Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zonglin Li, Mingxin Xie, Guozheng Nie, Junhui Wang, Lujun Huang
Summary: In this study, we developed an optical biosensor based on an all-dielectric metasurface with broken symmetry. The biosensor exhibited excellent performance, thanks to the high-Q quasi-bound states in the continuum (qBICs) and the efficient field confinement. It has potential applications in extreme biochemical sensing, such as COVID-19 detection at ultralow concentrations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haofei Zhao, Yuchen Zhu, Huanyu Ye, Yang He, Hao Li, Yifei Sun, Feng Yang, Rongming Wang
Summary: Nanocrystals play a crucial role in material sciences and industry. Designing nanocrystals with desired structures and properties is a major challenge that requires a deep understanding of atomic-scale dynamics. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), especially environmental TEM, has provided valuable insights into nanocrystals. This comprehensive review highlights the progress in the understanding of nanocrystal dynamics, including nucleation and growth, structure evolution, and dynamics in reaction conditions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Saikat Das, Kaushik Pal, Santanu Chattopadhyay, Anil K. Bhowmick
Summary: This study aims to enhance the interaction between rubber and silica by using a new silane and modifying the silica surface. The modified silica/rubber composites showed improved mechanical properties and abrasion resistance compared to the unmodified ones. The finding suggests the potential application of these composites in developing tires for energy efficient vehicles.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mei Wang, Asher C. Leff, Yue Li, Taylor J. Woehl
Summary: This study successfully demonstrated the in situ controlled synthesis of alloyed AuCu nanocrystals under LP-TEM, while maintaining the molecular structure of metal thiolate complexes. The research revealed that polymer capping ligands not only have known functions during LP-TEM synthesis, but also prevent copper oxidation and facilitate the formation of prenucleation cluster intermediates.
Review
Physics, Applied
Yuchen Zhu, Haofei Zhao, Yang He, Rongming Wang
Summary: In-situ TEM technology allows researchers to directly conduct experiments in the TEM by introducing various stimuli into the sample chamber, profoundly impacting materials science and engineering.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhuorui Lu, Natalia Vakula, Michele Ude, Martiane Cabie, Thomas Neisius, Francois Orange, Franck Pigeonneau, Laeticia Petit, Wilfried Blanc
Summary: For the first time, MCVD germanosilica glass embedded with YbPO4 crystals were drawn into optical fibers. The YbPO4 crystals were successfully embedded in the silica soot using solution doping prior to the collapsing step. Through analysis with scanning/transmission electron microscopes and confocal Raman microscope, it was demonstrated that the YbPO4 crystals survived both the MCVD process and the drawing process, despite the high temperature (up to 2100 degrees C) involved. The fiber contained 100 nm-crystals with the same composition and structure as the as-prepared crystals, and during the drawing process, these crystals showed a preferential orientation along the c-axis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cheng Liu, Xiaohua Yang, Jianchao Peng, Bin Liu, Qun Luo, Qian Li, Kuo-Chih Chou
Summary: The deformation behaviors of a dual-phase Mg alloy containing α-Mg and 18R-LPSO phases were investigated in this study. The 18R phase, accounting for 11.3 vol.%, contributed to 23.0% of the overall alloy deformation. The coordinated twinning deformation of α-Mg matrix through the slip of basal dislocations and the kinking deformation of Mg slices induced by the 18R phase were observed during the early stage of deformation. At the end of deformation, a large number of T2-type stacking faults were generated, improving the ductility of the alloy. This work provides a novel strategy for designing high-strength and good ductility dual-phase Mg alloys.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Savannah J. Turner, Dennie F. L. Wezendonk, Robert J. A. M. Terorde, Krijn P. de Jong
Summary: In situ transmission electron microscopy technique provides insights into nanoscale processes during particle growth of supported metal catalysts. Nickel nanoparticles from a nickel phyllosilicate catalyst precursor were observed to rapidly grow to a final size of 3.5-7 nm within 3-4 minutes under specific conditions. Most of the particles were immobile, but some exhibited sintering behavior without significant size increase. The results support the hypothesis that the size of the nickel species' origin determines the particle size.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
R. Podor, V Trillaud, G. I. Nkou Bouala, N. Dacheux, C. Ricolleau, N. Clavier
Summary: This study utilized two-grain model systems formed by ThO2 nanospheres to experimentally investigate the initial stage of sintering from room temperature to 1050 degrees C. The research revealed that at high temperatures, crystallites underwent reorganization and growth through oriented attachment, leading to the formation of a single crystal. The formation of the neck during sintering was predominantly driven by volume diffusion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Liu, Hitomi Nakamura, Tomoko Akai
Summary: This paper presents an in situ TEM/STEM investigation on the transformation process of YAG:Ce phosphors, revealing the dissolution of nanocrystalline CeO2 particles and formation of YAlO3 and YAG:Ce crystalline particles at different temperatures. The study also confirms that doped Ce atoms occupy the same atomic sites as Y atoms, and the obtained YAG:Ce phosphor exhibits efficient luminescent properties.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Zhongwei Dai, Zhaoli Gao, Sergey S. Pershoguba, Nikhil Tiwale, Ashwanth Subramanian, Qicheng Zhang, Calley Eads, Samuel A. Tenney, Richard M. Osgood, Chang-Yong Nam, Jiadong Zang, A. T. Charlie Johnson, Jerzy T. Sadowski
Summary: The study presents experimental evidence of electronic and optical interlayer resonances in graphene van der Waals heterostructure interfaces. Using spectroscopic mode of a low-energy electron microscope (LEEM) and Raman spectroscopy, researchers found an increase in the interlayer spacing of 30 degrees twisted bilayer graphene and observed a unique type of Fano resonance around the D and G modes of the graphene lattice vibrations. This robust Fano resonance is a direct result of quantum confinement and the interplay between discrete phonon states and the excitonic continuum.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Daisuke Watanabe, Tomohiro Miyata, Tomohiko Nagao, Akemi Kumagai, Hiroshi Jinnai
Summary: This study used transmission electron microscopy to observe the crack propagation process in rubber with silica nanoparticles and found that the crack tip propagated along the rubber-aggregate interfaces. The path and propagation rate of the crack were significantly affected by the heterogeneous distribution of silica aggregates, leading to a stick-slip propagation behavior of the crack tip. Detailed spatial strain analysis revealed that the local maximum principal strain around the crack tip was nonuniform.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tiqing Zhao, Youhong Jiang, Shiwen Luo, Yifan Ying, Qian Zhang, Shi Tang, Linzhi Chen, Jing Xia, Peng Xue, Jia-Jun Zhang, Shi-Gang Sun, Hong-Gang Liao
Summary: The study focuses on the catalysis reaction mechanism at the nano/atomic scale and the limitations of current in situ characterization technologies. By combining in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) holder system with MEMS chips, an ultra-stable heating chip is developed to achieve atomic resolution imaging during the heating process at high temperature. The developed gas reaction cells with ultra-low drift enable the identification of nanoparticle's structure evolution at the atomic scale.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Zhang, Xue Tian, Ying Zheng, Yongcheng Zhang, Wanneng Ye
Summary: In this study, the evolution behavior and growth mechanism of PbO nanoparticles in a Sm-doped PMN-PT matrix were observed using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that PbO nanodroplets first separated from the matrix, then coalesced into solid phase PbO nanoparticles, and finally formed heterojunctions with the matrix. This research provides a deep understanding of the role of excess PbO in the synthesis of lead-based piezoelectric materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Jian Chen, Maoyuan Hu, Yuming Li, Rui Li, Long Qing
Summary: This study evaluated the contribution of different types of carbon blacks and their thermally cracked recovered counterparts to the mechanical properties of NR composites. The characterization of the thermally cracked recovered carbon blacks showed increased aggregation and carbon defects. The mechanical properties and bound rubber content of NR composites with pristine samples added decreased with increase in carbon black particle size.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Malik, R. Dutta, R. Aggrawal, R. Singh, S. K. Pal, C. Das
Summary: A highly efficient adsorbent based on Ca-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized and applied for the removal of toxic organic dye-malachite green in aqueous phase. The adsorbent showed excellent adsorption performance due to its favorable morphology and microstructure. The study investigated the impact of Ca/Al ratio and calcination temperature on adsorption efficiency and found that an optimized dosage of 300 mg L-1 achieved a high adsorption capacity of 3042 mg g(-1).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dipankar Mondal, Sakrit Hait, Soumyajit Ghorai, Sven Wiessner, Amit Das, Debapriya De, Dipankar Chattopadhyay
Summary: A new sustainable approach using a multifunctional devulcanizing agent was proposed for the development of value added devulcanized rubber, which can enhance its application in the tire industry and play a significant role in product quality, production economy, and market competition. By utilizing bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide as the devulcanizing agent, ground tire rubber (GTR) can be mechanochemically devulcanized, allowing for the homogeneous dispersion of silica in the revulcanized rubber compound. The optimal devulcanization time of 40 minutes was determined through swelling experiments and Horikx theory, resulting in better-quality devulcanized rubber and improved mechanical and thermal performance of the revulcanized rubber. Scanning electron microscopy images further confirmed the homogeneous silica dispersion in the rubber matrix. This technology has shown potential for rubber reclamation, contributing to advancements in ecological sustainability.
JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Shubham C. Ambilkar, Chayan Das
Summary: Uniform dispersion of metal oxide-like zirconia in elastomeric matrix is essential for proper reinforcement. In this study, three different surface modifiers were employed to modify sol-gel derived zirconia and their effects on the properties of zirconia-filled nitrile rubber composite were investigated. The results show that tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris) is a potential surface modifier for zirconia, which can improve the thermal stability and tensile strength of the composite.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Suraj W. Wajge, Chayan Das
Summary: Carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) is crosslinked using metal-ligand coordination bonding, providing an alternative to traditional vulcanization. The presence of copper (I)-carboxylate metal-ligand interaction in the rubber matrix allows for reversible non-covalent crosslinks, resulting in self-healing and improved mechanical strength. The content of copper greatly affects the properties of the XNBR-Cu (I) composite.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anik Kumar Ghosh, Swagato Sarkar, Takuya Tsuda, Soosang Chae, Andre Knapp, Mirko Nitschke, Amit Das, Sven Wiessner, Tobias A. F. Koenig, Andreas Fery
Summary: Metal-semiconductor nanostructures are widely used in photodetection, photocatalysis, and photovoltaics. In photodetection, the resistance typically decreases with the generation of charge carriers upon illumination, but an opposite response, an increase in resistance, is observed in interconnected metal-semiconductor gratings. This study presents a fabrication method using wrinkle structuring and oblique angle material deposition to create photoresistors with large-area periodic structures and cracks that serve as connections for two-point contact measurements. It is also found that an additional deposition of an amorphous titania layer further enhances the current reduction on photoexcitation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Soumyajit Ghorai, Sakrit Hait, Dipankar Mondal, Sven Wiebner, Amit Das, Debapriya De
Summary: In this study, researchers have successfully recycled waste rubber using mechanochemical devulcanization technique and developed high-performance natural rubber-silica composites. The results show that the mechanical properties of the composites, including tensile strength, tear strength and elongation at break, gradually increase with the increasing content of devulcanized rubber, with the optimum level at 40%. Additionally, the developed composites exhibit superior thermal behavior and a uniform dispersion of the filler.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shubham C. Ambilkar, Bharat P. Kapgate, Amit Das, Subhradeep Mandal, Pradip K. Maji, Shiva Singh, Rajkumar Kasilingam, Rupesh S. Gedam, Chayan Das
Summary: Silica and other metal oxides are potential substitutes for carbon black in reinforcing elastomeric materials, offering various additional properties. In this study, the efficacy of in-situ zirconia in enhancing the properties of a rubber blend consisting of natural rubber and nitrile rubber was investigated. The controlled incorporation of in-situ zirconia resulted in improved dispersion, rubber-filler interaction, and crosslinking densities, leading to enhanced thermal stability, flame retardancy, and chemical resistance. The dielectric properties were also improved, especially with surface modification of in-situ zirconia. This study provides valuable insights for the development of high performance elastomeric composites.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Shubham C. Ambilkar, Tamanna Singal, Chayan Das
Summary: This review article presents recent advances in zirconia-based polymer matrix composites. Zirconia, as a non-black inorganic filler, has attracted significant attention due to its attractive material properties. The incorporation of zirconia into polymer matrices has been extensively studied in terms of mechanical, thermal, and other properties. Zirconia has shown great potential in enhancing the overall properties of polymer composites and has been used in combination with other metal oxides as hybrid fillers. This article provides an overview of the precise role of zirconia in these composites and their significance. Ongoing research is expected to yield even more promising results and further enrich this field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kamal Kumar Meena, Injamamul Arief, Anik Kumar Ghosh, Hans Liebscher, Sakrit Hait, Juergen Nagel, Gert Heinrich, Andreas Fery, Amit Das
Summary: An affordable and promising device called TENG has attracted attention for harvesting energy from mechanical forces. However, its output power is often insufficient for long-term use. In this study, a new fabrication method using 3D printing and transfer printing was proposed to create a hybrid BTO/PDMS film with adjustable piezoceramic layer thickness. The resulting hybrid sensor showed higher charge separation and better impedance matching, leading to improved power density and reproducibility. It also demonstrated high precision in tire wear monitoring and force/pressure sensing.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Surabhi Raut, Gopal Lal Dhakar, Pretty Gogoi, Durgesh R. Pal, Chayan Das
Summary: The present study synthesized zirconia nanoparticles using hydrothermal method and utilized Neem gum and Pongamia pinnata plant leaves as capping agents. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques, including XRD, FTIR, HR-TEM, EDX, and DLS. The results showed that the nanoparticles had a tetragonal phase structure and exhibited uniform size with reduced agglomeration when using capping agents. UV-Vis DRS spectra revealed distinct absorption peaks and the band gaps were determined for different samples. Additionally, the nitrogen adsorption-desorption study confirmed the mesoporous nature of the material and the dielectric constants were found to be high in the lower frequency region.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Arpan Datta Sarma, Erathimmanna Bhoje Gowd, Amit Das, Gert Heinrich
Summary: This report presents an insightful investigation of the cold crystallization behavior of sulfur-crosslinked polybutadiene elastomers. The influence of crosslink density on the cold crystallization activities of sulfur-crosslinked polybutadiene rubber (BR) is investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray techniques. A significant increase in storage modulus (E') is observed at a temperature just above the glass transition temperature (Tg). This behavior was found to be highly dependent on the crosslink density of the rubber. The dynamic mechanical behavior of the sulfur crosslinked BR is supported by further studies using differential scanning calorimetry and low-temperature X-ray diffraction. This study could contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of BR-containing tire tread rubbers at lower temperatures.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kriengsak Damampai, Skulrat Pichaiyut, Amit Das, Charoen Nakason
Summary: In this work, the crosslinking reaction of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) by ferric ion and the reinforcement effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were studied. The results showed that both the interaction between ferric ion and epoxy group and the internal polymerization contributed to the efficient curing of ENR. The addition of CNTs further improved the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the vulcanized ENR-FeCl3 compound.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Injamamul Arief, Philipp Zimmermann, Sakrit Hait, Hyeyoung Park, Anik Kumar Ghosh, Andreas Janke, Santanu Chattopadhyay, Juergen Nagel, Gert Heinrich, Sven Wiessner, Amit Das
Summary: Self-powered tactile module-based electronic skins incorporating triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) are a valuable alternative for sustainable energy harvesting and smart monitoring devices. These modules demonstrate ultra-stretchability and detection sensitivity to mimic human skin. The experiment results show impressive power density, voltage, and current output, as well as high durability and stability. Furthermore, a tactile sensor based on the triboelectric nanogenerator was successfully constructed, demonstrating remarkable motion and force sensitivity.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shubham C. Ambilkar, Gopal Lal Dhakar, Bharat P. Kapgate, Amit Das, Sakrit Hait, R. S. Gedam, Rajkumar Kasilingam, Chayan Das
Summary: This study successfully produced chloroprene rubber composites with well dispersed zirconia to enhance their properties. The in situ incorporated zirconia showed superior reinforcement effect and improved thermal stability. The composites also demonstrated resistance to oil, aging, and abrasion, making them suitable for practical applications.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
