Physics, Applied

Article Chemistry, Physical

Tough and stretchable ionogels by in situ phase separation

Meixiang Wang, Pengyao Zhang, Mohammad Shamsi, Jacob L. Thelen, Wen Qian, Vi Khanh Truong, Jinwoo Ma, Jian Hu, Michael D. Dickey

Summary: Ultra-tough and stretchable ionogels can be achieved by randomly copolymerizing two monomers with distinct solubility in an ionic liquid. These ionogels have high fracture strength, fracture energy, and Young's modulus, while being highly stretchable and possessing self-healing and shape-memory properties.

NATURE MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Surface Modification of 2D Photocatalysts for Solar Energy Conversion

Chengyang Feng, Zhi-Peng Wu, Kuo-Wei Huang, Jinhua Ye, Huabin Zhang

Summary: This article introduces the research progress in 2D photocatalysts based on varied compositions and functions, as well as specific surface modification strategies. The fundamental principles focusing on light harvesting, charge separation, and molecular adsorption/activation in the 2D-material-based photocatalytic system are systematically explored. Examples of various photocatalytic energy-conversion systems using 2D materials are described. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions for developing these 2D materials are discussed.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Ambient Ammonia Synthesis via Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate Enabled by NiCo2O4 Nanowire Array

Qian Liu, Lisi Xie, Jie Liang, Yuchun Ren, Yuanyuan Wang, Longcheng Zhang, Luchao Yue, Tingshuai Li, Yongsong Luo, Na Li, Bo Tang, Yang Liu, Shuyan Gao, Abdulmohsen Ali Alshehri, Imran Shakir, Philips O. Agboola, Qingquan Kong, Qingyuan Wang, Dongwei Ma, Xuping Sun

Summary: NiCo2O4 nanowire array on carbon cloth (NiCo2O4/CC) is proposed as a highly active electrocatalyst for ambient nitrate (NO3-) reduction to ammonia (NH3). It achieves a high Faradic efficiency of 99.0% and a large NH3 yield up to 973.2 mu mol h(-1) cm(-2). The superior catalytic activity comes from its half-metal feature and optimized adsorption energy due to the existence of Ni in the crystal structure.
Article Chemistry, Physical

Magnetic-dielectric synergy and interfacial engineering to design yolk-shell structured CoNi@void@C and CoNi@void@C@MoS2 nanocomposites with tunable and strong wideband microwave absorption

Chen Li, Xiaosi Qi, Xiu Gong, Qiong Peng, Yanli Chen, Ren Xie, Wei Zhong

Summary: In this paper, yolk-shell structured magnetic multicomponent nanocomposites (MCNCs) were produced and their outstanding electromagnetic wave absorption performances (EMWAPs) were demonstrated. The as-prepared materials exhibited excellent absorption capabilities, broad absorption bandwidth, and thin matching thicknesses due to the unique structures and the synergistic effect between dielectric and magnetic loss. Furthermore, the materials maintained their specific structure even after thermal and hydrothermal processes, and MCNCs with different MoS2 contents could be synthesized by controlling the hydrothermal temperature.

NANO RESEARCH (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Atomic Fe-N4/C in Flexible Carbon Fiber Membrane as Binder-Free Air Cathode for Zn-Air Batteries with Stable Cycling over 1000 h

Leping Yang, Xu Zhang, Lingxiao Yu, Jianhua Hou, Zhen Zhou, Ruitao Lv

Summary: In this study, a Fe-N-4/C catalyst immobilized on a carbon fiber membrane was synthesized, showing excellent catalytic activity for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions through sulfur doping to modulate atomic configurations. The catalyst demonstrated superior electrochemical performance and cycling stability, outperforming commercial Pt/C and most reported M-N-x/C catalysts. The findings offer promising prospects for flexible electronic device applications.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries-Current State of the Art, Circular Economy, and Next Generation Recycling

Jonas Neumann, Martina Petranikova, Marcel Meeus, Jorge D. Gamarra, Reza Younesi, Martin Winter, Sascha Nowak

Summary: This paper provides an overview of the current state and future trends in the recycling technology of lithium-ion batteries. The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in various applications necessitates the development of efficient recycling methods. However, the complexity of these batteries and their varying compositions pose challenges in establishing a robust recycling procedure. The paper discusses current practices and regulations, as well as predictions and approaches for future battery recycling.

ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Biomimetic Nanoerythrosome-Coated Aptamer-DNA Tetrahedron/Maytansine Conjugates: pH-Responsive and Targeted Cytotoxicity for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Wenjuan Ma, Yuting Yang, Jianwei Zhu, Weiqiang Jia, Tao Zhang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xingyu Chen, Yunfeng Lin

Summary: DNA materials have been used as nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy, but their short half-life and low bioavailability hinder their clinical translation. This study developed a HER2-targeted DNA-aptamer-modified DNA tetrahedron/DM1 conjugate, and applied a biomimetic camouflage to enhance drug delivery and tumor-stimulated drug release. The hybrid erythrosome-based nanoparticles exhibited superior inhibition of HER2-positive cancer.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Solar cell efficiency tables (version 59)

Martin A. Green, Ewan D. Dunlop, Jochen Hohl-Ebinger, Masahiro Yoshita, Nikos Kopidakis, Xiaojing Hao

Summary: This article presents consolidated tables showing the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules, with guidelines outlined for inclusion of results into these tables and a review of new entries since June 2021.

PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Development of Conductive Hydrogels for Fabricating Flexible Strain Sensors

Gang Li, Chenglong Li, Guodong Li, Dehai Yu, Zhaoping Song, Huili Wang, Xiaona Liu, Hong Liu, Wenxia Liu

Summary: Conductive hydrogels, incorporating various conductive materials into polymeric network hydrogels, have been developed for strain sensors with unique properties such as electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, self-healing, and anti-freezing properties. These properties allow conductive hydrogel-based strain sensors to exhibit excellent performance in identifying external stimuli and detecting human body movement, even at subzero temperatures.
Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Over 21% Efficiency Stable 2D Perovskite Solar Cells

Ming Shao, Tong Bie, Lvpeng Yang, Yerun Gao, Xing Jin, Feng He, Nan Zheng, Yu Yu, Xinliang Zhang

Summary: This study fabricated 2D perovskite solar cells incorporating FA, MA, and FA/MA, resulting in significantly enhanced light absorption and device stability. The introduction of FA cations increased the 3D-like phase relative to 2D phases and effectively suppressed the formation of the yellow delta phase.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

A Multifunctional Flexible Composite Film with Excellent Multi-Source Driven Thermal Management, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, and Fire Safety Performance, Inspired by a Brick-Mortar Sandwich Structure

Shang Gong, Xinxin Sheng, Xiaolong Li, Mengjie Sheng, Hao Wu, Xiang Lu, Jinping Qu

Summary: This paper presents a method for fabricating a multifunctional composite film with excellent thermal management capability, EMI shielding effectiveness, and fire safety performance. The film possesses multiple-source driven thermal management capability and high EMI shielding effectiveness, along with good flexibility and high enthalpy. The outstanding performance of the film offers broad application prospects in wearable products.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Hierarchically Multifunctional Polyimide Composite Films with Strongly Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

Yongqiang Guo, Hua Qiu, Kunpeng Ruan, Yali Zhang, Junwei Gu

Summary: A hierarchically multifunctional polyimide composite film with high thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding has been successfully fabricated through hierarchical design and assembly strategy.

NANO-MICRO LETTERS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Recent advances on improved optical, thermal, and radiative characteristics of plasmonic nanofluids: Academic insights and perspectives

Zafar Said, Sahil Arora, Sajid Farooq, L. Syam Sundar, Changhe Li, Amine Allouhi

Summary: This study reviews the application of plasmonic nanofluids in the solar thermal field and their potential role in enhancing the optical properties. It provides an overview of the preparation methods, thermophysical properties, and applications in solar collectors, automotive cooling, and biomedical applications. This work fills the gap in comprehensive reviews of plasmonic nanofluids and aids researchers in keeping up with the latest trends and identifying research gaps in the optical properties of nanofluids for further improving the performance of solar collectors and reducing thermal losses.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Stretchable Triboelectric Self-Powered Sweat Sensor Fabricated from Self-Healing Nanocellulose Hydrogels

Ying Qin, Jilong Mo, Yanhua Liu, Song Zhang, Jinlong Wang, Qiu Fu, Shuangfei Wang, Shuangxi Nie

Summary: This article introduces a fully flexible self-powered sweat sensor fabricated from a cellulose-based conductive hydrogel. The sweat sensor has high flexibility, stability, and analytical sensitivity, and can analyze perspiration constituents in real time and wirelessly transmit the results to a user interface.

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

β-Gallium oxide power electronics

Andrew J. Green, James Speck, Grace Xing, Peter Moens, Fredrik Allerstam, Krister Gumaelius, Thomas Neyer, Andrea Arias-Purdue, Vivek Mehrotra, Akito Kuramata, Kohei Sasaki, Shinya Watanabe, Kimiyoshi Koshi, John Blevins, Oliver Bierwagen, Sriram Krishnamoorthy, Kevin Leedy, Aaron R. Arehart, Adam T. Neal, Shin Mou, Steven A. Ringel, Avinash Kumar, Ankit Sharma, Krishnendu Ghosh, Uttam Singisetti, Wenshen Li, Kelson Chabak, Kyle Liddy, Ahmad Islam, Siddharth Rajan, Samuel Graham, Sukwon Choi, Zhe Cheng, Masataka Higashiwaki

Summary: Gallium Oxide has become a leading ultra-wide band gap semiconductor technology due to its favorable material properties. This roadmap presents the current state-of-the-art and future challenges in the field, aiming to enhance device performance and design efficient microelectronic systems.

APL MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Cation-Vacancy-Enriched Nickel Phosphide for Efficient Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxides

Zheng Zhou, Yuan Kong, Hao Tan, Qianwei Huang, Cheng Wang, Zengxia Pei, Haozhu Wang, Yangyang Liu, Yihan Wang, Sai Li, Xiaozhou Liao, Wensheng Yan, Shenlong Zhao

Summary: Electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide synthesis via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction pathway is becoming increasingly important due to its green production process. Introducing cationic vacancies on nickel phosphide as a proof-of-concept to regulate the catalyst's properties has led to efficient H2O2 electrosynthesis. The created Ni cationic vacancies enriched Ni2-xP-V-Ni electrocatalyst exhibits remarkable 2e ORR performance and long-term durability, with optimized geometric and electronic structures. Cation vacancy engineering is believed to be an effective strategy for creating active heterogeneous catalysts with atomic precision.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Review Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Nanostructured modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs)-based catalysts: A review on synthesis, characterization, and applications in water remediation by advanced oxidation processes

Ansaf V. Karim, Aydin Hassani, Paria Eghbali, P. V. Nidheesh

Summary: Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are catalyst materials with water molecules and anion exchange capacity. Modifying LDHs with other materials can enhance their surface properties and catalytic performance. This review summarizes the recent progress of nanostructured modified LDHs materials and discusses their application in organic pollutant removal.

CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Encapsulation of Metallic Zn in a Hybrid MXene/Graphene Aerogel as a Stable Zn Anode for Foldable Zn-Ion Batteries

Jiahui Zhou, Man Xie, Feng Wu, Yang Mei, Yutong Hao, Li Li, Renjie Chen

Summary: The flexible MXene/graphene scaffold created through an oriented freezing process can effectively inhibit dendritic growth of the zinc-metal anode and form a solid electrolyte interface at the electrode/electrolyte interface, improving battery stability and cycling life.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Engineering Metallic Heterostructure Based on Ni3N and 2M-MoS2 for Alkaline Water Electrolysis with Industry-Compatible Current Density and Stability

Tong Wu, Erhong Song, Shaoning Zhang, Mengjia Luo, Chendong Zhao, Wei Zhao, Jianjun Liu, Fuqiang Huang

Summary: In this study, a novel metallic heterostructure was designed for efficient water electrolysis, achieving high stability and activity at large current density. The heterostructure overcame the issue of competitive adsorption by providing two separated reaction sites, and improved overall water splitting by regulating active electronic states through charge transfer.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Functionalizing Framework Nucleic-Acid-Based Nanostructures for Biomedical Application

Tao Zhang, Taoran Tian, Yunfeng Lin

Summary: This article discusses the strategies for functionalizing diverse tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) and their potential biomedical applications. tFNAs have the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, enhance cellular endocytosis and tissue permeability, and promote cell-material interactions. They can be used to treat inflammatory and degenerative diseases, and also have potential applications in targeted therapies, tissue regeneration, antitumor strategies, and antibacterial treatment through their structural programmability.

ADVANCED MATERIALS (2022)