winter cover crops including grasses, legumes, and brassicas were evaluated for biomass production and effects on weed presence, stored soil water, soil health indicators, and the performance of a subsequent soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop in the clayey soils of South Carolina during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. A mixture of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and oat (Avena sativa L.), a mixture of crimson clover and rye, and single rye ranked high for biomass production. Cover crops did not deplete more soil water than a fallow did (–22 to 8% difference in soil water retention, compared to fallow with or without herbicide application), controlled weeds equally well or better than herbicides (>90% reduction in weed presence, compared to herbicide control), and reduced soil penetration resistance (>40%, compared to fallow with or without herbicide application in the second season). The five‐species mixture also improved soil biological activity (>43% increase in soil respiration at cover‐crop termination, compared to that under a chemical fallow). The subsequent soybean crop's yield was never negatively affected if not improved by the above cover crops (9–173% increase, compared to that following a chemical fallow). Our results indicate the suitability of the above cover crops for the southeastern clayey soils based on biomass production, weed suppression, and improvements in soil health and the subsequent soybean crop's performance and provide the rationale for planting them rather than keeping the land under a chemical fallow.
Engineering Heterogeneous Catalysis with Strong Metal–Support Interactions: Characterization, Theory and Manipulation
Authors: Pu Tiancheng , Zhang Wenhao , Zhu Minghui
Published: October 2022

Strong metal–support interactions (SMSI) represent a classic yet fast‐growing area in catalysis research. The SMSI phenomenon results in the encapsulation and stabilization of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with the support material that significantly impacts the catalytic performance through regulation of the interfacial interactions. Engineering SMSI provides a promising approach to steer catalytic performance in various chemical processes, which serves as an effective tool to tackle energy and environmental challenges. Our Minireview covers characterization, theory, catalytic activity, dependence on the catalytic structure and inducing environment of SMSI phenomena. By providing an overview and outlook on the cutting‐edge techniques in this multidisciplinary research field, we not only want to provide insights into the further exploitation of SMSI in catalysis, but we also hope to inspire rational designs and characterization in the broad field of material science and physical chemistry.