bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlated Rattling of Sodium‐Chains Suppressing Thermal Conduction in Thermoelectric Stannides
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Yoshiya Masato , Kanno Masahiro , Takatsu Hiroshi , Ikeda Takuji , Nagai Hideaki , Yamane Hisanori , Kageyama Hiroshi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTin‐based intermetallics with tunnel frameworks containing zigzag Na chains that excite correlated rattling impinging on the framework phonons are attractive as thermoelectric materials owing to their low lattice thermal conductivity. The correlated rattling of Na atoms in the zigzag chains and the origin of the low thermal conductivity is uncovered via experimental and computational analyses. The Na atoms behave as oscillators along the tunnel, resulting in substantial interactions between Na atoms in the chain and between the chain and framework. In these intermetallic compounds, a shorter inter‐rattler distance results in lower thermal conductivity, suggesting that phonon scattering by the correlated rattling Na‐chains is enhanced. These results provide new insights into the behavior of thermoelectric materials with low thermal conductivity and suggest strategies for the development of such materials that utilize the correlated rattling.
A BF3‐Doped MXene Dual‐Layer Interphase for a Reliable Lithium‐Metal Anode
Authors: Shang Mingwei , Shovon Osman Goni , Wong Francis En Yoong , Niu Junjie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA dual‐layer interphase that consists of an in‐situ‐formed lithium carboxylate organic layer and a thin BF3‐doped monolayer Ti3C2 MXene on Li metal is reported. The honeycomb‐structured organic layer increases the wetting of electrolyte, leading to a thin solid electrolyte interface (SEI). While the BF3‐doped monolayer MXene provides abundant active sites for lithium homogeneous nucleation and growth, resulting in about 50% reduced thickness of inorganic‐rich components among the SEI layer. A low overpotential of less than 30 mV over 1000 h cycling in symmetric cells is received. The functional BF3 groups, along with the excellent electronic conductivity and smooth surface of the MXene, greatly reduce the lithium plating/stripping energy barrier, enabling a dendrite‐free lithium‐metal anode. The battery with this dual‐layer coated lithium metal as the anode displays greatly improved electrochemical performance. A high capacity‐retention of 175.4 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C is achieved after 350 cycles. In a pouch cell with a capacity of 475 mAh, the battery still exhibits a high discharge capacity of 165.6 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 90.2% after 200 cycles. In contrast to the fast capacity decay of pure Li metal, the battery using NCA as the cathode also displays excellent capacity retention in both coin and pouch cells. The dual‐layer modified surface provides an effective approach in stabilizing the Li‐metal anode.
Probing Surfactant Bilayer Interactions by Tracking Optically Trapped Single Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Jeonghyeon , Martin Olivier J. F. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSingle‐particle tracking and optical tweezers are powerful techniques for studying diverse processes at the microscopic scale. The stochastic behavior of a microscopic particle contains information about its interaction with surrounding molecules, and an optical tweezer can further facilitate this observation with its ability to constrain the particle to an area of interest. Although these techniques found their initial applications in biology, they can also shed new light on microscopic interface phenomena by unveiling nanoscale morphologies and molecular‐level interactions in real time, which are obscured in traditional ensemble analysis. Here, the application of single‐particle tracking and optical tweezers are demonstrated for studying molecular interactions at solid–liquid interfaces. Specifically, the surfactant behaviors at the water–glass interface are investigated by tracing gold nanoparticles that are optically trapped on these molecules. The underlying mechanisms governing the particle motion, which can be explained by hydrophobic interactions, disruptions, and rearrangements among surfactant monomers at the interfaces, are discovered. These interpretations are further supported by statistical analysis of an individual trajectory and comparison with theoretical predictions. The findings provide new insights into the surfactant dynamics and also illustrate the promise of single‐particle tracking and optical manipulation for studying nanoscale physics and chemistry of surfaces and interfaces.
Sustainable Repellent Coatings Based on Renewable Drying and Nondrying Oils
Authors: Dehm Katharina E. , Walter Teresa , Weichselgartner Matthias , Crisp Ryan W. , Wommer Kirsten , Aust Martin , Vogel Nicolas 
Published: December 2022

AbstractContamination of surfaces can cause loss of performance in a variety of applications. Bioinspired coatings based on the lotus or pitcher plants provide surface topographies that create superhydrophobic or slippery features with self‐cleaning properties. However, typical fabrication procedures often involve potentially toxic chemicals, perfluorinated compounds, nondegradable polymers, and energy‐intensive methods, with negative consequences for the environment. Here, a sustainable coating process based on renewable materials to prepare superhydrophobic and liquid‐infused coatings with minimal environmental impact is presented. A scalable spray coating protocol is used. Synthetic liquid and polymeric materials are substituted with natural drying oils, i.e., oils that react with ambient oxygen and cure to solid materials, as polymeric binder in which silica particles are partially embedded. The self‐cleaning characteristics against aqueous contaminations are investigated as a function of the drying oil used as binder. The assessment of the mechanical stability reveals the advantage of an underlying “primer layer” of the pure oil. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that oils from renewable sources can act as lubricants for the creation of slippery surfaces. The efficiency of such sustainable slippery coatings in reducing concrete adhesion points toward their applicability in real world scenarios.
Spatially‐Modulated Silicon Interface Energetics Via Hydrogen Plasma‐Assisted Atomic Layer Deposition of Ultrathin Alumina
Authors: Henning Alex , Bartl Johannes D. , Wolz Lukas , Christis Maximilian , Rauh Felix , Bissolo Michele , Grünleitner Theresa , Eichhorn Johanna , Zeller Patrick , Amati Matteo , Gregoratti Luca , Finley Jonathan J. , Rieger Bernhard , Stutzmann Martin , Sharp Ian D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) is a key technique for the continued scaling of semiconductor devices, which increasingly relies on scalable processes for interface manipulation of structured surfaces on the atomic level. While ALD allows the synthesis of conformal films with utmost control over the thickness, atomically‐defined closed coatings and surface modifications are challenging to achieve because of 3D growth during nucleation. Here, a route is presented toward the sub‐nanometer thin and continuous aluminum oxide (AlOx) coatings on silicon substrates for the spatial control of the surface charge density and interface energetics. Trimethylaluminum in combination with remote hydrogen plasma is used instead of a gas‐phase oxidant for the transformation of silicon dioxide (SiO2) into alumina. Depending on the number of ALD cycles, the SiO2 can be partially or fully transformed, which is exploited to deposit ultrathin AlOx layers in selected regions defined by lithographic patterning. The resulting patterned surfaces are characterized by lateral AlOx/SiO2 interfaces possessing 0.3 nm step heights and surface potential steps exceeding 0.4 V. In addition, the introduction of fixed negative charges of 9 × 1012 cm−2 enables modulation of the surface band bending, which is relevant to the field‐effect passivation of silicon and low‐impedance charge transfer across contact interfaces.
Using Photonic Glasses as Colored Covers for Solar Energy Harvesting
Authors: Li Zhenpeng , Li Sinan , Ma Tao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe increasing demand for renewable energy is promoting technologies that integrate solar energy harvesting materials with the human living environment, such as building‐integrated photovoltaics. This places requirements on developing colored covers with a trade‐off between efficiency and aesthetics, providing a new stage for the large‐scale application of structural color technologies. This study investigates the theoretic feasibility of employing the photonic glass, a random packing of monodisperse dielectric microspheres, as the colored cover for solar energy harvesting. Based on numerous optical simulations, the color and average solar transmissivity of the photonic glasses with varying parameters are evaluated. Results show that using non‐absorbing microspheres with relatively high refractive index, about 3 µm thick photonic glasses can enable colors with lightness over 50 while keeping average solar transmissivity over 80%. Due to the short‐range structural correlation, it is demonstrated that photonic glasses can generate purple, blue, cyan, light green, and gray colors, but cannot help with yellow and red hues. Finally, the effects of several enhancement methods are clarified, and possible ways for expanding the color range are demonstrated. These results provide a comprehensive guide to the practical implementations of structural color using photonic glasses, particularly in the colorization of solar energy materials.
Adipocytes Encapsulating Telratolimod Recruit and Polarize Tumor‐Associated Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wen Di , Liang Tingxizi , Chen Guojun , Li Hongjun , Wang Zejun , Wang Jinqiang , Fu Ruxing , Han Xiao , Ci Tianyuan , Zhang Yuqi , Abdou Peter , Li Ruoxin , Bu Linlin , Dotti Gianpietro , Gu Zhen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTumor‐associated adipocytes (TAAs) recruit monocytes and promote their differentiation into tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) that support tumor development. Here, TAAs are engineered to promote the polarization of TAMs to the tumor suppressive M1 phenotype. Telratolimod, a toll‐like receptor 7/8 agonist, is loaded into the lipid droplets of adipocytes to be released at the tumor site upon tumor cell‐triggered lipolysis. Locally administered drug‐loaded adipocytes increased tumor suppressive M1 macrophages in both primary and distant tumors and suppressed tumor growth in a melanoma model. Furthermore, drug‐loaded adipocytes improved CD8+ T cell‐mediated immune responses within the tumor microenvironment and favored dendritic cell maturation in the tumor draining lymph nodes.
Nutrient‐charged biochars increased nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton–maize rotation in Burkina Faso
Authors: Saba Fatimata , Cornelis Jean‐Thomas , Sawadogo Hamado , Lefebvre David , Bacia Rabiatou K. I. , Cisse Drissa , Bandaogo Alimata A. , Mamadou Traore , Nacro Hassan‐Bismarck 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSoil nutrient depletion, low crop nutrient‐use efficiency, and limited access to fertilizers are serious issues leading to poor yield in agroecosystems of Burkina Faso. Blending biochars with organic or inorganic nutrients could slow down nutrient release, which can enhance fertilizer‐use efficiency. This study investigates whether charging biochar with nutrients and Acacia gum (Acacia senegal L.) coating can improve nutrient‐use efficiency in a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) rotation system using low application rates (<5 t ha−1). The experiment was conducted in western Burkina Faso during three cropping seasons (2018–2020) with five treatments: T0, control; T1, conventional practice with compost and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application; T2, microdose (planting hole application) of NPK; T3. nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK; T4, nutrient‐charged biochar activated with dissolved NPK and coated with Acacia gum. Biochar‐based fertilizers significantly increased soil organic C content, as well as bioavailable P and calcium (Ca), without significantly improving crop yields, compared to conventional practice and microdose of NPK. When nutrient‐charged biochar was coated with Acacia gum, N‐use efficiency (NUE; N recovered in grain/N fertilized) was improved compared to uncoated nutrient‐charged biochar, although the difference was not significant. Despite no significant effects on crop yields during three cropping seasons, the use of coated biochar‐based fertilizer may be a technically effective solution to improve NUE in the long term in agroecosystems characterized by nutrient‐impoverished soils under a constraining South‐Sudanese climate.
Subjective cognitive decline, object cognition and emotional states in older Peruvian adults during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Soto‐Añari Marcio , Guzman‐Velez Edmarie , Rivera‐Fernandez Claudia , Carbajal María Gracia , Quiroz Yakeel T. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) is considered a risk factor for developing dementia. Its relationship with objective cognitive performance and emotional functioning is not yet clear. We investigated the association between SCD, objective cognition and emotional states in older adults from Arequipa, Peru.Methods43 older adults between 55 and 86 years old (mean = 69.72) completed a clinical and neuropsychological evaluation prior the lockdown for COVID‐19 pandemic. We used the Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Pfeffer functional scale as a clinical protocol. The Peruvian version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), the Trail Making Test (TMT A and B), the Stroop test, the Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and verbal fluency tasks were used to assess cognition. All participants were also evaluated by telephone during the COVID‐19 pandemic using a broad psychological protocol that included the everyday cognition (E‐COG) as a measure of SCD and the total score and emotional subscale of the Epidemic Pandemic Impact Inventory (EPII). We used nonparametric correlation statistics.ResultsWe observed significant associations between the BDI scores and the total E‐COG (Rho = .347, p = .022) and between the BDI and the memory subscale of E‐COG (Rho = .425, p = .004). Further, we observed significant relationships between the emotional subscale of the EPII and the total E‐COG (Rho = .344, p = .023). There were no significant relationships between neuropsychological measures with the E‐COG and EPII.ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that SCD is more associated with emotional states than with objective cognitive performance. Likewise, findings suggest that reported emotional changes during the pandemic may have impacted SCD, but not cognitive performance.
The association between serum mercury concentration and mild cognitive impairment: the REGARDS study
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Lu Liping , Angley Meghan , Bejerano Shai , Kahe Ka 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnimal studies have demonstrated the toxicology and pathology of mercury in relation to brain function. However, human studies provided mixed findings in relation to cognitive aging. This study aims to examine the association between serum mercury concentration and the incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodParticipants were from a random sub‐cohort (n = 2666) of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort study (2003–present). After excluding participants with baseline MCI and stroke, and those with missing baseline serum mercury concentration, the final sample size was 2136. Participants were classified into tertiles based on serum mercury concentration (<0.023, 0.023–0.049, and >0.049 µg/dL). MCI was determined primarily based on most recent performance on the enhanced cognitive battery (ECB) containing assessments of Word List Learning, Delayed Recall, Animal Fluency, and letter F Fluency. For those who did not have a score on ECB (n = 474), the Six Item Screener (SIS) was used to determine MCI instead. Therefore, the outcome included three levels: MCI based on the ECB, MCI based on the SIS, and control. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess serum mercury concentration in relation to incident MCI. We also performed stratified analyses to assess whether gender and race modified the potential associations. All tests were two‐sided with α = 0.05.ResultThe number of participants with MCI on the ECB and SIS were 48 and 36, respectively. After adjustment for the demographic and clinical characteristics in model 2 (Table 1), the direction suggests a positive association between mercury and incident MCI, although this is not statistically significant presumably due to insufficient statistical power (Tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: odds ratio (OR), 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–3.55; P for trend = 0.025). After further adjustment for fish oil intake, the association became significant (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.003‐6.55; P for trend = 0.043). The observed association was not materially modified by sex or race. We did not observe an association between serum mercury and impairment on SIS.ConclusionThis prospective study suggests that serum mercury concentrations are associated with incident MCI assessed by ECB in US population.
A Highly Stable, Capacity Dense Carboxylate Viologen Anolyte towards Long‐Duration Energy Storage
Authors: Wu Wenda , Wang Abigail P. , Luo Jian , Liu T. Leo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) have received increasing attention as an emergent battery technology for grid‐scale renewable energy storage. However, physicochemical properties of redox‐active organic electrolytes remain fine refinement to maximize their performance in RFBs. Herein, we report a carboxylate functionalized viologen derivative, N,N′‐dibutyrate‐4,4′‐bipyridinium, (CBu)2V, as a highly stable, high capacity anolyte material under near pH neutral conditions. (CBu)2V can achieve solubility of 2.1 M and display a reversible, kinetically fast reduction at −0.43 V vs NHE at pH 9. DFT studies revealed that the high solubility of (CBu)2V is attributed to its high molecular polarity while its negative reduction potential is benefitted from electron‐donating carboxylate groups. A 0.89 V (CBu)2V/(NH)4Fe(CN)6 AORFB demonstrated exceptional energy storage performance, specifically, 100 % capacity retention with a discharge energy density of 9.5 Wh L−1 for 1000 cycles, power densities of up to 85 mW cm−2, and an energy efficiency of 70 % at 60 mA cm−2. (CBu)2V not only represents the most capacity dense viologen with pendant ionic groups and also exhibits the longest (1200 hours or 50 days) and the most stable flow battery performance to date.
Hydrogen Bond Networks Stabilized High‐Capacity Organic Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Shibing , Shi Dongjie , Sun Tianjiang , Zhang Letian , Zhang Weijia , Li Yixin , Guo Zhenbo , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHigh‐capacity small organic materials are plagued by their high solubility. Here we proposed constructing hydrogen bond networks (HBN) via intermolecular hydrogen bonds to suppress the solubility of active material. The illustrated 2, 7‐ diamino‐4, 5, 9, 10‐tetraone (PTO‐NH2) molecule with intermolecular hydrogen (H) bond between O in −C=O and H in −NH2, which make PTO‐NH2 presents transverse two‐dimensional extension and longitudinal π–π stacking structure. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has tracked the reversible evolution of H‐bonds, further confirming the existence of HBN structure can stabilize the intermediate 2‐electron reaction state. Therefore, PTO‐NH2 with HBN structure has higher active site utilization (95 %), better cycle stability and rate performance. This study uncovers the H‐bond effect and evolution during the electrochemical process and provides a strategy for materials design.
Consequences of Different Pressures and Electrolytes on the Irreversible Expansion of Lithium Metal Half Cells
Authors: Daubinger Philip , Göttlinger Mara , Hartmann Sarah , Giffin. Guinevere A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLithium metal is considered as the ‘holy‐grail’ among anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, but it also has some serious drawbacks such as the formation of dendritic and dead lithium. In this study, the interplay of external pressure and different carbonate‐ and ether‐based electrolytes on the (ir)reversible expansion of lithium metal during cycling against lithium titanate and lithium iron phosphate is studied. In carbonate‐based electrolytes without any additives, lithium metal shows tremendous irreversible expansion and significant capacity reduction at elevated current densities due to the formation of mossy and dead lithium. The addition of fluoroethylene carbonate can reduce irreversible expansion and capacity reduction, especially when a high external pressure is applied. When an ether‐based electrolyte is used, the irreversible dilation of the lithium metal is suppressed when applying increased external pressures. Overall, increased external pressure appears to reduce the formation of mossy and dead lithium and improve the performance.
The influence of torrefaction temperature and reaction time on the properties of torrefied sun‐dried millet and sorghum straws from the arid and semi‐arid zones of western Africa
Authors: Ajikashile Joshua Oluyinka , Alhnidi Muhammad‐Jamal , Bishir Musa , Kruse Andrea 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThere are increasing demands for syngas production. Fossil‐based fuels are expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Affordable, sustainable, and environmentally healthy alternatives and sustainable fuel sources are needed. This study focused on producing tor‐chars from two different tropical biomasses (from Nigeria, West Africa), which were torrefied and characterized to improve their properties for potential use as sustainable feedstocks in an entrained flow gasifier for syngas production. Torrefaction temperatures of 230, 240, 250, and 270 °C and residence times of 30 and 60 min were used to torrefy sundried sorghum straw (SS) and millet straw (MS) at particle size ≤5 mm. The properties of torrefied MS and SS improved significantly due to torrefaction. The optimum conditions for pretreatment of sundried MS and SS were 240 °C and 60 min, at which increased energy density significantly compensated for the severe mass loss and significant degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose. Under these conditions, the respective mass and energy yields were 53 wt% and 75% for millet straw and 49 wt% and 75% for sorghum straw. The O:C atomic ratio decreased to 0.3 in MS tor‐chars and 0.2 in SS tor‐chars resulting in higher heating values of 25 MJ kg−1 and 27 MJ kg−1, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the ash content increased by 107% to be approximately 7 wt% in MS tor‐char, and by 118% to about 7 wt% in SS tor‐char. These properties are promising for potential feedstocks in co‐firing plants or gasification systems. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.