bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time Model Predictive Control of Air‐Conditioners Through IoT—Results From an Experimental Setup in a Tropical Climate
Authors: Shamachurn H. , Seebaruth M. , Kowlessur N. S. , Hassen S. Z. Sayed 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThere is an increasing demand for air‐conditioners (ACs) to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for all types and sizes of buildings including commercial, industrial, and office spaces. Such ACs are mostly operated by traditional ON–OFF controllers to maintain a temperature setpoint. Extensive control engineering knowledge resulting from experiments on actual buildings is needed before the wide application of an advanced control methods, such as model predictive control (MPC), which are more effective and energy‐efficient than the traditional controllers. Simulation studies on the application of control may provide promising results, but the corresponding experimental validations may prove otherwise. User‐friendly experimental setups to investigate the performance of real‐time advanced control on an actual building and its HVAC system is scarce. This paper details the design, implementation and testing of a user‐friendly, remote and autonomous test bed to acquire measured data through an IoT platform, and to control ACs in real time through MATLAB Thingspeak. Measurement and data acquisition equipment are installed in a two‐zone concrete building in Mauritius. MPC of the indoor air temperature achieved an AC temperature setpoint tracking RMSE which was 0.7°C lower than that achieved by the built‐in ON/OFF AC control. The test bed also revealed that portable air‐conditioners are not very efficient, given that the maximum cooling efficiency achieved in this work was only 60%. It also provided valuable insights based on the experiments carried out, in terms of improvements to sensing and data acquisition. Control engineers can implement such a test bed for the development and application of advanced controllers as per their needs and applications.
Engineering Nickel Dopants in Atomically Thin Molybdenum Disulfide for Highly Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Lv Jiangnan , Sun Xiaoting , Wang Fang , Yang Ruixia , Zhang Taisong , Liang Tingting , Rong Wanting , Yang Qianwen , Xue Wuhong , Wang Lanfang , Xu Xiaohong , Liu Yang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) presents a promising pathway for achieving both ammonia (NH3) electrosynthesis and water pollutant removal simultaneously. Among various electrocatalysts explored, 2D materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their ability to regulate electronic states and active sites through doping. However, the impact of doping effects in 2D materials on the mechanism of NO3−RR remains relatively unexplored. Here, Ni‐doped MoS2 (Ni‐MoS2) nanosheets are investigated as a model system, demonstrating enhanced NO3−RR performance compared to undoped counterparts. By controlling the doping concentration, the Ni‐MoS2 nanosheets achieve a remarkable faradic efficiency (FE) of 92.3% for NH3 at −0.3 VRHE with excellent stability. The mechanistic studies reveal that the elevation of the NO3−RR performances originates from the generation of more active hydrogen and the acceleration of the reaction from nitrite (NO2−) to NH3 facilitated by Ni doping. Combining the experimental observations and theoretical calculations it is revealed that the appropriate Ni doping level in MoS2 can enhance *NO3 adsorption strength, thereby facilitating subsequent electrocatalytic steps. Together with the demonstration of Zn−NO3− and Zn−NO2− battery devices, the work provides new insights into the design and regulation of the active sites in 2D material catalysts for efficient NO3−RR.
Assessment of “Inverse” Cross‐Talk (Anode to Cathode) in High‐Voltage Li/Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide || Li Cells
Authors: Arifiadi Anindityo , Demelash Feleke , Abke Niklas Markus , Brake Tobias , Vahnstiege Marc , Alsheimer Lennart , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Winter Martin , Kasnatscheew Johannes 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLi/Mn‐rich layered oxide (LMR) offers high practical discharge capacity originating from both cationic and anionic redox, but its operation is practically challenging as full capacity utilization at high cathode potentials (> 4.6 V vs Li|Li+) is intertwined with phase transformation, oxygen release, and transition metal dissolution. Dissolved TMs in particular, can deposit and damage the anode via a process known as electrode cross‐talk that decreases Li inventory due to Li plating. Given the excess in active lithium, Li‐metal anode (LMA) is frequently paired with LMR for a systematic cathode R&D, though is believed to cause inverse cross‐talk, i.e., diffusion of LMA degradation products from the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) toward the cathode, triggering bulid‐up of resistive cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). Indeed, a thicker, more organic‐based, and slightly resistive CEI is proven in Li‐ compared to “SEI‐poor” Li4Ti5O12 (LTO)‐based cells via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and electrochemical techniques, which likely even decreases metal dissolution from LMR, though their practical impact on overpotential is shown to be less relevant. The capacity recovery after transferring cycled (“old”) LMR from Li cells to fresh Li cells rather points to other meaningful contributions to capacity fading than the inverse crosstalk.
Orbicular‐Donor–Acceptor System in N‐doped Nanographene for Highly Efficient NIR‐II Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Chengyan , Qu Chulin , Hu Yingzhe , Wu Fan , Liu Shaohai , Cai Fangjian , Chen Yuhang , Qiu Yudong , Shen Zhen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping stable and efficient photothermal agents (PTAs) for the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1 000–1700 nm) photothermal therapy (PTT) is highly desirable but remains challenging. Herein, a facile strategy to prepare NIR‐II nano‐PTA based on the ionic N‐doped nanographene hexapyrrolohexaazacoronene (HPHAC) is reported featuring a specific orbicular‐donor–acceptor (O‐D–A) structure. Oxidizing HPHAC 1 to dication 12+ causes a substantial decrease in its band gap, leading to a shift in absorption from the confined UV region to a broad absorption range that reaches up to 1400 nm. The dication 12+ exhibits global aromaticity and excellent stability. Theoretical investigation demonstrates that the strong NIR‐II absorption of 12+ is attributed to a distinct inner‐to‐outer intramolecular charge transfer. Encapsulating 12+ with amphiphilic polymers results in water‐soluble 12+ NPs with retained optical characteristics. The 12+ NPs exhibit exceptional biocompatibility, intense photoacoustic responses, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 72% under the 1064 nm laser irradiation, enabling efficient PTT of cancer cells. The “O‐D–A” system on HPHAC, which is created by a simple redox approach, provides a novel strategy to construct efficient NIR‐II photothermal materials through molecular engineering of nanographenes.
Novel Electrospun Zwitterionic Nanofibers for Point‐Of‐Care Nucleic Acid Isolation Strategies Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wieberneit Alissa J. , Wongkaew Nongnoot , Baeumner Antje J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNucleic acid (NA) testing at the point‐of‐care requires efficient NA extraction followed by post‐NA amplification to achieve necessary detection sensitivity. Nanofibers (NFs) are demonstrated to be an ideal solid surface in an NA extraction process but necessitate harsh conditions that interfere with the subsequent NA amplification process. It is demonstrated that novel, pH tunable, zwitterionic NFs composed of uncharged nylon doped with the weakly basic, cationic polyallylamine hydrochloride and the weakly acidic anionic polycarboxylic acid to address the issue. Unlike the other cationic polymers investigated, e.g. polybrene and polyaniline, these polymers allow efficient NA extraction in Tris‐ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid buffer under mild conditions (pH 4.5 containing 0.1% Tween 20 for adsorption, and pH 10 with 50 mM NaCl for elution). Adsorption and elution yields over 95% and 70%, respectively, are achieved. It also discovered a correlation between material morphologies and the NA extraction suggests that the combination of polymer chemistries and nanofiber morphologies facilitates efficient NA extraction at low concentrations (ng range) within a short time period (<10 min). Considering the simple protocols and instrument‐free operation the as‐developed NFs are highly attractive for use in sample‐to‐answer NA testing in point‐of‐care settings.
Development and Optimization of Micro‐Nanotopographical Platforms for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Biomolecular Detection
Authors: Odetade David Femi , Rickard Jonathan J. S. , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTopologically designed micro‐ and nanostructured surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates propel the advancements of innovative applications, including environmental and forensic point‐of‐care miniaturised devices via enhancing the localised electric fields for accurate analyte sensing. Herein, a method for designing, optimising and fabricating fine‐tuneable concentric hexagonal, triangular and rectangular SERS‐active micronano‐substrates is developed, with each unit yielding significant enhancement. Numerical simulations of the 3D near‐field electric field guided the optimal design process. While the coaxial SERS substrates consistently outperformed their solid counterparts, the hexagonal micro‐nano topologies exhibited ×21 higher signal than coaxial square arrays and a 12‐15‐fold increase over the triangle structures. Alternation of the topological designs from square to triangle lattice yielded more uniform plasmonic modes propagating along the 60°‐directions with various resonance modes playing key roles in light reflectance. This enables the engineering of platforms with tailor‐enhanced signals by changing the arrangement of micro‐nano patterned coaxial arrays. The fabricated SERS substrates are validated by detecting traumatic brain injury biomarkers, effectively yielding the characteristic fingerprint spectra of each neuro‐molecule. The straightforward development of sub‐micrometre tuneable SERS‐active architectures enables anelegant route for high‐throughput biochemical sensing, laying a platform for amplified bimolecular detection of disease biomarkers and integration in bioanalytical systems.
Intrinsically Multi‐Stable Spatial Linkages
Authors: Zhou Tong , Huang Chong , Miao Zhuangzhi , Li Yang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMulti‐stable structures can be reconfigured with fewer, lightweight, and less accurate actuators. This is because the attraction domain in the multi‐stable energy landscape provides both reconfiguration guidance and shape accuracy. Additionally, such structures can generate impulsive motion due to structural instability. Most multi‐stable units are planar structures, while spatial linkages can generate complex 3D motion and hold a more promising potential for applications. This study proposes a generalized approach to design a type of intrinsically multi‐stable spatial (IMSS) linkages with multiple prescriptible configurations, which are structurally compatible, and naturally stable at these states. It reveals that all over‐constrained mechanisms can be transformed into multi‐stable structures with the same design method. Single‐loop bi‐stable 4R and quadra‐stable 6R spatial linkages modules with intrinsic non‐symmetric stable states, which are transformed from fundamental kinematic linkage mechanisms unit such as Bennett and Bricard linkages, are designed to illustrate the basic idea and the superiority over the ordinary methods. Multi‐loop assembly by these IMSS linkage modules shows potential for practical applications that are required for the deployability and impulsivity of reconfiguration. Two preliminary design cases of a deployable tube and an impulsive gripper are experimentally presented to validate this applicability. Further promisingly, this design method of IMSS linkages paves the way for morphing platforms with lightweight actuation, high shape accuracy, high stiffness, and prescribed impulsive 3D motion.
Mechanical‐Stress‐Induced Lithiation and Structural Evolution Driven by Excess Lithium Predisposing Short Circuits at the Surface of Garnet Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Hong Seokjae , Shin Kwang Ho , Kim Seulgi , Song Seok Hyun , Kim Kyoung Sun , Lee Dongju , Yu Seung‐Ho , Jung Sung‐Kyun , Kim Hyungsub 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCubic‐garnet solid electrolyte has garnered significant attention in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) due to its ionic conductivity and chemical robustness against Li metal. However, the short‐circuit formation at low current density poses a significant obstacle with the main cause remaining ambiguous. Here, the lithium‐penetration mode originating from phase transformation is unveiled at the sintered pellet surface via mechanically induced lithiation. Mechanical stress applied during polishing under excess lithium content induces lithiation into the cubic‐garnet structure, leading to partial structural evolution into the tetragonal phase. This surface alteration induces current constriction, hindered by sluggish interfacial Li‐ion transport from the tetragonal phase, which exhibits low ionic conductivity, causing short circuits. By reducing mechanical stress, mitigating surface strain, and restoring the cubic phase, stable operation is ensured without short‐circuit formation in both Li symmetric and hybrid‐full cells. This insights illuminate the origin of lithium penetration related to phase transition at the surface of cubic‐garnet and pave the way for enhancements in ASSB development.
Enhancing Zinc Anode Stability with Gallium Ion‐Induced Electrostatic Shielding and Oriented Plating
Authors: Cao Jin , Jin Yan , Wu Haiyang , Yue Yilei , Zhang Dongdong , Luo Ding , Zhang Lulu , Qin Jiaqian , Yang Xuelin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe cost‐effectiveness and environmental benefits of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted considerable attention. However, practical applications are hindered by side processes including dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion. Herein, gallium ions (Ga3+) have been chosen as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to improve the reversibility of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Remarkably, Ga3+ ions adhere to the anode surface, establishing a dynamic electrostatic shielding layer that modulates Zn2+ deposition and prevents side reactions. Typically, Ga3+ ions preferentially adsorb onto the (002) and (110) planes of Zn, facilitating preferential deposition on the (100) plane, resulting in a dendrites‐free zinc anode. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetrical cell with Ga3+‐modified electrolyte demonstrates a prolonged lifespan of 4000 h, while the Zn||Ti asymmetric cell exhibits an impressive coulombic efficiency of 99.12% for zinc stripping and plating at 2 mA cm−2. Additionally, the Zn||VO2 cell maintains high capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work presents Ga3+ ions as an electrolyte additive, facilitating the development of a durable dynamic electrostatic shielding effect and preferential (100) plane electroplating, ensuring zinc deposition free from dendrite formation. Such discoveries form a basis for future investigations into novel materials to propel advancements in metal battery technology.
Achieving Efficient Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics with a Conjugated and Elastomeric Dual‐Network Morphology
Authors: Yang Wenyu , Luo Xuanang , Li Mingke , Shi Chuqi , Wang Zaiyu , Yang Zhiyuan , Wu Jiaming , Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Wenbo , Ma Dongge , Wang Cheng , Zhong Wenkai , Ying Lei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractStretchable organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are pivotal for advancing conformable electronics, yet achieving both efficient and intrinsically stretchable OPVs remains a significant challenge. The main issue is maintaining electronic and mechanical properties under deformation. Here, a ternary blend system, PTzBI‐oF:PYIT:EVA is presented, incorporating ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) to establish a conjugated and elastomeric dual‐network morphology. The elastomer network dissipates applied stress, preserving the crystalline packing of the conjugated network and enabling improved mechanical stability of charge carrier generation and transport. Specifically, with 15% EVA content, the ternary blend achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.28% in rigid devices and exhibited a crack onset strain of 17.23%. Notably, the stretchable OPVs retained over 80% of their initial PCE under 30% strain. These findings underscore the potential of conjugated and elastomeric dual‐network morphology in developing high‐performance stretchable electronics for various applications.
Manganese Carbodiimide (MnNCN): A New Heterogeneous Mn Catalyst for the Selective Synthesis of Nitriles from Alcohols
Authors: Liu Xixi , Han Bo , Wu Chongbei , Zhou Peng , Jia Meilin , Zhu Liangfang , Zhang Zehui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEarth‐abundant manganese oxides (MnOx) were competitive candidates when screening catalysts for ammoxidation of alcohols into nitriles due to their redox property. However, over‐oxidation and possible acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of nitriles into amides still limited the application of MnOx in nitrile synthesis. In this work, manganese carbodiimide (MnNCN) was first reported to be robust for the ammoxidation of alcohols into nitriles, avoiding over‐oxidation and the hydrolysis. Besides the high activity and selectivity, MnNCN demonstrated wide substrate scope including the ammoxidation of primary alcohols into nitriles, the oxidative C−C bonds cleavage and ammoxidation of secondary alcohols, phenyl substituted aliphatic alcohols, and diols into nitriles. Controlled experiments and DFT calculation results revealed that the excellent catalytic performance of MnNCN originated from its high ability in the activation of O2 molecules, and favorable oxidative dehydrogenation of C=N bonds in the aldimine intermediates (RCH=NH) into nitriles, inhibiting the competitive side reaction of the oxidation of aldehydes into carboxylic acids, followed to amide byproducts. Moreover, the hydrolysis of nitriles was also inhibited over MnNCN for its weak acidity as compared with MnOx. This study provided new insights into Mn‐catalyzed aerobic oxidations as a highly important complement to manganese oxides.
Efficient activation of N and S co‐doped magnetic biochar for peroxomonosulfate degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zheng Haoyuan , Xu Hong , Huang Jie , Mo Qianyuan , Sheng Guishang 
Published: September 2024

AbstractN‐S co‐doped magnetic biochar (NSMBC) was synthesized by a two‐step pyrolysis technique and used for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) by activated persulfate (peroxomonosulfate [PMS]). Batch experiments showed that the pyrolysis temperature and doping ratio affected the catalytic performance of NSMBC. The degradation rate of TC in the NSMBC/PMS system prepared at 350°C with a doping ratio of 33% was up to 94.50%, and the system exhibited strong pH adaptability and resistance to environmental interference. The results of free radical burst and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy experiments indicated the free radical pathway (SO4•−) for TC degradation. In addition, NSMBC has good stability and excellent magnetic properties favorable for separation and recovery. This study not only provides a new idea for the synthesis of efficient and stable catalysts but also provides a green pathway for the resourceization of pomelo peel waste.
Evaluation of cell adhesion and inflammatory response of chitin and chitosan nanofibers patterned by inkjet printing
Authors: Katuragawa Tetsuya , Teramoto Yoshikuni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChitin and chitosan nanofibers (ChNF and CtsNF) are promising biomaterials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non‐toxicity. This study investigates the cell adhesion properties and inflammatory responses of CtsNF, ChNF, and their mixtures when patterned on cellophane films using inkjet printing technology, keeping in mind their potential applications as cell culture scaffolds. The viscosities of 0.1 wt% aqueous dispersions of CtsNF, ChNF, and their mixtures were confirmed to be suitable for inkjet printing. Microstructures with varying thicknesses were fabricated by adjusting the printing parameters. Mouse fibroblast cells (L929) and mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) were used to evaluate cell adhesion and inflammatory responses. The results demonstrated that CtsNF microstructures exhibited excellent cell adhesion even for those as thin as ~140 nm and low inflammatory potential. This finding provides valuable insights into the development of advanced biomaterials for medical applications and could be instrumental in optimizing dosage settings for wound healing treatments as well.
Synthesis and Application of New Selanylfullerene Derivatives as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Soares Letiére C. , Vargas Josimar , Ravanello Bruno B. , Ilha Vinicius , Seus Natalia , Santos da Silva Rafael , Alves Diego , Dornelles Luciano , Villetti Marcos A. , da Rocha Vinicius N. , Piquini Paulo C. , Rodrigues Oscar E. D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study aims to describe the synthesis of a new class of selanylfullerene derivatives in a convergent strategy route, affording the desired products in a few steps and in good yields. C60 compounds were evaluated as photosensitizers to be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) via the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), using the chemical trapping method. The photooxidation of the chemical probe1,3‐diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) sensitized by selanylfullerenes followed a first‐order kinetic and the values of singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) are appropriate for its use in PDT. The electronic absorption spectra, and the intersystem crossing tax rates for the most prominent synthesized compounds were calculated using the density functional theory and the Marcus electron transfer theory, with the theoretical results confirming the experimental findings.