bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Superhydrophobic Laser‐Induced Graphene for Desalination Applications
Authors: Tittle Collin M. , Yilman Dilara , Pope Michael A. , Backhouse Christopher J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe fabrication of long‐lived, durable, superhydrophobic surfaces using a manufacturable process is an important challenge for material science. Significant advances have been reported; however, many surfaces suffer from fragility, nonmanufacturable fabrication techniques, and temporal instability. Such challenges have limited commercial scale application of superhydrophobic films, including their application to water desalination where long lifetimes and durability are essential. The fabrication of controllably wettable surfaces formed from laser‐induced graphene is demonstrated in atmospheric conditions with contact angle control from 59° to 176°; representing some of the most superhydrophobic carbon surfaces ever reported. This superhydrophobicity is used to engineer a membrane with the largest pores ever reported for the energy efficient water desalination technique of air‐gapped membrane distillation. State‐of‐the‐art production of distilled water is observed, and no membrane failure or loss of superhydrophobicity is observed on a time‐scale of months—suggesting total water production capabilities well beyond anything yet demonstrated.
Visualized UV Photodetectors Based on Prussian Blue/TiO2 for Smart Irradiation Monitoring Application
Authors: Qiu Meijia , Sun Peng , Liu Yujin , Huang Qitong , Zhao Chuanxi , Li Zhaohui , Mai Wenjie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe growing needs in monitoring health and environmental risks call for the development of smart ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors with special or multiple functions. Herein, a photoelectrochemical cell based self‐powered and wearable UV photodetector system with high stability, high speed, and an interesting visualization feature is successfully developed. TiO2 nanotubes on flexible Ti foil and Prussian blue on flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium‐tin oxide are selected as the photoanode and electrochromic counter electrode, respectively. The integrated flexible UV photodetectors can not only function stably for many bending cycles but also exhibit visualized indication of UV exposure by recyclable color change without external power. Moreover, the as‐fabricated visible‐blind photodetectors show excellent UV responsivity (78.3 mA W−1), ultralow UV light detection limit (<10 µW cm−2), and fast response with a rise time and a decay time of 0.04 and 0.06 s, respectively. Our all‐in‐one smart photodetector has demonstrated great application potential in self‐powered smart sensors and wearable healthcare electronics.
Terahertz Modulators Based on Silicon Nanotip Array
Authors: Shi Zhong‐Wei , Cao Xing‐Xing , Wen Qi‐Ye , Wen Tian‐Long , Yang Qing‐Hui , Chen Zhi , Shi Wen‐Sheng , Zhang Huai‐Wu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAs an attractive applications of terahertz (THz) radiation, imaging with THz technique stands at the focus of current interest. THz spatial modulators are key issue for fast imaging with a single detector. Here, for the first time, the silicon nanotip (SiNT) arrays are reported that can be utilized as antireflection layers for the THz wave to achieve a low‐loss and spectrally broadband optical‐driven THz modulator. Compared with the modulator fabricated with bare silicon, a 2–3‐time larger modulation depth is achieved in SiNT modulator. Moreover, it is found that the intrinsic THz transmission of SiNT is as high as 90%, which is much higher than that of bare silicon. The theoretical simulation results reveal that a strong antireflection effect induced from SiNT layer plays a crucial role in enhancing the properties of modulator. The SiNT‐based optical‐driven THz modulator with low loss and high modulation depth is promising for potential application to THz imaging.
Electroluminescence of Colloidal Quantum Dots in Electrical Contact with Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Hongyue , Le‐Van Quynh , Aassime Abdelhanin , Roux Xavier Le , Charra Fabrice , Chauvin Nicolas , Degiron Aloyse 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe electroluminescence of a carpet of colloidal quantum dots in electrical contact with a metal nanoparticle array is investigated. The properties of the structures spectacularly differ from the well‐known behavior of point sources placed at nonvanishing distances from subwavelength scatterers (robustness to quenching, coupling primarily defined by the electrical contact between the two species, etc.). This regime of short‐range interactions can even be enabled with nonplasmonic inclusions made of platinum, providing an extreme case of enhanced and tailored light emission by quantum emitters in a highly absorptive environment. As a corollary, surface plasmons are not a necessary or sufficient ingredient but add functionalities that nonplasmonic structures do not possess. These findings indicate that the physics of localized light emitters in highly inhomogeneous environments is far from being fully understood and have important implications for the next generation of active metamaterials and advanced optoelectronic devices.
Highly Substituted Cyclohexenes via Phosphine‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of Electron‐deficient Dienes and Vinyl Ketones
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhang Junyou , Zhang Junliang 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA highly efficient phosphine‐catalyzed [4+2] annulation of electron‐deficient diene and alkyl vinyl ketone was developed for the first time, which provides an easy access to functionalized cyclohexenes. This method has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, widely functional group tolerance, high yields and transition metal free.magnified image
Asymmetric Hybrid Polymer–Lipid Giant Vesicles as Cell Membrane Mimics
Authors: Peyret Ariane , Ibarboure Emmanuel , Le Meins Jean‐François , Lecommandoux Sebastien 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLipid membrane asymmetry plays an important role in cell function and activity, being for instance a relevant signal of its integrity. The development of artificial asymmetric membranes thus represents a key challenge. In this context, an emulsion‐centrifugation method is developed to prepare giant vesicles with an asymmetric membrane composed of an inner monolayer of poly(butadiene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PBut‐b‐PEO) and outer monolayer of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC). The formation of a complete membrane asymmetry is demonstrated and its stability with time is followed by measuring lipid transverse diffusion. From fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, the lipid half‐life is estimated to be 7.5 h. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique, the diffusion coefficient of 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl) (DOPE‐rhod, inserted into the POPC leaflet) is determined to be about D = 1.8 ± 0.50 μm2 s−1 at 25 °C and D = 2.3 ± 0.7 μm2 s−1 at 37 °C, between the characteristic values of pure POPC and pure polymer giant vesicles and in good agreement with the diffusion of lipids in a variety of biological membranes. These results demonstrate the ability to prepare a cell‐like model system that displays an asymmetric membrane with transverse and translational diffusion properties similar to that of biological cells.
Increasing Photovoltaic Performance of an Organic Cationic Chromophore by Anion Exchange
Authors: Gesevičius Donatas , Neels Antonia , Jenatsch Sandra , Hack Erwin , Viani Lucas , Athanasopoulos Stavros , Nüesch Frank , Heier Jakob 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA symmetrical cyanine dye chromophore is modified with different counteranions to study the effect on crystal packing, polarizability, thermal stability, optical properties, light absorbing layer morphology, and organic photovoltaic (OPV) device parameters. Four sulfonate‐based anions and the bulky bistriflylimide anion are introduced to the 2‐[5‐(1,3‐dihydro‐1,3,3‐trimethyl‐2H‐indol‐2‐ylidene)‐1,3‐pentadien‐1‐yl]‐1,3,3‐trimethyl‐3H‐indolium chromophore using an Amberlyst A26 (OH− form) anion exchanger. Anionic charge distribution clearly correlates with device performance, whereby an average efficiency of 2% was reached in a standard bilayer organic solar. Evidence is given that the negative charge of the anion distributed over a large number of atoms is significantly more important than the size of the organic moieties of the sulfonate charge carrying group. This provides a clear strategy for future design of more efficient cyanine dyes for OPV applications.
Graphene‐Based MicroRNA Transfection Blocks Preosteoclast Fusion to Increase Bone Formation and Vascularization
Authors: Dou Ce , Ding Ning , Luo Fei , Hou Tianyong , Cao Zhen , Bai Yun , Liu Chuan , Xu Jianzhong , Dong Shiwu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study is to design a graphene‐based miRNA transfection drug delivery system for antiresorptive therapy. An efficient nonviral gene delivery system is developed using polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) complex loaded with miR‐7b overexpression plasmid. GO‐PEI complex exhibits excellent transfection efficiency within the acceptable range of cytotoxicity. The overexpression of miR‐7b after GO‐PEI‐miR‐7b transfection significantly abrogates osteoclast (OC) fusion and bone resorption activity by hampering the expression of an essential fusogenic molecule dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein. However, osteoclastogenesis occurs without cell–cell fusion and preosteoclast (POC) is preserved. Through preservation of POC, GO‐PEI‐miR‐7b transfection promotes mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells angiogenesis in the coculture system. Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB secreted by POC is increased by GO‐PEI‐miR‐7b both in vitro and in vivo. In treating osteoporotic ovariectomized mice, GO‐PEI‐miR‐7b significantly enhances bone mineral density, bone volume as well as bone vascularization through increasing CD31hiEmcnhi cell number. This study provides a cell–cell fusion targeted miRNA transfection drug delivery strategy in treating bone disorders with excessive osteoclastic bone resorption.
Nickel Hydr(oxy)oxide Nanoparticles on Metallic MoS2 Nanosheets: A Synergistic Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Xing , Liang Yongye 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2)‐based materials have been recently identified as promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, little work has been done to improve the catalytic performance of MoS2 toward HER in alkaline electrolytes, which is more suitable for water splitting in large‐scale applications. Here, it is reported that the hybridization of 0D nickel hydr(oxy)oxide nanoparticles with 2D metallic MoS2 nanosheets can significantly enhance the HER activities in alkaline and neutral electrolytes. Impressively, the optimized hybrid catalyst can drive a cathodic current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of ≈73 mV for HER in 1 m KOH, about 185 mV smaller than the original MoS2. The improved HER activity is attributed to a bifunctional mechanism adopted in these hybrid catalysts, in which nickel hydr(oxy)oxide promotes the water adsorption and dissociation to supply protons for subsequent reactions occurred on MoS2 to generate H2.
ZnO Nanofiber Thin‐Film Transistors with Low‐Operating Voltages
Authors: Wang Fengyun , Song Longfei , Zhang Hongchao , Meng You , Luo Linqu , Xi Yan , Liu Lei , Han Ning , Yang Zaixing , Tang Jie , Shan Fukai , Ho Johnny C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAlthough significant progress has been made towards using ZnO nanofibers (NFs) in future high‐performance and low‐cost electronics, they still suffer from insufficient device performance caused by substantial surface roughness (i.e., irregularity) and granular structure of the obtained NFs. Here, a simple one‐step electrospinning process (i.e., without hot‐press) is presented to obtain controllable ZnO NF networks to achieve high‐performance, large‐scale, and low‐operating‐power thin‐film transistors. By precisely manipulating annealing temperature during NF fabrication, their crystallinity, grain size distribution, surface morphology, and corresponding device performance can be regulated reliably for enhanced transistor performances. For the optimal annealing temperature of 500 °C, the device exhibits impressive electrical characteristics, including a small positive threshold voltage (Vth) of ≈0.9 V, a low leakage current of ≈10−12 A, and a superior on/off current ratio of ≈106, corresponding to one of the best‐performed ZnO NF devices reported to date. When high‐κ AlOx thin films are employed as gate dielectrics, the source/drain voltage (VDS) can be substantially reduced by 10× to a range of only 0–3 V, along with a 10× improvement in mobility to a respectable value of 0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1. These results indicate the potential of these nanofibers for use in next‐generation low‐power devices.
Controlled Low‐Frequency Electrical Noise of Monolayer MoS2 with Ohmic Contact and Tunable Carrier Concentration
Authors: Wang Ji‐Wun , Liu Yen‐Po , Chen Po‐Han , Chuang Meng‐Hsi , Pezeshki Atiye , Ling Dah‐Chin , Chen Jeng‐Chung , Chen Yung‐Fu , Lee Yi‐Hsien 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSemiconducting monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered as emergent materials for nanodevices and optoelectronic applications. The low‐frequency electrical noise of TMD‐based devices is much higher than Si and other conventional semiconductors. The reduction of this noise along with control of the Ohmic contact and carrier concentration of the such devices remain major challenges. Here, the low‐frequency (1/f) noise and transport properties of chemical‐vapor‐deposition‐grown MoS2 are presented. The high mobility of 20–40 cm2 V−1 s−1 of the monolayer devices is highly reproducible. Reliable methods to induce Ohmic contact and to tune carrier density over a wide range of 1011–1014 cm−2 are presented to study the fundamental mechanism of the 1/f noise. The noise performance in the high carrier concentration regime is explored for the first time with Ohmic contact of the devices and ideal sample quality. A significant reduction of the noise figure of merit is achievable in the high‐density regime. Polymer electrolyte encapsulation provides a practical method to effectively tune carrier density and engineer surface trap states of the monolayer TMDs, which would be helpful for practical applications of 2D atomic layers in nanoelectronics and photonics.
Revealing Trap States in Lead Sulphide Colloidal Quantum Dots by Photoinduced Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Kahmann Simon , Sytnyk Mykhailo , Schrenker Nadine , Matt Gebhard J. , Spiecker Erdmann , Heiss Wolfgang , Brabec Christoph J. , Loi Maria A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDue to their large surface to volume ratio, colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are often considered to exhibit a significant amount of surface defects. Such defects are one possible source for the formation of in‐gap states (IGS), which can enhance the recombination of excited carriers, i.e., work as electrical traps. These traps are investigated for lead sulphide CQDs of different size, covered with different ligands using a mid‐infrared photoinduced absorption (PIA) technique. The obtained PIA spectra reveal two distinct absorption bands, whose position depends on the particle size, i.e., the electronic confinement in the CQDs. Smaller particles exhibit deeper traps. The chemical nature of the capping ligand does not affect the resulting position other than due to its change in confinement, but better passivating species lead to smaller signals. Furthermore, ligand specific narrow lines observed are superimposed on the broad electronic background of the PIA spectra, which is attributed to Fano resonances caused by the interplay of the narrow molecular vibrations and the continuum of trap states. Mid‐infrared photoinduced absorption represents a valuable tool to unravel distributions of IGS in CQDs and allows for an assessment of the quality of ligand exchanged films. These findings have implications for understanding the performances of CQD‐based (opto‐) electronic devices, such as solar cells, transistors, or quantum dot light emitting diodes, which are limited by frequent carrier trapping events.
Hybrid Perovskite‐Based Position‐Sensitive Detectors
Authors: Ashar A. Z. , Ganesh N. , Narayan K. S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA light‐dependent position‐sensitive detector (PSD) is demonstrated using an active layer of organic–inorganic halide perovskite. The lateral device is demonstrated using indium tin oxide coated glass as common back electrode and gold as the top electrodes. Apart from the linearity and the large span of position sensing range, the PSD response is characterized by a sizable responsivity. The device geometry for PSD also permits a high spatial resolution and transient signal mapping of the lateral photovoltage. These results can be understood in the framework of drift‐diffusion model and offer another valuable use for hybrid perovskite systems.
Field Effect Transistors Based on In Situ Fabricated Graphene Scaffold–ZrO2 Nanofilms
Authors: Pang Qingqing , Chen Hongliang , Wang Xiuyan , Wang Tao , Wang Deyan , Feng Shaoguang , Lu Hongliang , Li Qiaowei 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIonic liquid‐gated electric double layer transistors (EDLTs), bottom‐gated field effect transistors (FETs), and vertical Schottky barrier transistors are fabricated by utilizing in situ prepared heterostrutural nanofilms. The nanofilms feature graphene scaffolds on top of high‐k ZrO2 dielectric, which allow transfer‐free fabrication of various transistor devices. Both the ionic liquid‐gated EDLT and bottom‐gated FET feature p‐type characteristic behaviors with notable Ion/Ioff ratio and effective carrier modulation ability. Furthermore, the applicability of the layered structure is demonstrated in construction of vertical Schottky barrier transistors, and evident rectification behavior is revealed. With the capability to construct multilayer heterostructural nanofilms on various substrates and further optimizing the interfaces between these layers for targeted modulation, the presented electronic materials show potential application in graphene‐based transistor fabrication.
Broadband Enhancement of PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells by the Synergistic Effect of Plasmonic Gold Nanobipyramids and Nanospheres
Authors: Chen Si , Wang Yong jie , Liu Qipeng , Shi Guozheng , Liu Zeke , Lu Kunyuan , Han Lu , Ling Xufeng , Zhang Han , Cheng Si , Ma Wanli 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFor the first time, the plasmonic gold bipyramids (Au BPs) are introduced to the PbS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells for improved infrared light harvesting. The localized surface plasmon resonance peaks of Au BPs matches perfectly with the absorption peaks of conventional PbS CQDs. Owing to the geometrical novelty of Au BPs, they exhibit significantly stronger far‐field scattering effect and near‐field enhancement than conventional plasmonic Au nanospheres (NSs). Consequently, device open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current (Jsc) are simultaneously enhanced, while plasmonic photovoltaic devices based on Au NSs only achieve improved Jsc. The different effects and working mechanisms of these two Au nanoparticles are systematically investigated. Moreover, to realize effective broadband light harvesting, Au BPs and Au NSs are used together to simultaneously enhance the device optical and electrical properties. As a result, a significantly increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.58% is obtained compared to the PCE of 8.09% for the control devices due to the synergistic effect of the two plasmonic Au nanoparticles. Thus, this work reveals the intriguing plasmonic effect of Au BPs in CQD solar cells and may provide insight into the future plasmonic enhancement for solution‐processed new‐generation solar cells.
Prescribing Functional Additives for Treating the Poor Performances of High‐Voltage (5 V‐class) LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/MCMB Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Gaojie , Pang Chunguang , Chen Bingbing , Ma Jun , Wang Xiao , Chai Jingchao , Wang Qingfu , An Weizhong , Zhou Xinhong , Cui Guanglei , Chen Liquan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this paper, tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite (TMSP) and 1,3‐propanediolcyclic sulfate (PCS) are unprecedentedly prescribed as binary functional additives for treating the poor performances of high‐voltage (5 V‐class) LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/MCMB (graphitic mesocarbon microbeads) Li‐ion batteries at both room temperature and 50 °C. The high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/MCMB cell with binary functional additives shows a preponderant discharge capacity retention of 79.5% after 500 cycles at 0.5 C rate at room temperature. By increasing the current intensity from 0.2 to 5 C rate, the discharge capacity retention of the high‐voltage cell with binary functional additives is ≈90%, while the counterpart is only ≈55%. By characterizations, it is rationally demonstrated that the binary functional additives decompose and participate in the modification of solid–electrolyte interface layers (both electrodes), which are more conductive, protective, and resistant to electrolyte oxidative/reductive decompositions (accompanying active‐Li+ consuming parasitic reactions) due to synergistic effects. Specifically, the TMSP additive can stabilize LiPF6 salt and scavenge erosive hydrofluoric acid. More encouragingly, at 50 °C, the high‐voltage cell with binary functional additives holds an ultrahigh discharge capacity retention of 79.5% after 200 cycles at 1 C rate. Moreover, a third designed self‐extinguishing flame‐retardant additive of (ethoxy)‐penta‐fluoro‐cyclo‐triphosphazene (PFPN) is introduced for reducing the flammability of the aforementioned binary functional additives containing electrolyte.
Balancing High Open Circuit Voltage over 1.0 V and High Short Circuit Current in Benzodithiophene‐Based Polymer Solar Cells with Low Energy Loss: A Synergistic Effect of Fluorination and Alkylthiolation
Authors: Du Zhengkun , Bao Xichang , Li Yonghai , Liu Deyu , Wang Jiuxing , Yang Chunming , Wimmer Reinhard , Städe Lars Wagner , Yang Renqiang , Yu Donghong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBased on the most recently significant progress within the last one year in organic photovoltaic research from either alkylthiolation or fluorination on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene moiety for high efficiency polymer solar cells (PSCs), two novel simultaneously fluorinated and alkylthiolated benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′] dithiophene (BDT)‐based donor–acceptor (D–A) polymers, poly(4,8‐bis(5′‐((2″‐ethylhexyl)thio)‐4′‐fluorothiophen‐2′‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐2′‐ethylhexyl‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐2‐carboxylate (PBDTT‐SF‐TT) and poly(4,8‐bis(5′‐((2″‐ethylhexyl)thio)‐4′‐fluorothiophen‐2′‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐1,3‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5,7‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (PBDTT‐SF‐BDD), namely, via an advantageous and synthetically economic route for the key monomer are reported herein. Synergistic effects of fluorination and alkylthiolation on BDT moieties are discussed in detail, which is based on the superior balance between high Voc and large Jsc when PBDTT‐SF‐TT/PC71BM and PBDTT‐SF‐BDD/PC71BM solar cells present their high Voc as 1.00 and 0.97 V (associated with their deep highest occupied molecular orbital level of −5.54 and −5.61 eV), a moderately high Jsc of 14.79 and 14.70 mA cm−2, and thus result a high power conversion efficiency of 9.07% and 9.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, for PBDTT‐SF‐TT, a very low energy loss of 0.59 eV is pronounced, leading to the promisingly high voltage, and furthermore performance study and morphological results declare an additive‐free PSC from PBDTT‐SF‐TT, which is beneficial to practical applications.