bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing Growth and Dimensionality of Quasi 2D Perovskite Single‐Crystalline Flakes for Tunable Excitons Orientation
Authors: Cinquino Marco , Fieramosca Antonio , Mastria Rosanna , Polimeno Laura , Moliterni Anna , Olieric Vincent , Matsugaki Naohiro , Panico Riccardo , De Giorgi Milena , Gigli Giuseppe , Giannini Cinzia , Rizzo Aurora , Sanvitto Daniele , De Marco Luisa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHybrid perovskites are among the most promising materials for optoelectronic applications. Their 2D crystalline form is even more interesting since the alternating inorganic and organic layers naturally forge a multiple quantum‐well structure, leading to the formation of stable excitonic resonances. Nevertheless, a controlled modulation of the quantum well width, which is defined by the number of inorganic layers (n) between two organic ones, is not trivial and represents the main synthetic challenge in the field. Here, a conceptually innovative approach to easily tune n in lead iodide perovskite single‐crystalline flakes is presented. The judicious use of potassium iodide is found to modulate the supersaturation levels of the precursors solution without being part of the final products. This allows to obtain a fine tuning of the n value. The excellent optical quality of the as synthesized flakes guarantees an in‐depth analysis by Fourier‐space microscopy, revealing that the excitons orientation can be manipulated by modifying the number of inorganic layers. Excitonic out‐of‐plane component, indeed, is enhanced when “n” is increased. The combined advances in the synthesis and optical characterization fill in the picture of the exciton behavior in low‐dimensional perovskite, paving the way to the design of materials with improved optoelectronic characteristics.
Light‐Motivated SnO2/TiO2 Heterojunctions Enabling the Breakthrough in Energy Density for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Chen , Chen Ling , Hu Yanjie , Chen Aiping , Chen Long , Jiang Hao , Li Chunzhong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPowering lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) by light‐irradiation will bring a paradigm shift in energy‐storage technologies. Herein, a photoaccelerated rechargeable LIB employing SnO2/TiO2 heterojunction nanoarrays as a multifunctional anode is developed. The electron–hole pairs generated by the LixTiO2 (x ≥ 0) under light irradiation synergistically enhance the lithiation kinetics and electrochemical reversibility of both SnO2 and TiO2. Specifically, the electrons can quickly pour into the SnO2 and the generated Sn due to the more positive conduction band potentials (vs TiO2), and mean while the holes also promote the intercalation of Li+ into TiO2 by reaching charge balance. A remarkable increase in areal specific capacity is therefore achieved from 1.91 to 3.47 mAh cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2. More impressively, there is no capacity loss even through 100 cycles, which is the best report for photorechargeable LIBs to date, owing to the strong and stable photoresponse current. This finding exhibits a feasible pathway to break the limitation in the energy density of LIBs by the efficient conversion and storage of solar energy.
Advanced Point‐of‐Care Testing Technologies for Human Acute Respiratory Virus Detection
Authors: Zhang Zhaowei , Ma Peng , Ahmed Rajib , Wang Jie , Akin Demir , Soto Fernando , Liu Bi‐Feng , Li Peiwu , Demirci Utkan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe ever‐growing global threats to human life caused by the human acute respiratory virus (RV) infections have cost billions of lives, created a significant economic burden, and shaped society for centuries. The timely response to emerging RVs could save human lives and reduce the medical care burden. The development of RV detection technologies is essential for potentially preventing RV pandemic and epidemics. However, commonly used detection technologies lack sensitivity, specificity, and speed, thus often failing to provide the rapid turnaround times. To address this problem, new technologies are devised to address the performance inadequacies of the traditional methods. These emerging technologies offer improvements in convenience, speed, flexibility, and portability of point‐of‐care test (POCT). Herein, recent developments in POCT are comprehensively reviewed for eight typical acute respiratory viruses. This review discusses the challenges and opportunities of various recognition and detection strategies and discusses these according to their detection principles, including nucleic acid amplification, optical POCT, electrochemistry, lateral flow assays, microfluidics, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and microarrays. The importance of limits of detection, throughput, portability, and specificity when testing clinical samples in resource‐limited settings is emphasized. Finally, the evaluation of commercial POCT kits for both essential RV diagnosis and clinical‐oriented practices is included.
Facile Synthesis of Palladium‐Based Nanocrystals with Different Crystal Phases and a Comparison of Their Catalytic Properties
Authors: Janssen Annemieke , Pawlik Veronica , von Rueden Alexander D. , Xu Lang , Wang Chenxiao , Mavrikakis Manos , Xia Younan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA relatively unexplored aspect of noble‐metal nanomaterials is polymorphism, or their ability to crystallize in different crystal phases. Here, a method is reported for the facile synthesis of Ru@Pd core–shell nanocrystals featuring polymorphism, with the core made of hexagonally close‐packed (hcp)‐Ru while the Pd shell takes either an hcp or face‐centered cubic (fcc) phase. The polymorphism shows a dependence on the shell thickness, with shells thinner than ≈1.4 nm taking the hcp phase whereas the thicker ones revert to fcc. The injection rate provides an experimental knob for controlling the phase, with one‐shot and drop‐wise injection of the Pd precursor corresponding to fcc‐Pd and hcp‐Pd shells, respectively. When these nanocrystals are tested as catalysts toward formic acid oxidation, the Ru@Pdhcp nanocrystals outperform Ru@Pdfcc in terms of both specific activity and peak potential. Density functional theory calculations are also performed to elucidate the origin of this performance enhancement.
Atomically Dispersed Co2–N6 and Fe–N4 Costructures Boost Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Both Alkaline and Acidic Media
Authors: Wang Zhe , Jin Xiaoyan , Zhu Chao , Liu Yipu , Tan Hua , Ku Ruiqi , Zhang Yongqi , Zhou Liujiang , Liu Zheng , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Fan Hong Jin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPolynary transition‐metal atom catalysts are promising to supersede platinum (Pt)‐based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Regulating the local configuration of atomic catalysts is the key to catalyst performance enhancement. Different from the previously reported single‐atom or dual‐atom configurations, a new type of ternary‐atom catalyst, which consists of atomically dispersed, nitrogen‐coordinated Co–Co dimers, and Fe single sites (i.e., Co2–N6 and Fe–N4 structures) that are coanchored on highly graphitized carbon supports is developed. This unique atomic ORR catalyst outperforms the catalysts with only Co2–N6 or Fe–N4 sites in both alkaline and acid conditions. Density functional theory calculations clearly unravels the synergistic effect of the Co2–N6 and Fe–N4 sites, which can induce higher filling degree of Fe–d orbitals and favors the binding capability to *OH intermediates (the rate determining step). This ternary‐atom catalyst may be a promising alternative to Pt to drive the cathodic ORR in zinc–air batteries.
Solid–Liquid Host–Guest Composites: The Marriage of Porous Solids and Functional Liquids
Authors: Sheng Zhizhi , Ding Yi , Li Guangyong , Fu Chen , Hou Yinglai , Lyu Jing , Zhang Kun , Zhang Xuetong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractComposite materials can provide remarkable improvements over the individual constituents. Especially, with a liquid component introduced into a solid porous host, solid–liquid host–guest composites have recently come to the forefront with exceptional functions that promise them for a wealth of applications. Combining the unprecedented dynamic, transparent, omniphobic, self‐healing, diffusive and adaptive nature of functional liquid with inherent solid host's property, solid–liquid host–guest composites can realize the ease of fabrication, long‐term stability, and a broad spectrum of enhanced properties, which cannot be fully met by conventional solid–solid composites or liquid–liquid composites. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art progress in solid–liquid host–guest composites. Initially, the concept, classification, design strategy, as well as fabrication methods as a path forward to develop the composites are unraveled, and further it is elaborated on how the functionality of porous solid and functional liquid can be harnessed to create composites with a broad range of unique properties, especially, the optical, thermal, electric, mechanical, sorption, and separation properties. With these fascinating properties, a myriad of emerging applications such as optical devices, thermal management, electromagnetic‐interference shielding, soft electronics, gas capture and release, and multiphase separations are touched upon, inspiring more frontier researches in materials science, interfacial chemistry, membrane science, engineering, and multidisciplinary. Finally, this review provides the perspective on the future directions of solid–liquid host–guest composites and assesses the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Ischemic Microenvironment‐Responsive Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Li Xi , Zhang Yabing , Ren Xiangyi , Wang Yan , Chen Dongxu , Li Qian , Huo Minfeng , Shi Jianlin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCardiovascular diseases caused by ischemia are attracting considerable attention owing to its high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although numerous agents with cardioprotective benefits have been identified, their clinical outcomes are hampered by their low bioavailability, poor drug solubility, and systemic adverse effects. Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology provide a new opportunity to effectively deliver drugs for treating ischemia‐related diseases. In particular, cardiac ischemia leads to a characteristic pathological environment called an ischemic microenvironment (IME), significantly different from typical cardiac regions. These remarkable differences between ischemic sites and normal tissues have inspired the development of stimuli‐responsive systems for the targeted delivery of therapeutic drugs to damaged cardiomyocytes. Recently, many biomaterials with intelligent properties have been developed to enhance the therapeutic benefits of drugs for the treatment of myocardial ischemia. Strategies for stimuli‐responsive drug delivery and release based on IME include reactive oxygen species, pH‐, hypoxia‐, matrix metalloproteinase‐, and platelet‐inspired targeting strategies. In this review, state‐of‐the‐art IME‐responsive biomaterials for the treatment of myocardial ischemia are summarized. Perspectives, limitations, and challenges are also discussed for the further development of innovative and effective approaches to treat ischemic diseases with high effectiveness and biocompatibility.
Synergistic Enzyme Mixtures to Realize Near‐Complete Depolymerization in Biodegradable Polymer/Additive Blends
Authors: DelRe Christopher , Chang Boyce , Jayapurna Ivan , Hall Aaron , Wang Ariel , Zolkin Kyle , Xu Ting 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEmbedding catalysts inside of plastics affords accelerated chemical modification with programmable latency and pathways. Nanoscopically embedded enzymes can lead to near‐complete degradation of polyesters via chain‐end mediated processive depolymerization. The overall degradation rate and pathways have a strong dependence on the morphology of semicrystalline polyesters. Yet, most studies to date focus on pristine polymers instead of mixtures that contain additives and other components despite their nearly universal use in plastic production. Here, additives are introduced to purposely change the morphology of polycaprolactone (PCL) by increasing the bending and twisting of crystalline lamellae. These morphological changes immobilize chain ends preferentially at the crystalline/amorphous interfaces and limit chain‐end accessibility by the embedded processive enzyme. This chain‐end redistribution reduces the polymer‐to‐monomer conversion from >95% to less than 50%, causing formation of highly crystalline plastic pieces, including microplastics. By synergizing both random chain scission and processive depolymerization, it is feasible to navigate morphological changes in polymer/additive blends and to achieve near‐complete depolymerization. The random scission enzymes in the amorphous domains create new chain ends that are subsequently bound and depolymerized by processive enzymes. Present studies further highlight the importance to consider how the host polymer's morphologies affect the reactions catalyzed by embedded catalytic species.
Hybridization of 2D MoS2 Nanoplatelets and PtAu Hybrid Nanoparticles for the SERS Enhancement of Methylene Blue
Authors: Lin Shusen , Mandavkar Rutuja , Kulkarni Rakesh , Pandit Sanchaya , Burse Shalmali , Habib Md Ahasan , Kunwar Sundar , Lee Jihoon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSERS is a powerful technique that can offer an extraordinary capacity in the enhancement of weak Raman vibration and identification of molecules at a low concentration. In this work, a versatile hybrid SERS platform is demonstrated by the hybridization of 2D MoS2 nanoplatelets and core–shell PtAu hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) for the enhancement of Raman vibration of methylene blue (MB). The MB is mixed with the MoS2 nanoplatelets and applied on the uniquely developed PtAu core–shell HNPs and significantly improved SERS is achieved as compared to a general SERS. The PtAu core–shell HNPs can offer the core–shelled PtAu NP configuration along with the highly dense background Au NPs, which exhibit much enhanced distribution of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and hot spots. The MoS2 nanoplatelets are 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors, which can offer an ample charge transfer to the MB. The hybrid SERS platform takes the advantages from both the electromagnetic mechanism (EM) and chemical mechanism (CM). The finite‐different time‐domain (FDTD) simulation demonstrates the enhanced local e‐field distributions and increased maximum local e‐field intensity of the core–shell PtAu HNPs and combination of 2D MoS2 nanoplatelets/core–shell PtAu HNPs.
Effect of Filler Aspect Ratio on Stiffness and Conductivity in Phase‐Changing Particulate Composites
Authors: Mohammadi Nasab Amir , Buckner Trevor L. , Yang Bilige , Kramer‐Bottiglio Rebecca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractVariable stiffness in elastomers can be achieved through the introduction of low melting point alloy particles, such as Field's metal (FM), enabling on‐demand switchable elasticity and anisotropy in response to thermal stimulus. Because the FM particles are thermally transitioned between solid and liquid phases, it is beneficial for the composite to be electrically conductive so the stiffness may be controlled via direct Joule heating. While FM is highly conductive, spherical particles contribute to a high percolation threshold. In this paper, it is shown that the percolation threshold of FM particulate composites can be reduced with increasing particles aspect ratio. Increasing the aspect ratio of phase‐changing fillers also increases the rigid‐to‐soft modulus ratio of the composite by raising the elastic modulus in the rigid state while preserving the low modulus in the soft state. The results indicate that lower quantities of high aspect ratio FM particles can be used to achieve both electrical conductivity and stiffness‐switching via a single solution and without introducing additional conductive fillers. This technique is applied to enable a highly stretchable, variable stiffness, and electrically conductive composite, which, when patterned around an inflatable actuator, allows for adaptable trajectories via selective softening of the surface materials.
Embedding Cs3Cu2I5 Scintillators into Anodic Aluminum Oxide Matrix for High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Zhao Xue , Jin Tong , Gao Wanru , Niu Guangda , Zhu Jinsong , Song Boxiang , Luo Jiajun , Pan Weicheng , Wu Haodi , Zhang Muyi , He Xin , Fu Liuchong , Li Zhigang , Zhao Hongtao , Tang Jiang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractScintillators are widely utilized as X‐ray imaging detectors. Pixelated scintillator films with optical‐waveguide‐effect are preferred to realize high‐resolution X‐ray imaging. However, it remains a great challenge to rapidly fabricate high‐resolution pixelated scintillator film. Herein, a new strategy is developed to solve the problem by embedding metal halide scintillators into an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) via a facile hot‐pressing method. Cs3Cu2I5 is selected as the prototype to fabricate pixelated scintillator films with targeted thickness, denoted as Cs3Cu2I5−AAO. The light confinement effect provided by AAO is validated by finite‐difference time‐domain simulations. In particular, the as‐prepared Cs3Cu2I5−AAO film demonstrates higher spatial resolution (10.4 lp mm−1 at modulation transfer function = 0.2), higher UV and X‐ray imaging performances compared to the homogeneous counterpart and commercialized terbium‐doped gadolinium oxysulfide. These results can inspire further research on the design of nanostructured metal halide perovskites for high‐resolution X‐ray imaging.
Hybrid Metal‐Halide Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystals of (TMEDA)MI5 (M = Sb, Bi) with High Stability
Authors: Liu Kunjie , Deng Chenkai , Li Chunxiao , Zhang Xusheng , Cao Jindong , Yao Jiyong , Zhao Jing , Jiang Xingxing , Lin Zheshuai , Liu Quanlin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOrganic–inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) with unique structural flexibility possess excellent photoelectric properties. They are regarded as next‐generation photovoltaic materials, phosphors, semiconductors, and ferroelectrics. The metal‐halide units in OIMHs are good microscopic building blocks of nonlinear optical crystals for laser wavelength conversion. However, most OIMHs are absent from nonlinear optics owing to their macroscopic nonlinear optical (NLO)‐inactive centrosymmetric crystal structure. In this study, two new lead‐free OIMHs, (TMEDA)SbI5 and (TMEDA)BiI5 (where TMEDA2+ is N,N,N′‐trimethylethylenediammonium), having 1D structure, crystallized in the orthorhombic system with a non‐centrosymmetric P212121 space group, are synthesized. Remarkably, upon 2090 nm laser irradiation, both compounds possess a strong infrared (IR) nonlinear optical response of the same magnitude as AgGaS2, which is a benchmark semiconductor‐type nonlinear optical crystal. In addition, under the excitation of ultraviolet and visible lights, both compounds produce self‐trapped exciton‐induced red‐light emission. First‐principles electronic structure calculations reveal that the optical properties originate from the electronic transitions within the inorganic metal‐halide group. The obtained results indicate that both compounds are potential photoelectric materials for laser frequency conversion and fluorescence, and the observation of NLO effect in these two compounds verifies that OIMHs are also good candidates for NLO crystals.
Lignin/Xylan‐Based Phase Selective Powder Gelator for Eco‐Friendly Oil Spill Treatment
Authors: Wang Hairong , Li Nan , Jia Siyu , Bian Jing , Hao Xiang , Peng Feng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDespite rapid development, oil spill agents still suffer from limitations of high cost, low adsorption ability, and non‐degradability. Herein, the alkaline lignin (AL) and hemicelluloses (xylan, Xyl) are transferred into low‐cost, green, and eco‐friendly powder gelators, featuring congealing oil ability, easy collection, and oil spill recovery. The AL and Xyl can form gels in the presence of excessive epichlorohydrin (ECH)/sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and subsequently self‐collapse into brittle solid when rinsed in water. After silylation treatment, the resultant powder exhibits high efficiency to congeal, a series of floating oils, as well as the great oil recovery ability. The easy availability of pulping byproducts, scalable preparation method, and excellent spill oil treatment ability hold promise for developing new bio‐based oil spill agents.
Biopolymer‐Nanocomposite Hybrid Materials as Potential Strategy to Remove Pesticides in Water: Occurrence and Perspectives
Authors: Baigorria Estefanía , Fraceto Leonardo F. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDuring the last three decades, the use of pesticides to increase agricultural yields has grown exponentially and excessively. These agricultural practices, in conjunction with various natural factors, have led to the contamination of water bodies. Preserving contamination‐free hydrographic basins is a challenge and a priority of the community. This article first presents a classification of the various pesticides, the existing regulations concerning their use, and their influence on the aquatic environment. Several methodologies for the removal of pesticides from aqueous media are presented, with emphasis on adsorption techniques. In addition, a discussion is provided for materials with nanoscale characteristics as promising adsorbents of pesticides present in water. A focus on research regarding nanostructured hybrid biopolymeric materials is proposed, with critical appraisal and future perspectives. Factors such as the ability to recover, regenerate, and reuse these hybrids, together with their environmentally friendly characteristics, make them highly attractive options for the proposed purpose. However, their current application in the treatment of pesticide‐contaminated water remains low. This new generation of biopolymeric nanocomposite hybrid materials emerges as a viable, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly option for use in the provision of safe water to society.
An Efficient Symmetric Electrolyzer Based On Bifunctional Perovskite Catalyst for Ammonia Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Mengfei , Li Hao , Duan Xiuyun , Zou Peimiao , Jeerh Georgina , Sun Boyao , Chen Shigang , Humphreys John , Walker Marc , Xie Kui , Tao Shanwen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAmmonia is a natural pollutant in wastewater and removal technique such as ammonia electro‐oxidation is of paramount importance. The development of highly efficient and low‐costing electrocatalysts for the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) associated with ammonia removal is subsequently crucial. In this study, for the first time, the authors demonstrate that a perovskite oxide LaNi0.5Cu0.5O3‐δ after being annealed in Ar (LNCO55‐Ar), is an excellent non‐noble bifunctional catalyst towards both AOR and HER, making it suitable as a symmetric ammonia electrolyser (SAE) in alkaline medium. In contrast, the LNCO55 sample fired in air (LNCO55‐Air) is inactive towards AOR and shows very poor HER activity. Through combined experimental results and theoretical calculations, it is found that the superior AOR and HER activities are attributed to the increased active sites, the introduction of oxygen vacancies, the synergistic effect of B‐site cations and the different active sites in LNCO55‐Ar. At 1.23 V, the assembled SAE demonstrates ≈100% removal efficiency in 2210 ppm ammonia solution and >70% in real landfill leachate. This work opens the door for developments towards bifunctional catalysts, and also takes a profound step towards the development of low‐costing and simple device configuration for ammonia electrolysers.