Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hang Lin, Ke-Xiao Zhao, Min Jing, Xiu-Hai Long, Ke-Qing Zhao, Ping Hu, Bi-Qin Wang, Peng Lei, Qing-Dao Zeng, Bertrand Donnio
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of a unique family of liquid-crystalline dimers and their properties. These dimers have multiple functions and can self-assemble into large columnar superlattices. They can also form gels in solvents and exhibit high fluorescence quantum yields. These materials are of great importance in the field of organic electronics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xing Ou-Yang, Yi-Cin Huang, Ying-Chi Chi, Mayumi Egashira, Hao-Chun Yang, Hsiu-Hui Chen
Summary: Novel discotic liquid crystalline (DLC) monomers with a mesogenic 2,8,14-triphenylhexabenzo[bc,ef,hi,kl,no,qr]coronene (HBC) core bearing alternating dovetailed alkyl and linear alkyl chains with a diacetylenic unit at different positions along the chain were successfully synthesized in this study. These monomers exhibited a discotic hexagonal columnar mesophase at room temperature. Depending on the location of the diacetylene unit in the linear alkyl chain (closer to or farther away from the HBC core), different aggregation patterns and reactivities toward photo-induced polymerization were observed. Powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, UV spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize these systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Gao, Kuibao Yu, Yanjiao Zhao, Tao Zhang, Jing Wen, Zifeng Liu, Zhihao Liu, Guofeng Ye, Jianhong Gao, Ziyi Ge, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The rational design and synthesis of well-matched donor and acceptor materials are crucial for achieving high-performance small-molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs). In this study, the photovoltaic performance of SMOSCs was significantly improved by subtle structural modification of the donor materials.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuzo Ishigaki, Motoshi Yamanaka, Takeshi Hagio, Ryoichi Ichino
Summary: In this study, a bulk supramolecular polymer without crystallinity at room temperature was developed based on 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide (BTA). C-3-symmetrical BTA derivatives with two-armed alkyl groups were synthesized and characterized, and it was found that these materials formed a hexagonal columnar higher-order structure due to the characteristic three-fold hydrogen bonding. Specifically, BTA derivatives with 10-nonadecyl groups exhibited a mesophase over a wide temperature range, indicating good thermal stability and high mobility.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yi-Fei Wang, Tomohito Sekine, Yasunori Takeda, Jinseo Hong, Ayako Yoshida, Hiroyuki Matsui, Daisuke Kumaki, Takao Nishikawa, Takeo Shiba, Tadahiro Sunaga, Shizuo Tokito
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Reo Miura, Tomohito Sekine, Yi-Fei Wang, Jinseo Hong, Yushi Watanabe, Keita Ito, Yoshinori Shouji, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Atsushi Miyabo, Shizuo Tokito
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Fei Wang, Tomohito Sekine, Yasunori Takeda, Jinseo Hong, Ayako Yoshida, Daisuke Kumaki, Takeo Shiba, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: This study presents a method for manufacturing a fully printed pressure sensor using a porous conductive composite, which spontaneously forms a conductive structure in the printed ink, simplifying the fabrication process of flexible pressure sensors. The developed pressure sensors exhibit comprehensive performance capabilities suitable for wearable devices, human-machine interfaces, and robot tactile applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shogo Tachibana, Yi-Fei Wang, Tomohito Sekine, Ayako Yoshida, Yasunori Takeda, Mai Abe, Reo Miura, Yushi Watanabe, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: The article presents a fully-printed flexible temperature sensor based on PEDOT:PSS with high humidity stability achieved by using a novel bilayer passivation. The fabricated sensor exhibited excellent stability under humidity ranging from 30% RH to 80% RH and high sensitivity for temperature sensing between 25°C and 50°C.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shogo Tachibana, Yi-Fei Wang, Tomohito Sekine, Yasunori Takeda, Jinseo Hong, Ayako Yoshida, Mai Abe, Reo Miura, Yushi Watanabe, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: This article introduces a high-performance printed flexible humidity sensor using a cellulose nanofiber/carbon black composite. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, fast response, and flexibility.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yushi Watanabe, Tomohito Sekine, Reo Miura, Mai Abe, Yoshinori Shouji, Keita Ito, Yi-Fei Wang, Jinseo Hong, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Atsushi Miyabo, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: This paper presents a soft pressure sensor with a ferroelectric-polymer sensing layer for dynamic pressure detection during robotic grasping operations. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity to pressure with minimal response delay, showing potential for novel robotic interface applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Keita Ito, Tomohito Sekine, Yoshinori Shouji, Yi-Fei Wang, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Huang Tong, Atsushi Miyabo, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: Softening a ferroelectric polymer for wearable tactile electronics has been challenging due to its high robustness and crystallinity. In this study, a functional piezoelectric material system was created by optimizing the blend ratio of an amorphous polymer, PMMA-PBA, and a ferroelectric polymer, P(VDF-TrFE). The resulting stretchable film could be extended up to 400%. By fabricating a capacitor-type device combined with a conductive polymer, the potential for using it in a stretchable sensor was demonstrated.
APPLIED PHYSICS EXPRESS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yoshinori Shouji, Tomohito Sekine, Keita Ito, Naoya Ito, Tatsuya Yasuda, Yi-Fei Wang, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Atsushi Miyabo, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: Recently, self-driven soft robotics based on biomimetics, capable of mimicking biological motion, has attracted attention. Soft actuators using intrinsically soft organic materials are expected to be applied to haptic devices, artificial muscles, and micropumps. Actuators using ferroelectric polymers encounter problems in terms of the response frequency to an applied voltage. In this study, a soft actuator is fabricated using a unique composite material and its characteristics are analyzed. Furthermore, a haptics system and a human-sensitive actuator demonstration system are constructed using the fabricated actuators.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi-Fei Wang, Ayako Yoshida, Yasunori Takeda, Tomohito Sekine, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: We propose a high-performance flexible bending strain sensor for directional motion detection of human hands and soft robotic grippers. The sensor is fabricated using a printable porous conductive composite composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon black (CB). The utilization of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) induces phase segregation between CB and PDMS, resulting in a porous structure inside the printed films. This conductive architecture provides superior directional bend-sensing characteristics compared to conventional random composites. The flexible bending sensors show high bidirectional sensitivity, negligible hysteresis, good linearity, and excellent bending durability, making them suitable for various applications such as human motion detection, object-shape monitoring, and robotic perceptions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takeru Kaneko, Yi-Fei Wang, Mayuka Hori, Tomohito Sekine, Ayako Yoshida, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: A liquid metal (LM) soft sensor has been developed for strain monitoring and self-powered tactile detection in soft robotics. The sensor is fabricated through printing a bilayer of oxidized LM paste and bare LM on a soft substrate. This bilayer design overcomes the challenges in scalable printing of liquid metal and shows exceptional electromechanical performance. Employing a single electrode triboelectric effect, the sensor achieves self-powered tactile sensing. Integrated into a soft pneumatic actuator, the sensor demonstrates its ability to perceive gestures, motion, and grasping. This work highlights the potential of LM-based soft sensors in advancing the field of soft sensing and soft robotics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomohito Sekine, Keita Ito, Yoshinori Shouji, Ryosuke Suga, Tatsuya Yasuda, Yi-Fei Wang, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Huang Tong, Atsushi Miyabo, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: To enable stretchable tactile sensing by soft robots, it is important to have materials that possess both high sensitivity and softness comparable to human skin. In this study, a stretchable acceleration sensor was developed for stretching speed monitoring based on the piezoelectric phenomena. The sensor was fabricated using a scalable printing technology with custom developed functional polymeric inks, and it can detect dual-directional stretching speed and robotic sensing across a multi-range of real-time tactile measurements. This sensor will be essential in designing intelligent soft robotic systems and advanced practical wearable devices.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ayako Yoshida, Yi-Fei Wang, Shogo Tachibana, Ayuka Hasegawa, Tomohito Sekine, Yasunori Takeda, Jinseo Hong, Daisuke Kumaki, Takeo Shiba, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: This work presents a high-performance fully printed flexible humidity sensor using all-carbon functional materials. The sensor shows a wide resistive response range and fast response and recovery times. The use of cellulose nanofiber/graphene nanoplatelet composites as the electrodes and sensing layer offers mechanical flexibility and eco-friendly characteristics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tomohito Sekine, Yi-Fei Wang, Jinseo Hong, Yasunori Takeda, Reo Miura, Yushi Watanabe, Mai Abe, Yoshiki Mori, Zhongkui Wang, Daisuke Kumaki, Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos, Atsushi Miyabo, Sadao Kawamura, Shizuo Tokito
Summary: A soft sensor with a closed-loop feedback system is proposed for dynamic shear force detection in soft robotic grippers, effectively preventing object slippage. Made of ferroelectric polymer and nanocarbon materials, the sensor demonstrates high performance, high-speed response, and high sensitivity.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Tomohito Sekine, Mai Abe, Kosuke Muraki, Shogo Tachibana, Yi-Fei Wang, Jinseo Hong, Yasunori Takeda, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yasunori Takeda, Tomohito Sekine, Yi-Fei Wang, Tomoko Okamoto, Hiroyuki Matsui, Daisuke Kumaki, Shizuo Tokito
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mengjiao Dong, Liyun Liao, Chensheng Li, Yingxiao Mu, Yanping Huo, Zhong-Min Su, Fushun Liang
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the polarity of polymer matrices on persistent room-temperature phosphorescence (pRTP). It is discovered that intense phosphorescence emission can be achieved in highly polar matrices such as polyacrylic acid (PAA). The dipole-dipole interaction between the polar fluorophore and polar matrix is proposed to stabilize the excited state and facilitate the generation of efficient room-temperature phosphorescence emissions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Han-Jiang Yang, Weijia Xiang, Xiangzhou Zhang, Jin-Yun Wang, Liang-Jin Xu, Zhong-Ning Chen
Summary: This article reports a 2D copper(I)-based cluster material for X-ray imaging, which exhibits ultra-high spatial resolution, high photoluminescence efficiency, and low detection limit. The material shows excellent linear response to X-ray dose rates and light output, and has the best spatial resolution among reported lead-free metal halide hybrids.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Taek Joon Kim, Sang-hun Lee, Dayeong Kwon, Jinsoo Joo
Summary: Donor-acceptor heterostructures using organic-inorganic halide perovskites, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, pi-conjugated organic small/macro molecules, and quantum dots are promising platforms for exciton-based photonics and optoelectronics. Hetero-interlayer excitons and hetero-intermolecular excitons formed through optical and/or electrical charge transfer in various heterostructures are important quasi-particles for light emission, detection, and harvesting systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liemao Cao, Xiaohui Deng, Zhen-kun Tang, Rui Tan, Yee Sin Ang
Summary: We investigate the interface properties between WSi2N4 and Mo2B, O-modified Mo2B, and OH-modified Mo2B nanosheets. We find that WSi2N4 and Mo2B form n-type Schottky contacts, while functionalizing Mo2B with O and OH leads to the formation of both n-type and p-type ohmic contacts with WSi2N4. Additionally, we demonstrate the emergence of quasi-ohmic contact with ultralow lateral Schottky barrier and zero vertical interfacial tunneling barriers in Mo2B(OH)2-contacted WSi2N4.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ga Eun Kim, Hae-Jin Kim, Heesuk Jung, Minwoo Park
Summary: This study presents a solution to the commercialization challenges of flexible LEDs based on MAPbBr(3) by incorporating polyurethane and an In-Ga-Zn-Sn liquid alloy. The designed devices showed high flexibility, efficiency, and durability, with improved electron injection and reduced defects, making them promising for next-generation displays.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tao Shen, Zeng Wu, Zhen Jiang, Dongsheng Yan, Yan Zhao, Yang Wang, Yunqi Liu
Summary: Sidechain engineering is an important molecular design strategy for tuning the solid-state packing and structural ordering of conjugated polymers. The effects of sidechain direction on the optoelectronic properties of polymers and device performance were systematically investigated in this study. The results demonstrate that tuning the sidechain substitution direction can effectively improve the molecular structure and light absorption properties of polymers, providing new insights for the rational design of functional polymers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lotte Clinckemalie, Bapi Pradhan, Roel Vanden Brande, Heng Zhang, Jonathan Vandenwijngaerden, Rafikul Ali Saha, Giacomo Romolini, Li Sun, Dirk Vandenbroucke, Mischa Bonn, Hai I. Wang, Elke Debroye
Summary: In this study, a facile strategy using a non-conductive polymer was proposed to fabricate stable, pinhole-free thick films. The effect of introducing a second phase into CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals on their photophysical properties and charge transport was investigated. The dual phase devices exhibited improved stability and more effective operation at higher voltages in X-ray detection.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingye Zou, Shenglan Hao, Pascale Gemeiner, Nicolas Guiblin, Omar Ibder, Brahim Dkhil, Charles Paillard
Summary: When rare-earth ions are embedded in a ferroelectric material, their photoluminescence can serve as an all-optical probe for temperature, electric field, and mechanical stimulus. However, the impact of ferroelectric phase transitions on photoluminescence is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate changes in the photoluminescence of green emission bands during critical ferroelectric transitions in an Er-doped BaTiO3 material. We also find that the intensity ratio and wavelength position difference of sub-peaks provide information on the phase transitions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiangchao Han, Daming Zhou, Wei Yang, Chen Lv, Xinhe Wang, Guodong Wei, Weisheng Zhao, Xiaoyang Lin, Shengbo Sang
Summary: Rare type-II spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique spin properties. In this study, the interface contacts and spin transport properties of different devices composed of VSi2P4 ferromagnetic layers were investigated. The results show that VSi2P4 is a promising material for designing vertical van der Waals heterostructures with a giant tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) in spintronic applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tianqi Zhao, Renagul Abdurahman, Qianting Yang, Ruxiangul Aiwaili, Xue-Bo Yin
Summary: In this study, we designed and prepared Cr and Ba-doped gamma-Ga2O3 nanoparticles to achieve near-infrared emission and enhance the emission intensity. The emission mechanism was proposed based on the trap depth, band gap, and energy levels of Cr ions. The ratiometric temperature sensing and encryption information transfer demonstrated the potential applications of this technology.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuvankar Gupta, Jyotirmoy Sau, Manoranjan Kumar, Chandan Mazumdar
Summary: In this study, a new spin-gapless semiconductor material CoFeMnSn is reported, and its stable structure and spin-polarized band structure are determined through experimental realization and theoretical calculations. The compound exhibits a high ferromagnetic transition temperature, making it excellent for room temperature applications. The nearly temperature-independent resistivity, conductivity, and carrier concentration of the compound, adherence to the Slater-Pauling rule, and the high intrinsic anomalous Hall conductivity achieved through hole doping further confirm its spin-gapless semiconductor nature. Additionally, the compound's SGS and topological properties make it suitable for spintronics and magneto-electronics devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ikumi Aratani, Yoji Horii, Yoshinori Kotani, Hitoshi Osawa, Hajime Tanida, Toshiaki Ina, Takeshi Watanabe, Yohko F. Yano, Akane Mizoguchi, Daisuke Takajo, Takashi Kajiwara
Summary: In this study, two-dimensional arrays of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were systematically modified through Langmuir-Blodgett methods and chemical modifications. The introduction of bulky alkoxide groups induced structural changes and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This research provides a promising strategy for the construction of high-density magnetic memory devices using molecular spintronics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zonghao Lei, Houhe Dong, Lijie Sun, Bing Teng, Yanfei Zou, Degao Zhong
Summary: Researchers have successfully developed four different up-conversion phosphors based on the Eulytite-type host Ba3Yb(PO4)(3). The optical temperature sensing properties of these phosphors were thoroughly investigated, and it was found that Ba3Yb(PO4)(3):Tm/Er/Ho showed potential for optical temperature measurement applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. Roncero-Barrero, M. A. Carvajal, J. Ribas-Arino, I. de P. R. Moreira, M. Deumal
Summary: This study computationally investigates the conductivity of four isostructural compounds with different Se contents, and reveals the parameters that define their conductivity in stable organic radical materials. The results provide insights into the influence of Se content on the conductivity and highlight the importance of considering multiple parameters in understanding the trends in conductivity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Remi Arras, Kedar Sharma, Lionel Calmels
Summary: In this study, we investigated the interplay between structural defects in NiFe2O4, showing that the complex formed by a Ni-Oh/Fe-Td-cation swap and a neutral oxygen vacancy is more stable than these two isolated defects, and significantly reduces the width of the minority-spin band gap.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2024)