bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexafluoroisopropyl Trifluoromethanesulfonate‐Driven Easily Li+ Desolvated Electrolyte to Afford Li||NCM811 Cells with Efficient Anode/Cathode Electrolyte Interphases
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Jiandong , He Jian , Wang Huaping , Qi Shihan , Wu Daxiong , Huang Junda , Li Fang , Hu Wei , Ma Jianmin
Published: June 2021

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) with optimized components and structures are considered to be crucial for lithium‐ion batteries. Here, gradient lithium oxysulfide (Li2SOx, x = 0, 3, 4)/uniform lithium fluoride (LiF)‐type SEI is designed in situ by using hexafluoroisopropyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (HFPTf) as electrolyte additive. HFPTf is more likely to be reduced on the surface of Li anode in electrolytes due to its high reduction potential. Moreover, HFPTf can make Li+ desolvated easily, leading to the increase in the flux of Li+ on the surface of Li anode to avoid the growth of Li dendrites. Thus, the cycling stability of Li||Li symmetric cells is improved to be 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2. In addition, HFPTf‐contained electrolyte could make Li||NCM811 batteries with a capacity retention of 70% after 150 cycles at 100 mA g−1, which is attributed to the formation of uniform and stable CEI on the cathode surface for hindering the dissolvation of metal ions from the cathode. This study provides effective insights on the strong ability of additives to adjust electrolytes in “one phase and two interphases” (electrolyte and SEI/CEI).
Organic Semiconducting Macromolecular Dyes for NIR‐II Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yin Chao , Li Xiaozhen , Wang Yi , Liang Yuying , Zhou Shan , Zhao Pengchao , Lee Chun‐Sing , Fan Quli , Huang Wei
Published: June 2021

Owing to the unique advantages of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) conducted over the near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) window, the development of high‐efficiency optical agents with NIR‐II light responsiveness is of great significance. Despite the diversity of optical agents developed for NIR‐II PAI and PTT, most of them are based on inorganic nanomaterials and small molecular dyes, whose biosafety and photostability need to be further assessed, respectively. Organic semiconducting macromolecular dyes (OSMDs) featuring a large semiconducting backbone are becoming alternative candidates for NIR‐II PAI and PTT owing to their reliable biocompatibility, durable photostability, and ideal photothermal conversion capability. This paper reviews the current progress of OSMD‐based PAI and PTT in the NIR‐II optical window. The three main types of OSMDs with different skeleton architectures are introduced, and their applications for NIR‐II PAI (tumor imaging, stem cell tracking, and vasculature imaging) and PTT (tumor ablation) are described. Viable strategies for further improving the NIR‐II PAI performance of OSMDs are discussed. Finally, some major issues faced by OSMDs in NIR‐II PAI and PTT are raised, and the future development directions of OSMDs are analyzed.
Reversible Writing/Re‐Writing Polymeric Paper in Multiple Environments
Authors: Chen Chi , Zhao Xinkun , Chen Yujie , Wang Xinyue , Chen Zhen , Li Hua , Wang Kaifeng , Zheng Xu , Liu Hezhou
Published: June 2021

Compared with traditional paper relying on cellulose, the polymeric paper written by light can satisfy more multi‐environmental stability and reusability for sustainable development. Herein, proposed for the first time, a novel multifunctional polymeric paper with a patch‐sewing structure is designed, presenting the reversible writing/re‐writing performance. Meanwhile, a series of Fe‐based oxides with various submicron structures inherited from metal–organic framework templates are reported, in which the optimum one exhibited 95.04% absorbance from the finite difference time domain simulation and realized photothermal conversion instantaneously (soaring to 300 °C within 38 s). Given the distinguished mechanical properties (the tensile strength of 21.34 MPa and elongation at break of 546.06%), shape‐memory ability, and multi‐environmental stability, the composites are perfect for information recording. Due to the addition of the liquid crystal phase serving as the ink on the paper, the stress concentration and destruction can be recorded on the surface while it can recover to the initial situation by near‐infrared irradiation. Moreover, the remote writing with precision triggered by a focused light source can be achieved in multiple situations (air, water, and ice), which paved the way for the next generation of paper, especially in extreme conditions like deep‐water or aerospace.
Facet Engineering to Regulate Surface States of Topological Crystalline Insulator Bismuth Rhombic Dodecahedrons for Highly Energy Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Xie Huan , Zhang Tan , Xie Ruikuan , Hou Zhufeng , Ji Xuecong , Pang Yongyu , Chen Shaoqing , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Weng Hongming , Chai Guoliang
Published: June 2021

Bismuth (Bi) is a topological crystalline insulator (TCI), which has gapless topological surface states (TSSs) protected by a specific crystalline symmetry that strongly depends on the facet. Bi is also a promising electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) electrocatalyst for formate production. In this study, single‐crystalline Bi rhombic dodecahedrons (RDs) exposed with (104) and (110) facets are developed. The Bi RDs demonstrate a very low overpotential and high selectivity for formate production (Faradic efficiency >92.2%) in a wide partial current density range from 9.8 to 290.1 mA cm−2, leading to a remarkably high full‐cell energy efficiency (69.5%) for ECO2RR. The significantly reduced overpotential is caused by the enhanced *OCHO adsorption on the Bi RDs. The high selectivity of formate can be ascribed to the TSSs and the trivial surface states opening small gaps in the bulk gap on Bi RDs, which strengthens and stabilizes the preferentially adsorbed *OCHO and mitigates the competing adsorption of *H during ECO2RR. This study describes a promising application of Bi RDs for high‐rate formate production and high‐efficiency energy storage of intermittent renewable electricity. Optimizing the geometry of TCIs is also proposed as an effective strategy to tune the TSSs of topological catalysts.
Hypervalent Iodine Compounds as Versatile Reagents for Extremely Efficient and Reversible Patterning of Graphene with Nanoscale Precision
Authors: Bao Lipiao , Zhao Baolin , Yang Bowen , Halik Marcus , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas
Published: June 2021

Rational patterning and tailoring of graphene relies on the disclosure of suitable reagents for structuring the target functionalities on the 2D‐carbon network. Here, a series of hypervalent iodine compounds, namely, 1‐chloro‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3(1H)‐one, 1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1,2‐benziodoxole, and 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1,2‐benziodoxole is reported to be extremely efficient for a diversified graphene patterning. The decomposition of these compounds generates highly reactive Cl, OH, and CF3 radicals exclusively in the irradiated areas, which subsequently attach onto the graphene leading to locally controlled chlorination, hydroxylation, and trifluoromethylation, respectively. This is the first realization of a patterned hydroxylation of graphene, and the degrees of functionalization of the patterned chlorination and trifluoromethylation are both unprecedented. The usage of these mild reagents here is reasonably facile compared to the reported methods using hazardous Cl2 or ICl and allows for sophisticated pattern designs with nanoscale precision, promising for arbitrary nanomanipulation of graphene's properties like hydrophilicity and conductivity by the three distinct functionalities (Cl, OH, and CF3). Moreover, the attachment of functional entities to these highly functionalized graphene nanoarchitectures is fully reversible upon thermal annealing, enabling a full writing/storing/reading/erasing control over the chemical information stored within graphene. This work provides an exciting clue for target 2D functionalization and modulation of graphene by using suitable hypervalent iodine compounds.
Structural and Trap‐State Density Enhancement in Flash Infrared Annealed Perovskite Layers
Authors: Brunova Alica , Vegso Karol , Nadazdy Vojtech , Nadazdy Peter , Subair Riyas , Jergel Matej , Majkova Eva , Pandit Pallavi , Roth Stephan V. , Krasnansky Alexander , Hinderhofer Alexander , Schreiber Frank , Tian Jianjun , Siffalovic Peter
Published: June 2021

Perovskite solar cells are well‐known for their high energy conversion efficiency, low‐temperature processing, and cost‐effective production. Flash infrared annealing (FIRA) of slot‐die cast perovskite precursors offers an attractive manufacturing route using high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll technology. Despite the recent progress in FIRA perovskite annealing, the optimal composition of the perovskite precursor is yet to be developed. Here, the effect of methylammonium chloride (MACl) on the perovskite structure and trap‐state density as a function of the FIRA annealing time is investigated. In situ real‐time grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) is employed to monitor the perovskite layer formation during FIRA annealing with millisecond temporal resolution. In addition, the density of states in the bandgap is estimated using ex situ energy‐resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Evidence is found that adding 10% MACl into the perovskite precursor solution significantly improves the crystallographic orientation of the perovskite layers while reducing the trap‐state density by one order of magnitude. In addition, using time‐resolved GIWAXS, the most favorable time window for the FIRA processing of perovskite films with the lowest mosaicity and trap‐state density is identified. The results are of general importance for elucidating the appropriate temporal windows in complex and fast‐evolving crystallization processes.
In‐Situ Observation of the Formation of NiSi/Ni2Si Heterojunction in SiGe Nanowire with Al2O3 Diffusion Barrier Layer
Authors: Lee Yu‐Chuan , Lyu Lian‐Ming , Lu Ming‐Yen
Published: June 2021

In complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor technology, the metal silicides/germanides have prominent advantages such as low resistivity, high thermal and chemical stability. Here, a study to probe the phase transformations and the diffusion behaviors of Ni in Si1‐xGex nanowire (NW) by in situ transmission electron microscopy is conducted. The Si1‐xGex NWs are dispersed on Si3N4 membrane and contacted with Ni by E‐beam lithography process for in situ study. The sample is heated to 723 K, Ni is diffused into Si1‐xGex NW and Ni2Si is formed accordingly. The diffusion mechanism is confirmed to be reaction‐controlled and the activation energy can be extracted to be 0.708 eV. On the other hand, in this study Al2O3 layer‐coated Si1‐xGex NW is probed for comparison, while the Al2O3 layer serves as the diffusion barrier to modulate the diffusion rate of Ni. This increases the activation energy to 1.38 eV. Importantly, it is found that the NiSi/Ni2Si heterojunction is formed at the diffusion front. The results provide the insights for fabrication of semiconducting devices.
Interface Defect Engineering of a Large‐Scale CVD‐Grown MoS2 Monolayer via Residual Sodium at the SiO2/Si Substrate
Authors: Han Sang Wook , Yun Won Seok , Woo Whang Je , Kim Hyungjun , Park Jusang , Hwang Young Hun , Nguyen Tri Khoa , Le Chinh Tam , Kim Yong Soo , Kang Manil , Ahn Chang Won , Hong Soon Cheol
Published: June 2021

Alkali metal halide‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods can produce wafer‐scale uniform monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Further defect engineering is necessary to obtain high‐performance functional devices. While defect engineering has focused on the surface of the monolayer TMDs or the contact property, interface defect engineering is rare and non‐trivial. Based on a NaCl‐assisted CVD‐grown large‐scale uniform MoS2 monolayer on SiO2/Si substrate, a trace amount of Na cations is present, residing at the SiO2 substrate during the CVD‐growth process and contributes to the n‐type doping into the supported monolayer MoS2. Furthermore, the residual Na cations are electrically moved toward the bottom side of monolayer MoS2 to passivate the interfacial defects.
Slot‐Die Coating of All Organic/Polymer Layers for Large‐Area Flexible OLEDs: Improved Device Performance with Interlayer Modification
Authors: C Amruth , Dubey Deepak K. , Pahlevani Majid , Welch Gregory C.
Published: June 2021

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated on flexible transparent substrates have found application in displays, lighting, and signage. Optimization of the fabrication procedures is critical for commercialization to maximize performance and reduce costs. Utilization of the slot‐die coating technique, a solution‐processing roll‐to‐roll method, has emerged as a viable method to manufacture flexible OLED devices. Here, the fabrication of flexible OLEDs via the slot‐die coating technique under ambient condition is reported. The OLEDs have a simple architecture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium–tin oxide (ITO)/hole injection layer (HIL)/emissive layer (EML)/electron injection layer (EIL)/Ag, where poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is used as the HIL, Super Yellow (SY, poly(1,4‐phenylenevinylene) copolymer) is used as the EML, and poly((9,9‐bis(3′‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)propyl)‐2,7‐fluorene)‐alt‐2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)) (PFN) is used as the EIL. The optimization of the PFN layer using slot‐die coating technique is focused by varying solvent, solvent additives, substrate temperature, and coating speeds. The OLEDs that have PFN layers processed with the known solvent additives, 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) or diphenyl ether (DPE), show a performance increase compared to OLEDs based on PFN layers processed with no solvent additives. Finally, large‐area multicolor OLEDs are constructed with organic/polymer layers being slot‐die coated in sequence, of which all display homogeneous luminance under bending/folding conditions, highlighting the potential of this simple device structure and processing method.
Tailoring Electropolymerized Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Films for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Nayak Prem D. , Ohayon David , Wustoni Shofarul , Inal Sahika
Published: June 2021

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical process for several electrocatalytic and photocatalytic devices. Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, is an efficient ORR catalyst, with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) being the primary reaction product. Although H2O2 is a green fuel for batteries and fuel cells and used as an industrial oxidant, it is toxic for living systems. As such, its production should be limited when PEDOT films are used in bioelectronic devices. In this work, the ORR behavior of a series of electropolymerized PEDOT films is investigated. By varying the counterion (monomeric vs polymeric), including a hydroxyl‐terminated EDOT monomer in the polymer architecture, or adding a conductivity enhancer in the reaction mixture, the authors aim to understand the parameters governing the ORR properties. It is that the polymer's pristine doping level—influenced by counterion type and the presence of the conductivity enhancer—controls the ORR pathway in PEDOT films. High levels of intrinsic doping led to films with H2O2 as the major ORR product. This work suggests strategies for the design of conducting polymers with optimized performance for electrocatalytic applications and minimized production of harmful chemicals for bioelectronic devices.
Thin‐Film Devices for Active Pixel Sensor Schemes Enabling High Density and Large‐Area Sensors
Authors: Avila‐Avendano Carlos , Mejia Israel , Reyes‐Banda Martin G. , Lamont Jair Garcia , Pham Christopher , Caraveo‐Frescas Jesus A. , Gnade Bruce E. , Quevedo‐Lopez Manuel A.
Published: June 2021

A novel and scalable method enabling the integration of dissimilar thin‐film devices for high density and large‐area sensors is demonstrated. The method is validated by integrating CdS/CdTe P‐N thin‐film diodes with poly‐Si thin‐film transistors (TFTs) in an active pixel sensor (APS) scheme. These devices have been used separately in low‐cost and large‐area applications such as liquid‐crystal displays (Poly‐TFTs) and solar cells (CdS/CdTe) and the methods allow a seamless integration that eliminates the use of discrete pixel‐to‐pixel bumping interconnections. APSs, consisting of a cascode TFT amplifier and a CdS/CdTe diode, are evaluated using pulsed light sources under several wavelengths and intensities. The results demonstrated a responsivity increase of >100× for the integrated sensors and well‐defined signal amplitude, as desirable for energy and intensity monitoring. The method enables the use of two dissimilar and remarkable devices in a wide range of applications such as X‐ray imagers, gamma‐ray detectors, and thermal neutron detectors, while offering large‐area and low‐cost compatibility. More importantly, the integrity and reliability of the diodes and TFTs are not affected by the integration process.
Thermoplasmonics with Gold Nanoparticles: A New Weapon in Modern Optics and Biomedicine
Authors: Guglielmelli Alexa , Pierini Filippo , Tabiryan Nelson , Umeton Cesare , Bunning Timothy J. , De Sio Luciano
Published: June 2021

Thermoplasmonics deals with the generation and manipulation of nanoscale heating associated with noble metallic nanoparticles. To this end, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are unique nanomaterials with the intrinsic capability to generate a nanoscale confined light‐triggered thermal effect. This phenomenon is produced under the excitation of a suitable light of a wavelength that matches the localized surface plasmonic resonance frequency of AuNPs. Liquid crystals (LCs) and hydrogels are temperature‐sensitive materials that can detect the host AuNPs and their photo‐induced temperature variations. In this perspective, new insight into thermoplasmonics, by describing a series of methodologies for monitoring, detecting, and exploiting the photothermal properties of AuNPs, is offered. From conventional infrared thermography to highly sophisticated temperature‐sensitive materials such as LCs and hydrogels, a new scenario in thermoplasmonic‐based, next generation, photonic components is presented and discussed. Moreover, a new road in thermoplasmonic‐driven biomedical applications, by describing compelling and innovative health technologies such as on‐demand drug‐release and smart face masks with smart nano‐assisted destruction of pathogens, is proposed. The latter represents a new weapon in the fight against COVID‐19.
Ambipolar Charge Storage in Type‐I Core/Shell Semiconductor Quantum Dots toward Optoelectronic Transistor‐Based Memories
Authors: hu Hao , Wen Guohao , Wen Jiamin , Huang Long‐Biao , Zhao Meng , Wu Honglei , Sun Zhenhua
Published: June 2021

Efficient charge storage media play a pivotal role in transistor‐based memories and thus are under intense research. In this work, the charge storage ability of type‐I InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots is well revealed through studying a pentacene‐based organic transistor with the quantum dots (QDs) integrated. The quantum well‐like energy band structure enables the QDs to directly confine either holes or electrons in the core, signifying a dielectric layer‐free nonvolatile memory. Especially, the QDs in this device can be charged by electrons using light illumination as the exclusive method. The electron charging process is ascribed to the photoexcitation process in the InP‐core and the hot holes induced. The QDs layer demonstrates an electron storage density of ≈5.0 × 1011 cm−2 and a hole storage density of ≈6.4 × 1011 cm−2. Resultingly, the output device shows a fast response speed to gate voltage (10 µs), large memory window (42 V), good retention (>4.0 × 104 s), and reliable endurance. This work suggests that the core/shell quantum dot as a kind of charge storage medium is of great promise for optoelectronic memories.
Molecular PET/CT Profiling of ACE2 Expression In Vivo: Implications for Infection and Outcome from SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Zhu Hua , Zhang Hanwen , Zhou Nina , Ding Jin , Jiang Jinquan , Liu Teli , Liu Ziyu , Wang Feng , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhuochen , Yan Shi , Li Lei , Benabdallah Nadia , Jin Hongjun , Liu Zhaofei , Cai Lisheng , Thorek Daniel L. J. , Yang Xing , Yang Zhi
Published: June 2021

Rapid progress has been made to identify and study the causative agent leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) but many questions including who is most susceptible and what determines severity remain unanswered. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key factor in the infection process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In this study, molecularly specific positron emission tomography imaging agents for targeting ACE2 are first developed, and these novel agents are evaluated in vitro, in preclinical model systems, and in a first‐in‐human translational ACE2 imaging of healthy volunteers and a SARS‐CoV‐2 recovered patient (NCT04422457). ACE2 expression levels in different organs in live subjects are quantitatively delineated and observable differences are measured in the patient recovered from COVID‐19. Surprising sites of uptake in the breast, reproductive system and very low uptake in pulmonary tissues are reported. This novel method can add a unique tool to facilitate SARS‐CoV‐2 related research and improve understanding of this enigmatic disease. Molecular imaging provides quantitative annotation of ACE2, the SARS‐CoV‐2 entry receptor, to noninvasively monitor organs impacted by the COVID‐19.
Time‐Dependent Imprint in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Ferroelectric Thin Films
Authors: Takada Kenshi , Takarae Shuya , Shimamoto Kento , Fujimura Norifumi , Yoshimura Takeshi
Published: June 2021

The discovery of the HfO2‐based ferroelectric films has opened new opportunities for using this silicon‐compatible ferroelectric material to realize low‐power logic circuits and high‐density non‐volatile memories. The functional performances of ferroelectrics are intimately related to their dynamic response to external stimuli, such as electric fields at finite temperatures. In the case of HfO2‐based films, the time‐dependent imprint and wake‐up effect, which distinguish them from conventional ferroelectrics, play important roles in understanding the remaining reliability issues, such as insufficient endurance. In this study, the time‐dependent imprint process is carefully investigated using Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) films with different ferroelectric properties and defect density. The amount of redistributed charge, which causes imprint during polarization retention, is affected by the remanent polarization of the ferroelectric layer, suggesting that the depolarization field corresponding to the remanent polarization generates and works as a driving force of charge redistribution. The time‐dependent measurement of the imprint distinguishes the origins of charge redistribution processes, which have different time constants. In addition, the correlation between the amount of redistributed charge and the dielectric relaxation of the HZO films is discussed. Correlations are identified between the redistributed charge and the dielectric relaxation, indicating that the mobile charge contributes to the time‐dependent imprint.
Prospect of Spintronics in Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Jingsheng
Published: June 2021

Neuromorphic computing emulates a biological brain at different levels of the computer hierarchy by exploiting brain‐inspired principles in designing novel devices, algorithms, and architectures. It is believed to have a lower power budget and a higher efficiency in performing cognitive tasks, and is arguably the most promising approaches for next‐generation artificial intelligence. Despite the potentials, progress of neuromorphic computing is constrained by a lack of dedicated hardware. Spintronics is a fast‐evolving discipline that exploits the spin degree of freedom in electronics. The interplay of magnetic and electrical properties of spintronic devices gives rise to a wide range of amazing phenomena, which are both intrinsically conducive to neuromorphic computing and highly compatible with conventional manufacturing technologies. Here, the development of neuromorphic computing with reference to spintronics is reviewed. The state‐of‐the‐art spintronic technologies, such as the magnetic tunnel junction, spin–orbit torque, domain wall propagation, magnetic skyrmions, and antiferromagnet, are highlighted and how they can used for artificial neurons and synapses in different artificial neural networks are discussed. The technical challenges to be overcome for realizing more powerful all‐spin artificial neural networks are also evaluated.
Active Control of Spontaneous Orientation Polarization of Tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) Films and Its Effect on Performance of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Esaki Yu , Tanaka Masaki , Matsushima Toshinori , Adachi Chihaya
Published: June 2021

Vacuum‐deposited amorphous organic films with an anisotropic amorphous structure are known to exhibit spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP). In this study, amorphous structures of tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq3) films are controlled by substrate temperature (Tsub) during vacuum deposition. The effect of density, molecular orientation, and SOP of Alq3 films on the performance of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is comprehensively investigated. The SOP of Alq3 films is significant at low Tsub and becomes weaker as Tsub increases. The presence of SOP certainly improves electron injection from a metal cathode and, therefore, increases the current in OLEDs. External quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of OLEDs are increased by ≈40% when Tsub for the Alq3 deposition is increased from 260 to 328 K. The increased EQEs are attributed to several factors, which include not only increased photoluminescence quantum yields and light outcoupling efficiencies but also suppressed singlet‐polaron annihilation originating from the reduced SOP. Operational stability of OLEDs is also affected by Tsub and becomes the highest when Alq3 layers are vacuum‐deposited at Tsub = 299 K. These findings indicate the importance of controlling organic amorphous structures and SOP in films to maximize OLED performance and contribute to a better understanding of working mechanisms of OLEDs.
2D Material‐Based Heterostructures for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Wang Shijian , Zhao Sai , Guo Xin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2021

2D materials are regarded as promising electrode materials for rechargeable batteries because of their advantages in providing ample active sites and improving electrochemical reaction kinetics. However, it remains a great challenge for 2D materials to fulfill all requirements for high‐performance energy storage devices in terms of electronic conductivity, the number of accessible active sites, structural stability, and mass production capability. Recent advances in constructing 2D material‐based heterostructures offer opportunities for utilizing synergistic effects between the individual blocks to achieve optimized properties and enhanced performance. In this perspective, the latest advances of 2D material‐based heterostructures are summarized, with particular emphasis on their multifunctional roles in high‐performance rechargeable batteries. Synthetic strategies, structural features in mixed dimensionalities, structure engineering strategies, and distinct functionalities of the 2D material‐based heterostructures in various electrochemical applications are systematically introduced. Finally, challenges and perspectives are presented to highlight future opportunities for developing 2D material‐based heterostructures for practical energy storage.
Bidirectionally Compatible Buffering Layer Enables Highly Stable and Conductive Interface for 4.5 V Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Longlong , Sun Xingwei , Ma Jun , Chen Bingbing , Li Chao , Li Jiedong , Chang Liang , Yu Xinrun , Chan Ting‐Shan , Hu Zhiwei , Noked Malachi , Cui Guanglei
Published: June 2021

High‐voltage all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (HVASSLBs) are considered attractive systems for portable electronics and electric vehicles, due to their theoretically high energy density and safety. However, realization of HVASSLBs with sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) is hindered by their limited electrochemical stability, resulting in sluggish interphase dynamics. Here, a bidirectionally compatible buffering layer design scheme is proposed to overcome the interfacial challenges of sulfide‐based HVASSLBs. As a proof of concept, it is found that NASICON‐type LixZr2(PO4)3 surprisingly exhibit great compatibility with both 4.5 V LiCoO2 and Li6PS5Cl, based on the results of first‐principles calculations and various in situ/ex situ characterizations. This compatibility significantly restrains the interface reactivity and boosts interfacial Li‐ion transport. Therefore, 4.5 V sulfide‐based HVASSLBs can exhibit remarkably enhanced initial discharge capacity (143.3 vs 125.9 mAh·g−1 at 0.2C), capacity retention (95.53% vs 74.74% after 100 cycles), and rate performance (97 vs 45 mAh·g−1 at 2C). This work sheds light on the great prospects of sulfide‐based HVASSLBs with high‐rate characteristics, and constitutes a crucial step toward the rational design of interface and interphase chemistry for high‐performance sulfide‐based HVASSLBs.
Realizing Solid‐Phase Reaction in Li–S Batteries via Localized High‐Concentration Carbonate Electrolyte
Authors: He Mengxue , Li Xia , Yang Xiaofei , Wang Changhong , Zheng Matthew Liu , Li Ruying , Zuo Pengjian , Yin Geping , Sun Xueliang
Published: June 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have attracted significant attention because of their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, their poor cyclability caused by the shuttle effect in ether‐based electrolytes remains a great challenge for their practical application. Herein, a novel electrolyte is proposed by combining widely used carbonate solvents diethyl carbonate/fluoroethylene carbonate and inert diluent 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether for Li–S batteries based on typical mesoporous carbon/sulfur (KB/S) materials. Differing from the conventional dissolution‐precipitation mechanism, the sulfur cathodes demonstrate a solid‐phase reaction route in the developed electrolyte, which is realized with the assistance of an in situ formed compact cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) film on the cathode caused by the nucleophilic reaction between lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and carbonate solvents. The formed CEI film can effectively block the infiltration of carbonate solvents and can completely suppress the generation of LiPSs, thus eliminating the shuttle effect. As a result, the KB/S electrode demonstrates a stable cycling performance at 2 C by maintaining a discharge capacity of 570 mAh g–1 after 600 cycles, corresponding to an average capacity decay of 0.057% per cycle. More significantly, this strategy provides a new pathway toward future development of Li–S batteries based on solid‐phase conversion.
Water‐Wave Driven Route Avoidance Warning System for Wireless Ocean Navigation
Authors: Ren Zewei , Liang Xi , Liu Di , Li Xunjia , Ping Jianfeng , Wang Ziming , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: June 2021

The internet of things in the context of the ocean is vitally important. For ships sailing on the wide ocean in adverse weather conditions, evasion of marine islands and reefs is crucial to ensure safe navigation. Here, a hybrid wave energy harvesting nanogenerator is proposed (HW‐NG) as a power source for long‐distance wireless transmission, and demonstrated a self‐powered route avoidance warning system for ocean navigation. The HW‐NG is developed based on a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG), integrated by a pendulum structure. The TENG based on a contact‐separation mode is designed into a spring‐assisted multilayered structure, in which the EMG unit is well hybridized. Simply relying on the energy extracted from water waves, the HW‐NG can establish long‐distance (1.5 km) communication nodes on the sea. In application, a large HW‐NG network could be developed in the adjacent water areas of islands or reefs. With a network formed by hundreds of thousands of HW‐NGs, the forewarning signal transmission could be realized per second on the sea. More importantly, the wireless emitting is spontaneous through the designed automatic switch module. This work demonstrates a practicable strategy for ensuring safety of sea transportation based on wave energy collection.
Poly(3‐alkylthiophene) Films as Solvent‐Processable Photoelectrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Oka Kouki , Kamimori Koichiro , Winther-Jensen Bjorn , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Poly(3‐alkylthiophene) films play a central role in various organic devices due to their solvent processability and their remarkable electrical and optical properties. The (photo)electrocatalytic abilities of unsubstituted and solvent‐insoluble polythiophenes in the reduction of O2 to H2O2 in a basic aqueous electrolyte have recently emerged as an advanced function. Herein, the electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic abilities of solvent‐processable poly(3‐alkylthiophene) films at pH 12 are demonstrated, as well as their characteristics are re‐examined from the viewpoints of the polymer structure, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and film nanostructure. A comparison of the above characteristics reveals the requirements for effective (photo)electrocatalytic O2 reduction to H2O2 production. In addition, the addition of an organic salt to the polymer solution changes the formed film characteristics. The thin film of the regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) containing a small amount of tetramethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide is easily formed by a solvent‐based process and features lower crystallinity, a porous film nanostructure, and high conductivity. This polymer acts as a robust photoelectrocatalyst for the reduction of O2 to H2O2 with a conversion rate of 3.9 × 103 mg (H2O2) gphotocat−1 h−1 or ≈0.040 mg (H2O2) cm−2 h−1 and a high Coulombic efficiency of >95% at 0.1 V bias from the theoretical potential.
Defect‐Rich High‐Entropy Oxide Nanosheets for Efficient 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Electrooxidation
Authors: Gu Kaizhi , Wang Dongdong , Xie Chao , Wang Tehua , Huang Gen , Liu Yanbo , Zou Yuqin , Tao Li , Wang Shuangyin
Published: June 2021

High‐entropy oxides (HEOs), a new concept of entropy stabilization, exhibit unique structures and fascinating properties, and are thus important class of materials with significant technological potential. However, the conventional high‐temperature synthesis techniques tend to afford micron‐scale HEOs with low surface area, and the catalytic activity of available HEOs is still far from satisfactory because of their limited exposed active sites and poor intrinsic activity. Here we report a low‐temperature plasma strategy for preparing defect‐rich HEOs nanosheets with high surface area, and for the first time employ them for 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) electrooxidation. Owing to the nanosheets structure, abundant oxygen vacancies, and high surface area, the quinary (FeCrCoNiCu)3O4 nanosheets deliver improved activity for HMF oxidation with lower onset potential and faster kinetics, outperforming that of HEOs prepared by high‐temperature method. Our method opens new opportunities for synthesizing nanostructured HEOs with great potential applications.
Oligonucleotide Phosphorothioates Enter Cells by Thiol‐Mediated Uptake
Authors: Laurent Quentin , Martinent Rémi , Moreau Dimitri , Winssinger Nicolas , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: June 2021

Oligonucleotide phosphorothioates (OPS) are DNA or RNA mimics where one phosphate oxygen is replaced by a sulfur atom. They have been shown to enter mammalian cells much more efficiently than non‐modified DNA. Thus, solving one of the key challenges with oligonucleotide technology, OPS became very useful in practice, with several FDA‐approved drugs on the market or in late clinical trials. However, the mechanism accounting for this facile cellular uptake is unknown. Here, we show that OPS enter cells by thiol‐mediated uptake. The transient adaptive network produced by dynamic covalent pseudo‐disulfide exchange is characterized in action. Inhibitors with nanomolar efficiency are provided, together with activators that reduce endosomal capture for efficient delivery of OPS into the cytosol, the site of action.
Tissue Fluid Triggered Enzyme Polymerization for Ultrafast Gelation and Cartilage Repair
Authors: Zhang Qi , Xu Huaxing , Wu Chu , Shang Yinghui , Wu Qing , Wei Qingcong , Zhang Qi , Sun Yao , Wang Qigang
Published: June 2021

The in situ gelation of injectable precursors is desirable in the field of tissue regeneration, especially in the context of irregular defect filling. The current driving forces for fast gelation include the phase‐transition of thermally sensitive copolymers, click chemical reactions with tissue components, and metal coordination effect. However, the rapid formation of tough hydrogels remains a challenge. Inspired by aerobic metabolism, we herein propose a tissue‐fluid‐triggered cascade enzymatic polymerization process catalyzed by glucose oxidase and ferrous glycinate for the ultrafast gelation of acryloylated chondroitin sulfates and acrylamides. The highly efficient production of carbon radicals and macromolecules contribute to rapid polymerization for soft tissue augmentation in bone defects. The copolymer hydrogel demonstrated the regeneration‐promoting capacity of cartilage. As the first example of using artificial enzyme complexes for in situ polymerization, this work offers a biomimetic approach to the design of strength‐adjustable hydrogels for bio‐implanting and bio‐printing applications.
Cloning and functional analysis of autophagy‐related gene 7 in Bombyx mori, silkworm
Authors: Ye Wentao , Bian Dandan , Mao Tingting , Dai Minli , Feng Piao , Zhu Qingyu , Ren Yuying , Li Fanchi , Gu Zhiya , Li Bing
Published: June 2021

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an important economic insect and an attractive model system. A series of autophagy‐related genes (Atgs) are involved in the autophagic process, and these Atgs have been proved to play important roles in the development. Atg7 stands at the hub of two ubiquitin‐like systems involving Atg8 and Atg12 in the autophagic vesicle. In the present study, we cloned and characterized a BmAtg7 gene in Bombyx mori. The open reading frame (ORF) of BmAtg7 was 1908 bp in length, and it encoded a polypeptide of 635 amino acids. BmAtg7 was highly expressed in the posterior silk gland, fatbody, and epidermis. The expression profile of BmAtg7 in the fatbody showed an increasing tendency from day 1 of the 5th instar to the prepupal stage. After chlorantraniliprole (CAP) exposure, the transcriptional level of BmAtg7 was continuously decreased. After depletion of BmAtg7 by RNAi, the expressions of BmAtg7, BmAtg8, and BmEcr were all downregulated, while the expression of BmJHBP2 was upregulated. However, depletion of BmAtg7 did not prevent the metamorphosis of silkworm from larvae to pupae, while the occurrence of such process was delayed. After the 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment, the expression characteristics of these four genes (BmAtg7, BmAtg8, BmEcr and BmJHBP2) were contrary to the results after depletion of BmAtg7. Our results suggested that although CAP exposure could significantly inhibit the expression of BmAtg7 continuously, the changes of BmAtg7 was not the key factor in CAP‐induced metamorphosis defects.
Joint optimization of maintenance and spares ordering policy for a use‐oriented product‐service system with multiple failure modes
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Xian , Song Yanbo , Qiu Qingan
Published: June 2021

The use‐oriented product‐service system, such as the bike‐sharing system and the electric vehicle charging station, has gained wide application in engineering fields. Use‐oriented product‐service systems are commonly subject to failures of software and hardware. Failed software can be repaired while failures of hardware require the replacement by spares. An innovative joint optimization model of maintenance and spares ordering policy is proposed for a use‐oriented product‐service system in this work where different types of spares are considered for hardware failure. System effectiveness is maximized by simultaneously considering the incurred costs, system availability, spares availability and the availability of repair engineers. Then, the related reliability probabilistic indices and costs are derived through the continuous time Markov process. To overcome the computational complexity, a greedy search algorithm is applied to obtain a balanced optimal solution for the number of repair engineers and spares inventory policies of different types of parts. Finally, some numerical instances are given to demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed joint optimization model.
Sustainable pilot‐scale production of a Salicornia oil, its conversion to certified aviation fuel, and techno‐economic analysis of the related biorefinery
Authors: Laveille Paco , Uratani Joao , Barron Jose G. G. , Brodeur‐Campbell Michael , Chandak Nilesh R. , George Abraham , Morin Stephane , Galvan Alejandro R. , Berthod Mikael
Published: June 2021

The 2 ha pilot‐plant Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), integrates aquaculture ponds, which produce fish and shrimp, with fields of Salicornia and mangrove used as a natural filter to clean the waste seawater from the ponds. The SEAS is a sustainable solution that addresses the food security issues of countries with large deserts or arid regions. At the same time, it produces economically viable fuels from biomass, using non‐arable lands and non‐drinkable water. After harvesting and pressing Salicornia seeds (2 t ha−1 year−1), a custom‐made process serves to pre‐treat the vegetable oil (0.7 t ha−1 year−1) containing 85 wt% C18 and 10 wt% C16 fatty acids as triglycerides. The first step of the UOP Ecofining® process produces an oil composed of linear C15‐C18 alkanes. Analytical data suggest the oil feed converts at 60 wt% by hydrodeoxygenation and at 40 wt% through decarboxylation/decarbonylation. The subsequent hydrocracking/isomerization step provided 3.4 wt% C1–C4, 34.8 wt% green naphtha, 47.5 wt% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and 14.2 wt% green diesel. After distillation, the SAF has been certified following ASTM D7566 before being blended with conventional jet fuel and used successfully on a commercial passenger flight in January 2019. The techno‐economic study shows that the biorefinery part is economically sustainable when reaching a production scale of 900bbd, required for a SEAS surface of 20 000 ha. At this scale, expected revenue and conversion costs per MT of feed are, respectively, $589 and $290. The resulting benefit, associated with a CAPEX of $115M, would lead to a payback time of 6.9 years. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Magnetic Field Affects Growth and Yield of Sunflower Under Different Moisture Stress Conditions
Authors: Vashisth Ananta , Meena Neetu , Krishnan Prameela
Published: June 2021

Magnetic field treatments of seeds have shown significant effects on the enhancement of crop growth. Soil moisture stress is the major constraint in the production of the sunflower crop. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of a 200 mT magnetic field for 2 h on crop growth, and yield of sunflower crops raised from magnetically treated seeds sown under different moisture stress conditions. Results showed that plants from magnetically treated seeds had higher leaf area index, shoot length, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, biomass, 1000‐seed mass, and seed yield as compared with untreated. Radiation use efficiency and water productivity were significantly higher in plants raised from magnetically treated seeds than untreated seeds. Crop raised from magnetically treated seeds had 6.2% more seed yield, 7.1% more protein, and oil content as compared with crops raised from untreated seeds. Hence, it may be concluded that exposure of dry sunflower seeds to the static magnetic field of 200 mT for 2 h could be used for improving crop growth and yield under different moisture stress conditions. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A ready‐to‐use fluorescence probe of Pd2+ in water: novel tricyclic heterocyclic base on 1,3,4‐oxadiazole
Authors: Su Ke , Huang Xiaomei , Wei Wei , Zeng Xiaotong , Xiang Siyu , Yang Haijun
Published: June 2021

A ready‐to‐use hetero‐tricyclic compound, 5,5′‐(furan‐2,5‐diyl) bis (1,3,4‐ oxadiazol‐2‐amine) (5), was synthesized with a good yield; it has an suitable fluorescence characteristic and research founded that it can respond to trace Pd2+ in water at a normal pH range. A fluorescence titration revealed the detection limit for Pd2+ was as low as 3.97 × 10−9 M. Density‐functional theory calculation using Guassian09 implied that the breakage of conjugation and coplanarity of compound 5 led to fluorescence quenching. Compound 5 could be applied as a chemical probe to detect trace amounts of Pd2+ with good accuracy, fast response time, excellent selectivity, and high sensitivity. FT‐IR, NMR, and MS were used to characterize the chemical structure of compound 5.
Towards enhancement of gas–liquid mass transfer in bioelectrochemical systems: Validation of a robust CFD model
Authors: Karimi Mohsen , Widén Tove , Nygård Yvonne , Olsson Lisbeth , Ström Henrik
Published: June 2021

Mass transfer has been identified as a major bottleneck in gas fermentation and microbial conversion of carbon dioxide to chemicals. We present a pragmatic and validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for mass transfer in bioelectrochemical systems. Experiments were conducted to measure mixing times and mass transfer in a Duran bottle and an H‐cell. An Eulerian–Eulerian framework with a simplified model for the bubble size distribution (BSD) was developed that utilized only one additional equation for the bubble number density while including the breakup and coalescence. Validations of the CFD model for mixing times showed that the predictions were within the confidence intervals of the measurements, verifying the model's capability in simulating the hydrodynamics. Further validations were performed using constant and varying bubble diameters for the mass transfer. The results showed the benefits of a simplified BSD model, as it yielded improvements of seven and four times in accuracy when assessed against the experimental data for the Duran bottle and H‐cell, respectively. Modeling of the H‐cell predicted that a lower stirring rate improves mass transfer compared with higher stirring rates, which is of great importance when designing microbial cultivation processes. The model offers a feasible framework for advanced modeling of gas fermentation and microbial electrosynthesis.