bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mentha sylvestris: An eco-friendly and cost effective approach
Authors: Muhammad Imran Hamza,  , Bhatti Tariq , Naqi Sameena 
Published: February 2025

Nanoparticle synthesis is gaining tremendous attention of researcher now a days. Due to high energy requirements and environmental risks associated with physical and chemical techniques, the utilization of plant sources has become imperative for the fabrication of nanoparticles. In this study, we report the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricating potential of aqueous leaf extract of Mentha sylvestris without any additional caping or stabilizing agent in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner. The bio-reduction of AgNPs was indicated by color change of silver nitrate solution. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX)and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. UV-visible spectral analysis revealed absorption peak at 453 nm for AgNPs. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) determined the reduction rate of ionic silver in solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the average crystalline size. AgNPs ranged in size from16.2-56.4 nm with average size of 33.38 nm. SEM analysis showed the morphology of AgNPs which is found to be spherical, rectangular to variable shapes. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis evidenced the presence of elemental silver hence further confirmed green synthesis. Present study concludes that M. sylvestris species have great potential to bio-fabricate AgNPs in rapid and facetious way.
Novel 3D printed universal conical holder for eye plaque quality assurance
Authors: Wang Wentao , Emrich Jacqueline , Mourtada Firas 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeFor the custom‐built construction of eye plaques, the iodine (I‐125) seeds of different source strengths are recycled in our eye plaque program. To return I‐125 seeds to the correct lot, we developed a novel 3D‐printed conical plaque QA holder for relative assay for eye plaques.Materials and methodsA universal 3D‐printed conical plaque holder was designed to accommodate six plaque sizes and fit reproducibly in a well‐type dose calibrator. A reproducibility test was used to compare the plaque placement consistency in the holder versus without the holder. Plaque assays were performed for assembled plaques both before implant and after explant. The explant reading was compared with the implant reading adjusted for decay, and the relative error was calculated. The plaque response fraction (PRF) is defined as the fraction of well chamber implant reading over the total seed strength for a plaque. The PRF was aggregated for each individual plaque to confirm the seed lot before implant.ResultsThe reproducibility test showed the chamber reading's relative standard deviation of 0.40% with the QA holder compared to 0.68% without it. The batch relative assay was performed for 251 plaques. The absolute value of measurement deviation between explant and decay‐corrected implant readings is 0.89% ± 0.86% (mean ± standard deviation). The PRFs for individual plaques range from 36.49% to 49.87%, with a maximum standard deviation of 2%.ConclusionsThis novel 3D‐printed QA holder provides reproducible setup for assaying assembled eye plaques in a well chamber. Batch relative assay can validate the seed batch used and plaque integrity during the implant without assaying individual seeds, saving valuable physicist time and radiation exposure from seed handling.
Comparison of Interstitial Lung Disease Between Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Positive and Negative Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Hao Cheng , Bui Khai‐Tuan Andrew , Richard Rachel , Toban Nader , Lévesque Marianne , Meunier Rosalie‐Sélène , Ross Carolyn , Makhzoum Jean‐Paul 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivePositive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) may occur in the setting of interstitial lung disease (ILD), with or without ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV). We aim to compare the characteristics and clinical course of patients with ILD and positive ANCA (ANCA‐ILD) to those with negative ANCA.MethodsWe performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study from 2018 to 2021. All patients with ILD and ANCA testing were included. Patient characteristics (symptoms, dyspnea scale, and systemic AAV), test results (pulmonary high‐resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests), and adverse events were collected from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics and the Fisher exact test were used to compare the outcomes of patients with ANCA‐ILD to those with ILD and negative ANCA.ResultsA total of 265 patients with ILD were included. The mean follow‐up duration was 69.3 months, 26 patients (9.8%) were ANCA positive, and 69.2% of those with ANCA‐ILD had another autoantibody. AAV occurred in 17 patients (65.4%) with ANCA‐ILD. In 29.4% of patients, AAV developed following ILD diagnosis. Usual interstitial pneumonia was the most common radiologic pattern in patients with ANCA‐ILD. There was no association between ANCA status and the evolution of dyspnea, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, and lung imaging. Forced vital capacity improved over time in 42% of patients with ANCA‐ILD and in 17% of patients with negative ANCA (P = 0.006). Hospitalization occurred in 46.2% of patients with ANCA‐ILD and in 21.8% of patients with negative ANCA (P = 0.006). Both groups had similar mortality rates.ConclusionRoutine ANCA testing should be considered in patients with ILD. Patients with ANCA‐ILD are at risk for AAV. More research is required to better understand and manage patients with ANCA‐ILD.
Highly Stable Photoluminescence in Vacuum‐Processed Halide Perovskite Core–Shell 1D Nanostructures
Authors: Castillo‐Seoane Javier , Contreras‐Bernal Lidia , Rojas T. Cristina , Espinós Juan P. , Castro‐Méndez Andrés‐Felipe , Correa‐Baena Juan‐P. , Barranco Angel , Sanchez‐Valencia Juan R. , Borras Ana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHybrid organometal halide perovskites (HP) present exceptional optoelectronic properties, but their poor long‐term stability is a major bottleneck for their commercialization. Herein, a solvent‐free approach to growing single‐crystal organic nanowires (ONW) is presented, along with nanoporous metal oxide scaffolds and HP, to form a core@multishell architecture. The synthesis is carried out under mild vacuum conditions employing thermal evaporation for the metal‐free phthalocyanine (H2Pc) nanowires, which are the core, plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for the TiO2 shell, and co‐evaporation of lead iodide (PbI2) and methylammonium iodide (CH3NH3I/MAI) for the CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3/MAPI) perovskite shell. A detailed characterization of the nanostructures by electron microscopy, (S)‐TEM, and X‐ray diffraction, XRD, is presented, revealing a different crystallization of the HP depending on the template: while the growth on H2Pc nanowires induces the typical MAPI tetragonal structure, a low‐dimensional phase (LDP) is observed on the 1D‐TiO2 nanotubes. Such a combination yields an unprecedentedly stable photoluminescence emission over 20 h and over 300 h after encapsulation in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) under different atmospheres including N2, air, and high moisture levels. Moreover, the unique 1D morphology of the system, together with the high refractive index, allows for a strong waveguiding effect along the HP nanowire length.
Zinc‐Ion Battery Chemistries Enabled by Regulating Electrolyte Solvation Structure
Authors: Deng Wenjing , Li Ge , Wang Xiaolei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDesigning next‐generation alternative energy storage devices that feature high safety, low cost, and long operation lifespan is of the utmost importance for future wide range of applications. Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries play a vital part in promoting the development of portability, sustainability, and diversification of rechargeable battery systems. Based on the theory of electrolyte solvation chemistry, deep understanding of interaction between electrolyte components and their impact on the chemical properties has achieved a series of research progress. Analyzing the solvation shell of electrolyte or structure–performance relationship, and establishing more stable and high‐energy battery chemistries are inevitable requirements to suppress the electrolyte–electrode interphase side reaction and realize the functional use of zinc‐ion batteries. In this critical review, the attempt is to overview the current comprehension regarding the electrolyte solvation structure in zinc battery technology. Advanced methodology toward the interactions between zinc cations, solvent molecules, and anions in zinc aqueous electrolytes and the general rules for electrolyte design from the atomic level are summarized. Methods for viable solvation modification are then introduced regarding overcoming the remained challenges for transferring the laboratory results to next‐generation practical applications. Possible research direction with the aim of investigating the ultimate choice for future high‐performance electrolyte solvation construction is also outlined.
Synthesis of Multifunctional Plasmonic Nanodarts through One‐End Deposition on Gold Nanobipyramids for Tumor Organoid Ablation and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Zhang Han , Lu Yao , Zhang Rui , Tang Zhe , Lam Shiu Hei , Zhu Jinjin , Fu Runfang , Hu Yeting , Iqbal Muhammad Zubair , Kong Xiangdong , Wang Jianfang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPlasmonic nanomaterials with multiple components and designed structures show diverse properties and functions owing to the synergistic effects of the different components. Engineering the compositional and structural complexity of plasmonic nanomaterials is a powerful technique for expanding their range of applications. A facile approach to an unprecedented dart‐like type of nanostructure with AgPd bimetal selectively deposited at one end of Au nanobipyramids, forming AgPd nanodarts, is reported here. The synthetic process involves both galvanic replacement and Ostwald ripening. The morphological evolution of the AgPd nanodarts is thoroughly investigated and the growth mechanism is put forward. The as‐obtained AgPd nanodarts exhibit an outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency and peroxidase activity, which make them powerful for photothermally–catalytically combined tumor organoid ablation. In addition, two types of AgPd nanodart‐derived single‐end nanostructures, AgPd@ZIF‐8, and AgPd@TiO2 nanodarts, are prepared for the first time. The ZIF‐8 and TiO2 shell are preferentially coated at the AgPd end of the AgPd nanodarts, respectively. Both AgPd@ZIF‐8 and AgPd@TiO2 nanodarts show superior antimicrobial activities. The protocol and concept of modulating the structure of the nanodarts in this work can be extended to the development of a new class of plasmonic nanostructures with multifunctionalities.
Prestrain Guided Yield of Large Single‐Crystal Nickel Foils with High‐Index Facets
Authors: Su Zhen , Song Meixiu , Li Huyang , Song Xin , Feng Yuming , Wang Shuai , Zhang Xin , Yang Hongying , Li Xingji , Zhang Yanxiang , Jing Yuhang , Hu PingAn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSingle‐crystal metal foils with high‐index facets are currently being investigated owing to their potential application in the epitaxial growth of high‐quality van der Waals film materials, electrochemical catalysis, gas sensing, and other fields. However, the controllable synthesis of large single‐crystal metal foils with high‐index facets remains a great challenge because high‐index facets with high surface energy are not preferentially formed thermodynamically and kinetically. Herein, single‐crystal nickel foils with a series of high‐index facets are efficiently prepared by applying prestrain energy engineering technique, with the largest single‐crystal foil exceeding 5×8 cm2 in size. In terms of thermodynamics, the internal mechanism of prestrain regulation on the formation of high‐index facets is proposed. Molecular dynamics simulation is utilized to replicate and explain the phenomenon of multiple crystallographic orientations resulting from prestrain regulation. Additionally, large‐sized and high‐quality graphite films are successfully fabricated on single‐crystal Ni(012) foils. Compared to the polycrystalline nickel, the graphite/single‐crystal Ni(012) foil composites show more than five‐fold increase in thermal conductivity, thereby showing great potential applications in thermal management. This study hence presents a novel approach for the preparation of single‐crystal nickel foils with high‐index facets, which is beneficial for the epitaxial growth of certain two‐dimensional materials.
Terahertz and Infrared Plasmon Polaritons in PtTe2 Type‐II Dirac Topological Semimetal
Authors: Macis Salvatore , D'Arco Annalisa , Mosesso Lorenzo , Paolozzi Maria Chiara , Tofani Silvia , Tomarchio Luca , Tummala Pinaka Pani , Ghomi Sara , Stopponi Veronica , Bonaventura Eleonora , Massetti Chiara , Codegoni Davide , Serafini Andrea , Targa Paolo , Zacchigna Michele , Lamperti Alessio , Martella Christian , Molle Alessandro , Lupi Stefano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSurface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic excitations existing at the interface between a metal and a dielectric. SPPs provide a promising path in nanophotonic devices for light manipulation at the micro and nanoscale with applications in optoelectronics, biomedicine, and energy harvesting. Recently, SPPs are extended to unconventional materials like graphene, transparent oxides, superconductors, and topological systems characterized by linearly dispersive electronic bands. In this respect, 3D Dirac and Weyl semimetals offer a promising frontier for infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) radiation tuning by topologically‐protected SPPs. In this work, the THz‐IR optical response of platinum ditelluride (PtTe2) type‐II Dirac topological semimetal films grown on Si substrates is investigated. SPPs generated on microscale ribbon arrays of PtTe2 are detected in the far‐field limit, finding an excellent agreement among measurements, theoretical models, and electromagnetic simulation data. The far‐field measurements are further supported by near‐field IR data which indicate a strong electric field enhancement due to the SPP excitation near the ribbon edges. The present findings indicate that the PtTe2 ribbon array appears an ideal active layout for geometrically tunable SPPs thus inspiring a new fashion of optically tunable materials in the technologically demanding THz and IR spectrum.
A Single Component, Single Layer Flexile Foam Evaporator with the Higher Efficiency for Water Generation
Authors: Li Ruoxin , Wu Mingrui , Ma Haijun , Zhu Yongqi , Zhang Hongyi , Chen Qiaomei , Zhang Chuhong , Wei Yen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the greenest and promising ways to solve the problem of freshwater crisis is surface solar steam generation from seawater. A great number of photothermal materials with multi‐component and multi‐layered delicate yet complex structures often suffer from either low evaporation rate or high energy loss. Here, this work presents a single component foam evaporator with steam generation rate of up to 4.32 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun irradiation. The evaporator is constructed from an aniline oligomer as a single light‐absorbing component, covalent linked with polyethylene glycol to form a monolithic polymer foam. Floating on the seawater, the foam has absorbance of 99.5% over the entire solar spectral range and low thermal conductivity (0.0077 W K−1m−1) that effectively retains heat in the material and at the interface. After 3 months of continuous outdoor natural sunlight irradiation, the evaporator maintains a stable and durable evaporation rate. Moreover, the materials have good mechanical properties (7.48 MPa young's modulus and 57.38% elongation at break) and excellent chemical resistance in 10 common organic solvents and aqueous solutions of pH = 1 to 14. This study provides a new system and strategy for desalination, steam power generation, treatment of polluted water and sewage, etc.
Promotion of Probabilistic Bit Generation in Mott Devices by Embedded Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Seo Yewon , Park Yunkyu , Hur Pyeongkang , Jo Minguk , Heo Jaeyeong , Choi Byung Joon , Son Junwoo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractConsiderable attention has been drawn to the use of volatile two‐terminal devices relying on the Mott transition for the stochastic generation of probabilistic bits (p‐bits) in emerging probabilistic computing. To improve randomness and endurance of bit streams provided by these devices, delicate control of the transient evolution of switchable domains is required to enhance stochastic p‐bit generation. Herein, it is demonstrated that the randomness of p‐bit streams generated via the consecutive pulse inputs of pump–probe protocols can be increased by the deliberate incorporation of metal nanoparticles (NPs), which influence the transient dynamics of the nanoscale metallic phase in VO2 Mott switches. Among the vertically stacked Pt‐NP‐containing VO2 threshold switches, those with higher Pt NP density show a considerably wider range of p‐bit operation (e.g., up to ≈300% increase in ΔVprobe upon going from (Pt NP/VO2)0 to (Pt NP/VO2)11) and can therefore be operated under the conditions of high speed (400 kbit s−1), low power consumption (14 nJ per bit), and high stability (>105 200 bits) for p‐bit generation. Thus, the study presents a novel strategy that exploits nanoscale phase control to maximize the generation of nondeterministic information sources for energy‐efficient probabilistic computing hardware.
Counter‐Doping Effect by Trivalent Cations in Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Tianyue , Loi Hok‐Leung , Cao Qi , Feng Guitao , Guan Zhiqiang , Wei Qi , Chen Changsheng , Li Mingjie , Zhu Ye , Lee Chun‐Sing , Yan Feng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTin (Sn) ‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) normally show low open circuit voltage due to serious carrier recombination in the devices, which can be attributed to the oxidation and the resultant high p‐type doping of the perovskite active layers. Considering the grand challenge to completely prohibit the oxidation of Sn‐based perovskites, a feasible way to improve the device performance is to counter‐dope the oxidized Sn‐based perovskites by replacing Sn2+ with trivalent cations in the crystal lattice, which however is rarely reported. Here, the introduction of Sb3+, which can effectively counter‐dope the oxidized perovskite layer and improve the carrier lifetime, is presented. Meanwhile, Sb3+ can passivate deep‐level defects and improve carrier mobility of the perovskite layer, which are all favorable for the photovoltaic performance of the devices. Consequently, the target devices yield a relative enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31.4% as well as excellent shelf‐storage stability. This work provides a novel strategy to improve the performance of Sn‐based PSCs, which can be developed as a universal way to compensate for the oxidation of Sn‐based perovskites in optoelectronic devices.
Stereoscopic Polymer Network for Developing Mechanically Robust Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with an Efficiency Approaching 25%
Authors: Wu Yeyong , Xu Guiying , Shen Yunxiu , Wu Xiaoxiao , Tang Xiaohua , Han Chuanshuai , Chen Yujin , Yang Fu , Chen Haiyang , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFlexible perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs) have the potential to overturn the application scenario of silicon photovoltaic technology. However, their mechanical instability severely impedes their practical applicability, and the corresponding intrinsic degradation mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the degradation behavior of flexible pero‐SCs is systematically analyzed under mechanical stress and it is observed that the structural failure first occurs in the polycrystal perovskite film, then extend to interfaces. To suppress the structural failure, pentaerythritol triacrylate, a crosslinked molecule with three stereoscopic crosslink sites, is employed to establish a 3D polymer network in both the interface and bulk perovskite. This network reduced the Young's modulus of the perovskite and simultaneously enhanced the interfacial toughness. As a result, the formation of cracks and delamination, which occur under a high mechanical stress, is significantly suppressed in the flexible pero‐SC, which consequently retained 92% of its initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 20 000 bending cycles. Notably, the flexible device also shows a record PCE of 24.9% (certified 24.48%).
2D Janus Polarization Functioned by Mechanical Force
Authors: Guan Zhao , Zheng Yun‐Zhe , Tong Wen‐Yi , Zhong Ni , Cheng Yan , Xiang Ping‐Hua , Huang Rong , Chen Bin‐Bin , Wei Zhong‐Ming , Chu Jun‐hao , Duan Chun‐Gang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract2D polarization materials have emerged as promising candidates for meeting the demands of device miniaturization, attributed to their unique electronic configurations and transport characteristics. Although the existing inherent and sliding mechanisms are increasingly investigated in recent years, strategies for inducing 2D polarization with innovative mechanisms remain rare. This study introduces a novel 2D Janus state by modulating the puckered structure. Combining scanning probe microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and density functional theory calculations, this work realizes force‐triggered out‐of‐plane and in‐plane dipoles with distorted smaller warping in GeSe. The Janus state is preserved after removing the external mechanical perturbation, which could be switched by modulating the sliding direction. This work offers a versatile method to break the space inversion symmetry in a 2D system to trigger polarization in the atomic scale, which may open an innovative insight into configuring novel 2D polarization materials.
Reliable Lift‐Off Patterning of Graphene Dispersions for Humidity Sensors
Authors: Adatti Estévez Jorge Eduardo , Hecht Fabian , Wittmann Sebastian , Sawallich Simon , Weber Annika , Travan Caterina , Hopperdietzl Franz , Krumbein Ulrich , Lemme Max Christian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDispersion‐based graphene materials are promising candidates for various sensing applications. They offer the advantage of relatively simple and fast deposition via spin‐coating, Langmuir–Blodgett deposition, or inkjet printing. Film uniformity and reproducibility remain challenging in all of these deposition methods. Here, a scalable structuring method is demonstrated, characterized, and successfully applied for graphene dispersions. The method is based on a standard lift‐off process, is simple to implement, and increases the film uniformity of graphene devices. It is also compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing methods. Two different graphene dispersions are investigated via Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy and observe no degradation of the material properties by the structuring process. Furthermore, high uniformity of the structured patterns and homogeneous graphene flake distribution is achieved. Electrical characterizations show reproducible sheet resistance values correlating with material quantity and uniformity. Finally, repeatable humidity sensing is demonstrated with van der Pauw devices, with sensing limits of less than 1% relative humidity.