bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Wearable Thermoelectric Device Constructed with Soft‐Rigid Assembly for Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Wu Bo , Lin Yujie , Tian Yuqing , Wei Wei , Xu Yunhe , Hu Yunhao , Li Jianmin , Li Kerui , Hou Chengyi , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe development of high‐performance thermoelectric devices (TEDs) with personal thermoregulation is crucial for the advancement of next‐generation wearable technologies. Most efforts focus on optimizing mechanical flexibility in fully encapsulated devices, but parasitic heat loss induced by the layer‐packed polymer matrices with high thermal impedance typically leads to degradation in sensing and bidirectional conversion capabilities. Here, a bioinspired architectural strategy is proposed for this problem that demonstrates the feasibility of single‐sided assembly based on a soft‐rigid “skin‐spine” configuration to improve heat utilization efficiency. With active TE units connected via serpentine electrodes, skin‐spine‐structured wearable thermoelectric devices (SSSW‐TEDs) are successfully fabricated enabling temperature sensing and bidirectional heat‐to‐electricity conversion under mild forced convection. This contributes to significant enhancements in power delivery (by 300%) and cost‐benefit analysis (by 100%) through efficient air convection heat dissipation. Moreover, SSSW‐TED enables personal thermal regulation by harnessing body heat, cooling the skin, and perceiving behaviors such as touching and blowing. This study not only provides novel insights for high‐performance TEDs but also lays the foundation for the widespread implementation of skin thermoregulation.
Side Chain Functional Molecule Additives for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Liu Siyu , Wang Huanhuan , Luo Jingshan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn the commercial development of perovskite solar cells, the main challenge lies in achieving efficient devices with high stability. Additive engineering in polycrystalline perovskites is considered as an effective approach to address this challenge by passivating surface defects and reducing carrier losses associated with these defects. In this work, the passivation effect of molecules with different side chain groups on perovskites and the role of binding energy in mitigating carrier loss are studied. The findings reveal that the thiophene group is particularly effective in passivating defects and enhancing hole transport. Consequently, devices treated with 2‐thienylmethylamine hydrochloride (TMAC) demonstrate a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.63%. Furthermore, these TMAC‐treated devices exhibit remarkable stability, maintaining over 93.13% of their initial efficiencies after 1200 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This research presents a pathway to enhance the optoelectronic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells.
Intensify Mass Transfer and Molecular Oxygen Activation by Defect‐Bridged Asymmetric Catalytic Sites Toward Efficient Membrane‐Based Nanoconfined Catalysis
Authors: Ye Jian , Xue Wenhua , Wang Peixin , Geng Yiqi , Dai Jiangdong , Pan Jianming , Duan Xiaoguang , Zhao Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEfficient spontaneous molecular oxygen (O2) activation is expected in advanced oxidation processes. However, it remains a great challenge to promote the reactants adsorption and accelerate the interfacial electron transfer to boost the activation kinetic of O2. Herein, defect‐rich N‐doped reduced graphene oxide/CoFe2O4 (NGCF‐OV) membrane containing asymmetric Co‐OV‐Fe sites is prepared for O2 activation. The intrinsic catalytic activity is that the asymmetric Co‐OV‐Fe sites regulate the O─O bond length, promoting more and faster electron transfer to O2 for selectively producing 1O2. Meanwhile, the adjacent graphitic N sites help confine organics to the surface and thus greatly shorten the reaction distance of 1O2 and improve its utilization efficiency. The NGCF‐OV membrane demonstrates complete degradation of bisphenol A within a retention time of 86 ms, achieving a k‐value of 0.047 ms−1, which exceeds the performance of most Fenton‐like systems. This work provides new horizons for designing an efficient and stable catalytic membrane, enriching the domain of advanced wastewater treatment strategies.
Functionalized Binders Boost High‐Capacity Anode Materials
Authors: Dong Shaowen , Wang Li , Huang Xiaolong , Liang Jie , He Xiangming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe burgeoning field of energy storage battery innovation has sparked a relentless pursuit of high‐capacity anode materials to meet the escalating demand for improved energy density. Typically, these materials for batteries experience significant volume changes during cycles, which severely test the structural integrity and lifespan of electrode configurations. High‐performance binders have emerged as a critical component in addressing this challenge. Although they represent a small proportion of the battery's composition, binders play a pivotal role in enhancing electrochemical efficiency, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of batteries. The advancement of high‐capacity anode materials has rendered traditional binders inadequate, prompting the development of functional binders that are increasingly being refined to meet these requirements. This article began by outlining the role and requirements of binders within electrodes, examining cutting‐edge characterization methodologies, and discussing the “structure‐function” paradigm that underpins binder selection. It then showcased the research advancements in identifying suitable binders for high‐capacity anode materials, including silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and germanium (Ge). In summary, the article contemplated the future direction of binder development and application in high‐capacity electrode materials. The aim is to facilitate the progression of high‐performance, high‐capacity anodes, thereby accelerating the development of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries.
Metal Hydrogel‐Based Integrated Wearable Biofuel Cell for Self‐Powered Epidermal Sweat Biomarker Monitoring
Authors: Chen Yao , Wan Xinhao , Li Guanglei , Ye Jianqi , Gao Jie , Wen Dan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWearable sensors for continuous monitoring of biomarkers in body fluids have gained significant attention for their potential in disease diagnostics and health management, but lack sustainable power supply and advanced sensing strategies. Herein, sweat wearable biofuel cells (w‐BFCs) based on metal hydrogels are demonstrated with high output and outstanding stability, which harvest energy directly from human sweat and simultaneously enable self‐powered sensing of epidermal biomarkers. Experimental and computational results elucidate that the highly porous and flexible metal hydrogels exhibit superior electrocatalytic capabilities for oxidizing ascorbic acid (AA), a sweat metabolite at the anode, and reducing O2 at the cathode. Consequently, the assembled AA/O2 BFC delivers a high and stable power output, with a maximum output power density of 35 µW cm−2 at an ultralow AA concentration and long‐term stability over 30 days, and a self‐powered, sensitive sensing for AA detection. When applied to the skin of the volunteers, this integrated w‐BFC powers the biosensor using human sweat AA as fuel and allowing real‐time monitoring of AA sensing signal via smartphone. This work not only advances energy harvesting for wearable sensors but also paves new avenues for real‐time, online monitoring of epidermal sweat biomarkers.
A Topological Parametric Phonon Oscillator
Authors: Xi Xiang , Ma Jingwen , Sun Xiankai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTopological bosonic systems have recently aroused intense interests in exploring exotic phenomena that have no counterparts in electronic systems. The squeezed bosonic interaction in these systems is particularly interesting, because it can modify the vacuum fluctuations of topological states, drive them into instabilities, and lead to topological parametric oscillators. However, these phenomena remain experimentally elusive because of limited nonlinearities in most existing topological bosonic systems. Here, a topological parametric phonon oscillator is experimentally realized based on a nonlinear nano‐electromechanical Dirac‐vortex cavity with strong squeezed interaction. Specifically, the Dirac‐vortex cavity is parametrically driven to provide phase‐sensitive amplification for topological phonons, leading to the observation of coherent parametric phonon oscillation above the threshold. Additionally, it is confirmed that the random frequency variation caused by fabrication disorders can be suppressed effectively by increasing the cavity size while the free spectral range reduces at a much slower rate, which benefits the realization of large‐area single‐mode lasers. These results represent an important advance in experimental investigations of topological physics with large bosonic nonlinearities and parametric gain.
Industrial Scale Manufacturing Sub‐10 nm Reverse Osmotic Desalination Membrane on Metallic Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Network
Authors: Li Huaping , Winardi Isabelle , Luo Feirong , Smolinski Nadya , Smolinski Noah , Li Michelle B. , Pei Qibing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDifferent from extensively reported carbon nanotubes‐polyamide (PA) composite membranes, this work reports the scalable, low‐cost manufacturing of metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes network supported PA reverse osmotic desalination membranes. Metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) separated from high‐pressure carbon monoxide conversion (HiPCO) SWCNTs with a diameter ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 nm are deposited on polyethersulfone (PES) films by replacing surfactants around SWCNTs dispersed in aqueous solution, for supporting uniform and smooth sub‐10 nm PA nanofilm formed through aqueous‐organic bilayer interfacial polymerization. The industrial scale manufactured PA/SWCNTs/PES desalination membranes (508 mm × 915 mm) are rolled into spiral wound elements without damage through cutting, gluing, and rolling. The desalination tests on flat PA/SWCNTs/PES membranes exhibits 30 l m−2 h−1 (LMH) under 17.2 bar with 98.45% salt injection when fed with 2000 ppm NaCl at pH = 9. The normalized permeate flux of PA/SWCNTs/PES spiral wound elements is ≈17 LMH under 13.8 bar with 90% salt injection underfed with 2000 ppm MgSO4 at pH = 9–11 condition. The high‐performance sub‐10 nm smooth PA/SWCNTs/PES desalination membranes are fabricated with materials savings and can promote low operation costs compared to conventional 50–100 nm crumpled PA films on any supporting substrates.
Rationally Designed Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Electrochemical C‐N Coupling
Authors: Li Yan , Verma Vandana , Su Hongli , Zhang Xiaoran , Zhou Shujie , Lawson Tom , Li Jingliang , Amal Rose , Hou Yang , Dai Liming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical C‐N coupling process, facilitating the production of organic nitrogen substances (such as urea, methylamine, formamide, and ethylamine) via the simultaneous reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and small nitrogen‐based substances, stands at the forefront of advancing carbon neutrality and the artificial nitrogen cycle. This method has garnered substantial interest due to its potential economic and environmental benefits. Although considerable progress has been achieved in this emerging field, it still faces challenges, including slow reactant adsorption, competing side reactions, and complex multi‐step pathways, resulting in low yields and selectivity. Strategically designing and developing low‐cost and exceptionally performant catalysts is crucial for cost‐effective and precise electrochemical C─N bonding. This article offers an in‐depth review of the electrosynthesis of valuable organic nitrogen compounds at ambient conditions from earth‐abundant resources/wastes, such as CO2 and small nitrogenous molecules (nitrogen: N2, nitrite: NO2−, nitrate: NO3−, ammonia: NH3, etc.), via electrochemical C─N bond formation reactions, especially using carbon‐based catalysts. The relevant electrochemical C─N bond formation mechanisms, the design principles of advanced carbon‐based electrocatalysts, and the impact of different electrolyser designs are discussed, along with the present obstacles and upcoming prospects in this dynamic field.
Unleashing Ultrahigh Capacity and Lasting Stability: Aqueous Zinc‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Mehta Shivangi , Kaur Sukhjot , Singh Man , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Kush , Meena Santosh Kumar , Nagaiah Tharamani C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDespite of multifarious dominance of sulfur‐based batteries, polysulfide‐shuttling and use of high‐cost organic electrolytes with flammability risks hinder their applicability as commercial devices. Herein a polysulfide‐free aqueous zinc‐sulfur (Zn─S) rechargeable battery is explored, which offers a low‐cost and environmentally friendly energy storage system being Zn and Sulfur (S) highly abundant with high theoretical capacity. However, the stability of Zn anode is quite challenging due to dendritic growth and corrosion leading to the capacity decay. This work showcases the utilization of ethylene glycol (EG) and iodine (I2) as an electrolyte additive in aqueous zinc acetate [Zn(OAc)2] electrolyte for stabilizing the Zn─S battery performance. EG as an additive is able to mitigate the corrosion rate of the Zn electrode by 15 times which is supported by molecular dynamics simulation. The assembled Zn─S battery delivered an outstanding capacity of 1210 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C with a 91% capacity retention even after 250 cycles, along with remarkable reversible prolonged cycling stability of 3000 cycles at 1 C, with 64.5% capacity retention. More importantly, in situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy is utilized to monitor the real‐time formation of zinc sulfide (ZnS) as a single discharge product and simultaneously debunking the polysulfide shuttling in the system which is further supported by XPS, UV‐Vis and IR spectroscopy.
Assessment of the liver with two‐dimensional shear wave elastography following COVID‐19 infection: A pilot study
Authors: Lau Joyce Yea See , O'Hara Sandra , Lombardo Paul , Goodyear Melinda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroduction/PurposeThe coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is a widely spread viral infectious disease, which can impact multiple organs, including the liver. Elevated liver enzymes have been reported in COVID‐19 patients; however, potential changes in liver stiffness following the viral infection remain uncertain. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine if there is a significant difference in liver stiffness between individuals who have never been infected with COVID‐19 and those who had been infected with COVID‐19 <6 months, experiencing only mild symptoms. The secondary aim was to compare the liver stiffness between participants infected with COVID‐19 depending on the elapsed time since infection.MethodsTwo‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) was performed prospectively on 68 participants. Thirty‐four participants had been infected with COVID‐19 (all for <6 months) (COVID‐19 group), and another 34 had never been infected with COVID‐19 (control group). The mean 2D‐SWE measurements of both the COVID‐19 group and the control group were compared using an independent t‐test. The mean 2D‐SWE measurements of the COVID‐19 subgroups A (<2 months), B (2 to <4 months) and C (4 to <6 months) were compared using a one‐way ANOVA test (P < 0.05).ResultsThe (mean ± standard deviation) liver stiffness (kPa) of the COVID‐19 group (5.26 ± 1.63 kPa) was significantly higher than the control group (4.30 ± 0.96 kPa) (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in liver stiffness among subgroups A (5.20 ± 1.79 kPa), B (4.70 ± 1.53 kPa) and C (5.96 ± 1.48 kPa) (P = 0.143) respectively.DiscussionThe mean liver stiffness of 4.30  ±  0.96k Pa in the control group showed a high probability of being normal as per guidelines. Conversely, the mean liver stiffness of 5.26  ±  1.63 kPa in the COVID‐19 group exhibited a statistically significant increase compared to the control group. However, compensated advanced chronic liver disease was ruled out without other known clinical signs, as per guidelines.ConclusionA statistically significant increase in liver stiffness value was observed in the post‐COVID‐19 infection group compared to the group who had never been infected. This highlights the potential for short‐term impact on liver stiffness associated with COVID‐19 infection. However, it is unclear if these changes in liver stiffness are associated with liver injury. Further study is warranted to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 infection and its long‐term impact on the liver.
Electric Double Layer Regulator Design through a Functional Group Assembly Strategy towards Long‐Lasting Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Liyang , Wang Xinyi , Hu Zewei , Wang Xin , Zheng Qingqing , Han Chao , Xu Jiantie , Xu Xun , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Li Weijie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRegulating the electric double layer (EDL) structure of the zinc metal anode by using electrolyte additives is an efficient way to suppress interface side reactions and facilitate uniform zinc deposition. Nevertheless, there are no reports investigating the proactive design of EDL‐regulating additives before the start of experiments. Herein, a functional group assembly strategy is proposed to design electrolyte additives for modulating the EDL, thereby realizing a long‐lasting zinc metal anode. Specifically, by screening ten common functional groups, N, N‐dimethyl‐1H‐imidazole‐1‐sulfonamide (IS) is designed by assembling an imidazole group, characterized by its high adsorption capability on the zinc anode, and a sulfone group, which exhibits strong binding with Zn2+ ions. Benefiting from the adsorption functionalization of the imidazole group, the IS molecules occupy the position of H2O in the inner Helmholtz layer of the EDL, forming a molecular protective layer to inhibit H2O‐induced side reactions. Meanwhile, the sulfone group in IS, acting as a binding site to Zn2+, promotes the de‐solvation of Zn2+ ions, facilitating compact zinc deposition. Consequently, the utilization of IS significantly extending the cycling stability of Zn||Zn and Zn||NaV3O8 ⋅ 1.5H2O full cell. This study offers an innovative approach to the design of EDL regulators for high‐performance zinc metal batteries.
The all‐polymer composites and blends made of ethylene–octene copolymer and partially disentangled polypropylene using a new processing approach
Authors: Krajenta Justyna , Pawlak Andrzej 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAll‐polymer composites and blends of ethylene–octene copolymer (EOC) and polypropylene (PP) were produced in the extrusion process. They had the same composition (96:4 wt.%), but five different entanglement densities of PP macromolecules. Depending on the processing temperature, below or above the melting point of PP, fibers or spherical inclusions were formed inside the EOC matrix. The production of PP fibers directly during mixing was possible by reducing the entanglement of macromolecules in this polymer. During fiber formation by solid‐state plastic deformation, the crystallinity of PP decreased, especially for the less entangled polymers. The presence of fibers influenced the mechanical properties of the composites, which were different from those of the blends. Both in blends and composites, the matrix was reinforced, but in the composites the effect was stronger and the measured stresses increased with the lower degree of PP entanglement. SAXS and microscopic observations showed that cavitation occurred in the deformed composites. All‐polymer composites, in which the reinforcement was created as a result of polymer deformation with limited entanglements, have properties that are advantageously different from traditional ones, which opens the prospect of their application.
Thermomechanical evaluation of zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite/high‐density polyethylene hybrid composites
Authors: Munir H. M. Babar , Yasin Saima , Iqbal Tanveer , Qamar Sabih , Ahmad Aqeel , Mahmood Hamayoun , Moniruzzaman Muhammad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of developed composites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Composite samples were fabricated with different compositions of ZnO (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) along with a constant quantity of hydroxyapatite (HA, 10 wt%) in pure HDPE. The synthesized hybrid polymer composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal testing machine (UTM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) methods, allowing for a thorough assessment of their spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties, repectively. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of HA and ZnO metal vibrations in the hybrid polymer samples. The thermal stability was increased by the incorporation of different amounts of ZnO, and the decomposition temperature was increased from 319.31 to 412°C for 10 wt% of ZnO hybrid composites as compared to pure HDPE. DSC findings indicated that increasing the ZnO contents, prompted the degree of crystallinity to rise to 14.81% as contrasted to neat HDPE. It was observed that yield strength and ultimate tensile strength for the 10 wt% ZnO composite increased up to 51.85% and 31.72%, respectively, compared to pure HDPE. However, at higher loading of ZnO, surface cracks were observed, which is detrimental for composite materials. Hence, the improved attributes indicated that the synthesized ZnO/HA/HDPE polymer composites can be a promising material for biomedical engineering applications.
A sustainable sensitive spectrofluorimetric approach for the determination of the multipotent protein lactoferrin in different pharmaceuticals and infant milk formula: Compliance with greenness metrics
Authors: Magdy Galal , Elmansi Heba , Shabana Rasha Abo , El‐Enany Nahed 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe current study presents the first spectrofluorimetric approach for the estimation of lactoferrin, depending on the measurement of its native fluorescence at 337 nm after excitation at 230 nm, without the need for any hazardous chemicals or reagents. It was found that the fluorescence intensity versus concentration calibration plot was linear over the concentration range of 0.1–10.0 μg/mL with quantitation and detection limits of 0.082 and 0.027 μg/mL, respectively. The method was accordingly validated according to the ICH recommendations. The developed method was applied for the estimation of lactoferrin in different dosage forms, including capsules and sachets with high percent recoveries (97.84–102.53) and low %RSD values (<1.95). Lactoferrin is one of the key nutrients in milk powder and a significant nutritional fortifier. In order to assess the quality of milk powder, it is essential to rapidly and accurately quantify the lactoferrin content of the product. Therefore, the presented study was successfully applied for the selective estimation of lactoferrin in milk powder with acceptable percent recoveries (96.45–104.92) and %RSD values (≤3.607). Finally, the green profile of the method was estimated using two assessment tools: Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE), which demonstrated its excellent greenness.