bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ion Exchange Membranes: Constructing and Tuning Ion Transport Channels
Authors: Zuo Peipei , Xu Ziang , Zhu Qing , Ran Jin , Ge Liang , Ge Xiaolin , Wu Liang , Yang Zhengjin , Xu Tongwen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIon exchange membranes (IEMs) that can selectively transport ions are crucial to a variety of applications, such as ion extraction/separation, fuel cells, redox flow batteries, and water electrolysis. IEM performance, in terms of membrane permeability/conductivity and selectivity, relies heavily on the formation of effective ion transport channels within the membranes, and there exists a tradeoff between permeability/conductivity and selectivity, which obstructs the development and widespread adoption of IEM‐based processes. To overcome this tradeoff and to advance IEM‐related applications, extensive research efforts are devoted to the construction and tuning of ion transport channels, and various strategies are proposed. These strategies mainly include 1) inducing microphase separation by properly regulating the polymer architecture, 2) introducing a third phase/region for ion transfer, 3) realizing a high free volume with polyrotaxanes or polymers with sterically bulky groups, and 4) constructing ion transport channels with nanoporous materials. These strategies are outlined and summarized in this review. Perspectives and future research directions are also discussed.
Cryo‐EM Studies of Atomic‐Scale Structures of Interfaces in Garnet‐Type Electrolyte Based Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Dai Qiushi , Yao Jingming , Du Congcong , Ye Hongjun , Gao Zhiying , Zhao Jun , Chen Jingzhao , Su Yong , Li Hui , Fu Xingjie , Yan Jitong , Zhu Dingding , Zhang Xuedong , Li Mingyu , Luo Zhenya , Qiu Hailong , Huang Qiao , Zhang Liqiang , Tang Yongfu , Huang Jianyu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHigh interfacial impedance is a major obstacle in the application of solid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs). Understanding the atomic‐scale structure of the interfaces in SSLMBs is thus critical to their practical implementations. However, due to the beam sensitivity of battery materials, such information is not accessible by conventional electron microscopy (EM). Herein, by using cryogenic‐EM (cryo‐EM), the atomic‐scale structures of interfaces in garnet electrolyte based SSLMBs are revealed. A LiF‐rich interlayer exhibiting intimate contacts with both Li and LLZTO is shown, thus rendering uniform Li+ transport across the interface in turn inhibiting Li dendrite growth. Consequently, the Li symmetric cell based on the LiF‐rich interlayer exhibits a high critical current density of 3.2 mA cm−2 and a long lifespan over 1800 cycles at 1 mA cm−2. Moreover, a full cell with a LiNi0.88Co0.1Al0.02O2 cathode at a high mass loading ≈12 mg cm−2 reached over 400 cycles at 1.2 mA cm−2, which represents a major progress in the performance of the garnet‐type SSLMBs. This study provides atomic‐scale understanding of interfaces in SSLMBs and an effective strategy to design dendrite‐free SSLMBs for practical applications.
Polarons in Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: A First‐Principles Perspective
Authors: Wan Yangyang , Zhang Xu , Bazan Guillermo C. , Nguyen Thuc‐Quyen , Lu Gang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractConjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) comprised of conjugated backbones and pendant ionic functionalities are versatile organic semiconductors with myriad optoelectronic applications. Although polarons are dominant charge carriers in conducting CPEs owing to strong electron‐phonon coupling, their properties are not well understood, especially from a first‐principles perspective. In this study, a comprehensive study on the stability, structural deformation, electronic structure, and optical absorption of positive (or hole)/negative (or electron) polarons and bi‐polarons in CPEs is conducted. It is explored how these properties depend on the electrostatic interaction between the polarons and ionic functionalities, including alkyl chains, ionic groups, and counterions. It is then examined how the bandgap, polaron binding energy, and optoelectronic structure of CPEs can be tuned by various combinations of the donor and acceptor units in their backbones. Finally, electrochemical stability of CPEs is studied and light is shed on the absence of negative polarons in CPEs. The strategy to improve the electrochemical stability of n‐doped CPEs is also discussed.
Swelling‐Mediated Mechanical Stimulation Regulates Differentiation of Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Intervertebral Disc Repair Using Injectable UCST Microgels
Authors: Huang Xianpeng , Chen Di , Liang Chengzhen , Shi Kesi , Zhou Xiaopeng , Zhang Yuang , Li Yi , Chen Jiangjie , Xia Kaishun , Shu Jiawei , Yang Biao , Wang Jingkai , Xu Haibin , Yu Chao , Cheng Feng , Wang Shaoke , Zhang Yongxiang , Wang Chenggui , Ying Liwei , Li Hao , Han Meiling , Li Fangcai , Tao Yiqing , Zhao Qian , Chen Qixin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMechanical stimulation is an effective approach for controlling stem cell differentiation in tissue engineering. However, its realization in in vivo tissue repair remains challenging since this type of stimulation can hardly be applied to injectable seeding systems. Here, it is presented that swelling of injectable microgels can be transformed to in situ mechanical stimulation via stretching the cells adhered on their surface. Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microgels with the upper critical solution temperature property are fabricated using inverse emulsion polymerization and further coated with polydopamine to increase cell adhesion. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) adhered on the microgels can be omnidirectionally stretched along with the responsive swelling of the microgels, which upregulate TRPV4 and Piezo1 channel proteins and enhance nucleus pulposus (NP)‐like differentiation of ADSCs. In vivo experiments reveal that the disc height and extracellular matrix content of NP are promoted after the implantation with the microgels. The findings indicate that swelling‐induced mechanical stimulation has great potential for regulating stem cell differentiation during intervertebral disc repair.
A Bioinspired Orthopedic Biomaterial with Tunable Mechanical Properties Based on Sintered Titanium Fibers
Authors: Rüger Matthias , Seitz Andreas Martin , Nuss Katja , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Seitz Daniel , Kostmann Cris , Quadbeck Peter , Andersen Olaf , Collins Caitlyn 
Published: October 2022

AbstractInadequate mechanical compliance of orthopedic implants can result in excessive strain of the bone interface, and ultimately, aseptic loosening. It is hypothesized that a fiber‐based biometal with adjustable anisotropic mechanical properties can reduce interface strain, facilitate continuous remodeling, and improve implant survival under complex loads. The biometal is based on strategically layered sintered titanium fibers. Six different topologies are manufactured. Specimens are tested under compression in three orthogonal axes under 3‐point bending and torsion until failure. Biocompatibility testing involves murine osteoblasts. Osseointegration is investigated by micro‐computed tomography and histomorphometry after implantation in a metaphyseal trepanation model in sheep. The material demonstrates compressive yield strengths of up to 50 MPa and anisotropy correlating closely with fiber layout. Samples with 75% porosity are both stronger and stiffer than those with 85% porosity. The highest bending modulus is found in samples with parallel fiber orientation, while the highest shear modulus is found in cross‐ply layouts. Cell metabolism and morphology indicate uncompromised biocompatibility. Implants demonstrate robust circumferential osseointegration in vivo after 8 weeks. The biometal introduced in this study demonstrates anisotropic mechanical properties similar to bone, and excellent osteoconductivity and feasibility as an orthopedic implant material.
Drug Delivery in Plants Using Silk Microneedles
Authors: Cao Yunteng , Koh Sally Shuxian , Han Yangyang , Tan Javier Jingheng , Kim Doyoon , Chua Nam‐Hai , Urano Daisuke , Marelli Benedetto 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNew systems for agrochemical delivery in plants will foster precise agricultural practices and provide new tools to study plants and design crop traits, as standard spray methods suffer from elevated loss and limited access to remote plant tissues. Silk‐based microneedles can circumvent these limitations by deploying a known amount of payloads directly in plants’ deep tissues. However, plant response to microneedles’ application and microneedles’ efficacy in deploying physiologically relevant biomolecules are unknown. Here, it is shown that gene expression associated with Arabidopsis thaliana wounding response decreases within 24 h post microneedles’ application. Additionally, microinjection of gibberellic acid (GA3) in A. thaliana mutant ft‐10 provides a more effective and efficient mean than spray to activate GA3 pathways, accelerating bolting and inhibiting flower formation. Microneedle efficacy in delivering GA3 is also observed in several monocot and dicot crop species, i.e., tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), rice (Oryza Sativa), maize (Zea mays), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and soybean (Glycine max). The wide range of plants that can be successfully targeted with microinjectors opens the doors to their use in plant science and agriculture.
P‐Type 2D Semiconductors for Future Electronics
Authors: Xiong Yunhai , Xu Duo , Feng Yiping , Zhang Guangjie , Lin Pei , Chen Xiang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract2D semiconductors represent one of the best candidates to extend Moore's law for their superiorities, such as keeping high carrier mobility and remarkable gate‐control capability at atomic thickness. Complementary transistors and van der Waals junctions are critical in realizing 2D semiconductors‐based integrated circuits suitable for future electronics. N‐type 2D semiconductors have been reported predominantly for the strong electron doping caused by interfacial charge impurities and internal structural defects. By contrast, superior and reliable p‐type 2D semiconductors with holes as majority carriers are still scarce. Not only that, but some critical issues have not been adequately addressed, including their controlled synthesis in wafer size and high quality, defect and carrier modulation, optimization of interface and contact, and application in high‐speed and low‐power integrated devices. Here the material toolkit, synthesis strategies, device basics, and digital electronics closely related to p‐type 2D semiconductors are reviewed. Their opportunities, challenges, and prospects for future electronic applications are also discussed, which would be promising or even shining in the post‐Moore era.
Hygroscopy of Single‐Stranded DNA Nano‐Brushes: Atomic Workings of its Hydration‐Induced Deformation
Authors: Ortega Maria , Vilhena J. G. , Pérez Rubén 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHydration control of structure and mechanical properties is a process widely exploited in living organisms for key biological functions and, most recently, also in man‐made smart materials. Here, the challenge of unveiling the underlying atomistic mechanisms of this phenomenon using all‐atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to model the hygroscopic properties of polymer‐brushes composed by single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules is faced. The simulations identify three swelling regimes with a markedly different mechanical response. This evolution is produced by the competition between the formation of additional water–ssDNA and water–water hydrogen bonds, in a subtle interplay with the co‐evolving structure of the ssDNA SAM. This cooperative interaction between conformational and hydration degrees of freedom should be applicable to other polymer brushes and related hydrogen‐bonded systems. The results have direct implications for the use of ssDNA SAMs as sequencing devices, explaining the crucial role of the polymer‐brush density in the SAM collective response to hydration, and for the alternative design of hygroscopic materials, that exploit the extreme hygroscopic power of biological polymers like ssDNA brushes.
Densification of Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocrystal Films via Chemical Bath Infiltration
Authors: Wainer Pierce , van Embden Joel , Della Gaspera Enrico 
Published: October 2022

AbstractColloidal nanocrystals (NCs) hold great promise for the fabrication of thin film devices due to the ability to precisely control their properties and deposit coatings via solution‐based protocols. The role of interfaces, surface defects, and (electrical) connectivity between NCs is a major bottleneck to achieving the desired performance. Here, a novel method to infiltrate and densify nanocrystalline coatings deposited from doped ZnO Ncs is presented. Reduced porosity, enhanced connectivity, and a reduction in surface defects are observed, culminating in vastly improved electrical conductivity. Doped ZnO NCs are processed into an ink and used for thin film deposition. Bulky native ligands are then removed from the film to promote better electrical contact between neighboring NCs and render their surfaces hydrophilic. Afterward, a modified chemical bath deposition (CBD) is adopted to slowly infill the pores between the NCs with pure ZnO via a controlled heterogeneous nucleation process. The optimized CBD avoids excessive surface growth and premature sealing of the film surface, confirmed by combined spectroscopic and morphological characterizations. The resultant hybrid films demonstrate enhanced electrical properties, with conductivity increasing by two orders of magnitude after pore infiltration. These results pave the way to hybrid functional coatings with enriched interparticle communication.
Ultrasensitive and Self‐Powered SnSe/Ge Heterojunction Photodetector Driven by Spontaneously Interfacial Excitation Transfer of Carriers
Authors: Li Jiao , Zhang Qi , Liu Fangjun , Su Lizhao , Zhang Hongbin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBinary chalcogenide semiconductor of SnSe with layer‐by‐layer phase opens up new opportunities for construction of versatile nanoelectronics and optoelectronics devices. The superior crystal properties make the layered SnSe compatible with traditional microfabrication techniques. Although several significant dynamic processes of carriers on 2D SnSe/Ge interface can be responsible for low‐dissipation devices with higher quantum efficiency, the controlled growth and photodetection application of SnSe/Ge heterojunction have rarely been investigated. Herein, the high‐quality 2D SnSe/Ge heterostructure with electronically abrupt interface is designed for the first time. A prominent photoluminescence quenching behavior is observed attributing to spontaneously interlayer transfer of long‐lived carriers under optical excitation. It is confirmed to be attractive for development of self‐powered photodetectors. Then, the ultrasensitive SnSe/Ge photodetector is explored, which shows a higher photocurrent up to 1.22 mA under 1064 nm illumination at 0.0 V. Meanwhile, it presents an obtainable responsivity of 0.51 A W−1, larger detectivity of 1.51 × 1011 Jones, and ultrashort response time of 5.47 µs in self‐driven mode. The study provides a profound understanding of interlayer excitation transfer mechanisms of long‐lived carriers inside SnSe/Ge heterojunction. The newly‐developed photodetector provides an essential step toward meeting the ever‐increasing demand for ultrafast and low‐dissipation optoelectronic devices.
A 3D Printed Compact and Intelligent Power Module Based on Vibration Energy Harvester Integrated with Self‐Powered Triboelectric Sensor for Industry 4.0 IoT Applications
Authors: Maharjan Pukar , Lee Sanghyun , Bhatta Trilochan , Pradhan Gagan Bahadur , Shrestha Kumar , Jeong Seonghoon , Rana SM Sohel , Park Jae Yeong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn industry 4.0, continuous condition monitoring is essential to keep the system well maintained and stable. However, current monitoring systems demand periodic replacement/recharging of batteries. Herein, a compact vibration‐driven intelligent power module is proposed with excellent energy harvesting and self‐powered vibration sensing capability for industrial 4.0 IoT applications. By implementing newly designed 3D printed flat‐circular Z‐shaped springs, excellent performance is achieved from electromagnetic vibration energy harvester (VEH), whereas the integrated triboelectric‐based self‐powered vibration sensor (SVS) on springs is used for real‐time detection and monitoring of machinery vibration conditions simultaneously. VEH can deliver a maximum peak power of 1.95 W at 16 Hz and demonstrates excellent performance under a wide range (10‐100 Hz), whereas SVS exhibits an excellent vibration sensitivity (2.85 V Hz–1, 3.41 V s2 m–1). The module is structurally and dimensionally like a standard D‐battery consisting of VEH, SVS, power management circuit (PMC), rechargeable Li‐Ion battery, and universal serial bus type‐c port (USB‐C). The module can sufficiently charge a built‐in battery from industry‐standard air‐pump motor and car engine vibrations such that the harvested energy from automobile engine vibration is successfully utilized to power multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, and pressure) and wireless transmission circuitries to realize a self‐powered smart wireless condition monitoring system.
Multication Tin‐Lead Perovskite Photodiodes with Engineered Lattice Strain for Ultrasensitive Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Zou Can , Zhou Ziren , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Fan , Xie Jin , Su Yonghua , Yang Shuang , Hou Yu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTin‐lead alloyed perovskites with broadband absorption over 1000 nm, are suitable for UV‐vis‐NIR light detection that rivals the crystalline silicon semiconductors. These alloyed perovskites usually experience local lattice distortion and inherent lattice strain, which affect the electronic band structures and introduce detrimental trap states subsequently. To date, the lattice strain and its impact on the physical properties of tin‐lead alloyed perovskites are still less understood. Herein, it is shown that the lattice strain contributes substantially to the band edge electronic structure of multication tin‐lead alloyed perovskites by tilting the metal halide octahedral configuration. It has been found that the release of lattice strain heavily affects the band edge electronic structure of tin‐lead alloyed perovskites by reducing the band tail and shallow trap states as well as narrowing the bandgap simultaneously. Leveraging these insights, the optimized photodetector improves nearly 10‐fold the light detection limit to 0.49 pW cm−2, achieving a record detectivity of >6 × 1012 Jones in the near‐infrared range. The photodetectors on flexible substrates can be further integrated into an amplifier‐free wearable photoplethysmography device for real‐time heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring, showing the promising potential for real applications.
Engineering the Polarization Sensitivity in All‐2D Photodetectors Composed of Semimetal MoTe2 and Semiconductor WS2
Authors: Wu Jing , Luo Dongxiang , Wen Peiting , Han Xiaoning , Wang Chuanglei , Yu He , Gao Wei , Liu Xiao , Konstantatos Gerasimos , Li Jingbo , Huo Nengjie 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe polarization sensitivity, defined as the photocurrent anisotropic ratio, is of high importance for the polarization‐sensitive photodetectors that determine the resolution and contrast of captured images. Conventional polarized light detectors utilizing optical filters suffer from complex fabrication and calibration processes. 2D materials with in‐plane anisotropic structures can serve to realize the detection of polarized light, yet the polarization sensitivity still remains poor, hampering practical implementations. In this work, highly sensitive polarized photodetectors are achieved by designing an all‐2D device architecture composed of anisotropic semimetal MoTe2 and semiconductor WS2. In MoTe2/WS2 heterojunction, the built‐in electric field at the interface between a semimetal and a semiconductor yields a strong photovoltaic effect, leading to a fast (≈45 µs) and polarization‐sensitive photodetection due to the anisotropic features of MoTe2. It is shown that MoTe2/WS2/MoTe2 devices feature a polarization sensitivity of 13, a nearly five‐fold improvement by aligning the lattice orientation of side MoTe2 from cross to parallel configurations. This work offers a new degree of freedom to engineer the polarization sensitivity and photodetection performance by optimizing crystal orientation in an all‐2D architecture comprising semimetal and semiconducting 2D materials.
Efficient InP Green Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Organic Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Gao Peili , Zhang Yong , Qi Pan , Chen Shuming 
Published: October 2022

AbstractZnMgO thin film is commonly used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs); however, it often induces the problems of interface exciton quenching and electron over‐injection in the devices. Herein, an organic molecule 2,4,6‐tris(3‐(diphenylphosphoryl)phenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (PO‐T2T) is investigated as a ETL material for InP green QLEDs. Due to the high injection barrier and moderate electron mobility, the PO‐T2T can prevent electron over‐injection and accumulation in the InP QLEDs. Besides, with the organic ETL, the interfacial exciton quenching is effectively suppressed. By depositing the PO‐T2T using a solution‐assisted evaporation method, efficient InP green QLEDs are achieved, which exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency of 15.0% and a luminance of 10 010 cd m−2, corresponding to 211% and 237% enhancements, respectively, compared to 7.1% and 4207 cd m−2 of the devices with ZnMgO ETL.
Evidence and Impacts of Nanoplastic Accumulation on Crop Grains
Authors: Jiang Meng , Wang Binqiang , Ye Rui , Yu Ning , Xie Zhenming , Hua Yuejin , Zhou Ruhong , Tian Bing , Dai Shang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNanoplastics are emerging pollutants of global concern. Agricultural soil is becoming a primary sink for nanoplastics generated from plastic debris. The uptake and accumulation of nanoplastics by crops contaminate the food chain and pose unexpected risks to human health. However, whether nanoplastics can enter grains and their impact on the grains of crop grown in contaminated soil is still unknown. Here, the translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS‐NPs) in crops, including peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) is investigated. It is demonstrated PS‐NPs translocation from the root and accumulation in the grains at the maturation stage. The treatment with PS‐NPs (250 mg kg−1) increases the empty‐shell numbers of rice grain by 35.45%, thereby decreasing the seed‐setting rate of rice by 3.02%, and also decreases the average seed weight of peanuts by 3.45%. Moreover, PS‐NPs exerted adverse effects on nutritional quality, such as decreasing the content of mineral elements, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. To the knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of nanoplastics in the grains of crop plants grown in soil containing nanoplastics, and the results highlight the impact of nanoplastics on the yield and nutritional quality of crop grains.