Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kihoon Kim, Zachary M. Sherman, Angela Cleri, Woo Je Chang, Jon-Paul Maria, Thomas M. Truskett, Delia J. Milliron
Summary: By continuously varying doping at two length scales, the atomic and nanocrystal scales, the frequency and bandwidth of the collective plasmon resonance in nanocrystal-based metasurfaces can be tuned, leading to the emergence of a broad infrared spectral region with near-zero permittivity. This multiscale doping strategy offers a powerful approach to designing metamaterials for optical applications.
Article
Optics
Hui Cheng, Yabin Zhang, Guoqiang Li, Xiaohong Li, Jiahao Fang, Lin Xiao, Xiaoxuan Tang, Zehang Cui, Yi Yang, Yong Cai, Jiangong Zhu, Liang Zhong
Summary: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers an effective spectroscopic approach for detecting trace molecules with unique vibrational fingerprints, but challenges remain in concentrating target molecules and enhancing sensitivity. Superhydrophobic microcrater arrays as SERS substrates show excellent superhydrophobicity and plasmonic nanostructures, making them a strong candidate for reliable and high-quality SERS applications.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Athithya, S. Harish, H. IKeda, M. Shimomura, Y. Hayakawa, J. Archana, M. Navaneethan
Summary: Hierarchically ordered macroporous TiO2 architecture (HOMTA) was prepared with the assistance of ethylenediamine (EDA), where different concentrations of EDA led to varying morphologies. The obtained HOMTA was used as a photocatalyst and active photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), showing higher efficiency for EDA-capped TiO2 with a higher surface area.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Britta Weidinger, Guohui Yang, Nadine von Coelln, Hermann Nirschl, Irene Wacker, Petra Tegeder, Rasmus R. Schroeder, Eva Blasco
Summary: A new approach utilizing self-assembled printable materials based on block copolymers is presented, enabling precise control of nanostructure in 3D. This work achieves controlled nano-order within the entire 3D structures, allowing for the fabrication of complex 3D microstructures with tailor-made nanostructures.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xujie Wang, Zhenlong Dou, Chi Zhang, FangFang Deng, XiaoLin Lu, ShuangShuang Wang, Li Zhou, Tao Ding
Summary: Anisotropy is important in various material systems, but creating and controlling it has been a challenge. Polarization-addressed anisotropy is attractive due to its controllability, simplicity, and accuracy, but only a few material systems can achieve it. In this study, a polarization-dependent anisotropic etching system made of Au@oligomer core-shell nanoparticles was established. The etching process is faster along the polarization direction, resulting in shape anisotropy of the particles. This system has advantages of high selectivity, controllability, and versatility, opening up new possibilities for on-chip nanofabrication.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takao Okabe, Jinchen Tang, Katsuhiko Nishimura, Naoki Shikazono
Summary: This study introduces an innovative photolithography-based method for patterning ionic and inorganic particle materials and achieves good results. This method can be used on a large scale with high throughput, providing new opportunities for modifying functional surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sen Luan, Wei Li, Zanwu Guo, Wenxiu Li, Xiaojian Hou, Yi Song, Ran Wang, Qian Wang
Summary: This study successfully fabricated well-ordered hierarchically mesoporous/microporous carbon materials using a dual soft-templating approach with compressed CO2. The influence of different types of surfactants on the morphology and nanostructure of the carbon samples was investigated. The prepared carbon samples were used as catalyst carriers for the conversion of fructose to HMF, and the optimal reaction conditions were determined. The catalytic performance and stability of the samples were evaluated, and a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan-Shuang Gao, Xi Ren, Xuan-Zhe Du, Zhen-Zhong Wang, Zhi-Bin He, Shun-Qi Yuan, Zhen Pan, Yan Zhang, Xin-Xin Zhi, Jin-Gang Liu
Summary: A novel pattern-formation methodology using solvent-free electrospun photosensitive polymeric fibrous membranes (NFMs) was proposed and practiced in this study. The derived NFMs showed good thermal stability and photosensitivity, and fine micro-patterns were successfully obtained.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Hartmann, Matthias Thommes, Wilhelm Schwieger
Summary: Hierarchically-ordered zeolites have gained increasing attention in the past 15 years for their outstanding properties in catalytic reactions with industrial relevance. Through the introduction of additional meso- or macropore systems, hierarchical zeolites combine the intrinsic properties of conventional zeolites with facilitated access and transport, showing potential for technical applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Se Young Park, Seongjae Lee, Jeehye Yang, Moon Sung Kang
Summary: Pixelating patterns of red, green, and blue quantum dots is a critical challenge for high-end displays in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. Photopatterning based on light-induced chemical conversion of QD films is a promising method for forming precise micrometer-scale QD patterns that can be commercially viable. This article reviews recent progress in QD patterning using photolithography, including different methods and high-resolution achievements, and discusses future research directions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Isamu Saito, Leijie Wu, Mitsuo Hara, Yuka Ikemoto, Tatsuo Kaneko, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: This study designs reordered polysaccharide materials with cation selectivity and anisotropic responses by controlling the drying process of an aqueous pectin dispersion. The membrane, based on the egg-box model, exhibits anisotropic responses to cations and can swell as a hydrogel. It shows potential for application in tissue engineering in physiological environments.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhong Zhang, Yiwei Liu, Hongrui Tian, Xujiao Ma, Qian Yue, Zhixia Sun, Ying Lu, Shuxia Liu
Summary: The use of close-packed polystyrene nanosphere templates allowed for the successful fabrication of ordered macroporous polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POM@MOF) single crystals, while weak alkaline carboxylate was used to regulate their in situ nucleation and growth, achieving a hierarchical structure with ordered macropores and intrinsic micropores.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongjuan Zhang, Wei Xia, Jianping Ge, Jing Tang
Summary: The optimized catalyst Fe-N-x/HPC-1000, with atomically dispersed Fe-N-x sites, shows excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance. Secondary sulfur-doping enhances the properties of the catalyst, making it more favorable for the ORR.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Urban Studies
Luis Inostroza, Harald Zepp
Summary: Urban ecosystems appropriate materials and energy resources from other ecosystems to sustain the material production of urban space, forming a complex metabolic process of production, consumption, transformation, and accumulation. The Metabolic Urban Network (MUN) couples several ecosystems along long and short distance metabolic interactions, leading to distinct urbanization patterns shaped by historical and ecological factors. The MUN serves as an analytical tool to reveal urbanization as a socio-ecological process of colonizing urban and non-urban ecosystems, generating profound socio-ecological asymmetries on a global scale.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaoyun Tang, Maricely Ramirez-Hernandez, Belvin Thomas, Yao-Wen Yeh, Philip E. Batson, Tewodros Asefa
Summary: A hierarchically ordered porous carbon electrocatalyst Co@HOPC is synthesized and demonstrates high electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction. The material has good electrical conductivity and abundant surface cobalt species, resulting in better catalytic activity compared to materials synthesized by traditional methods. This study provides a new strategy to synthesize hierarchically ordered porous carbon materials with metal-rich surfaces and efficient electrocatalytic activities using functionalized silica microparticles as templates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinho Hyon, Manny Gonzales, Jason K. Streit, Omri Fried, Olawale Lawal, Yang Jiao, Lawrence F. Drummy, Edwin L. Thomas, Richard A. Vaia
Summary: Studies have revealed differences in energy absorption capabilities between PGNs and homopolystyrene, with factors such as film thickness and impact velocity playing a role. Experimentally, it was found that the key factor contributing to higher energy absorption in thinner films is the visco-plastic deformation of molten film around the penetration site. Additionally, the degree and distribution of entanglements between nanoparticles also influence the energy absorption capabilities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinho Hyon, Olawale Lawal, Ramathasan Thevamaran, Ye Eun Song, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: Thin layered mats made of interconnected multiwall carbon nanotubes exhibit extraordinary kinetic energy absorption capabilities when subjected to hypersonic micro-projectile impact testing. The energy absorbed per unit mass of the film can reach 7-12 MJ kg(-1), far exceeding that of any other material, highlighting its potential for high-speed impact resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suhail K. Siddique, Tze-Chung Lin, Cheng-Yen Chang, Yung-Hsuan Chang, Chang-Chun Lee, Shou-Yi Chang, Ping-Chi Tsai, Yeau-Ren Jeng, Edwin L. Thomas, Rong-Ming Ho
Summary: In this study, a facile method for fabricating mechanical metamaterials from templated polymerization of thermosets was developed using self-assembled block copolymer as templates. Nanoindentation studies revealed enhanced energy dissipation in the nanonetwork thermosets, attributed to deliberate structuring. Isotropic periodicity of the nanonetwork texture with plastic deformation and higher number of struts in the tetrapod diamond network contributed to the enhanced properties, as confirmed by finite element analysis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xueyan Feng, Mujin Zhuo, Hua Guo, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: Periodic gyroid network materials exhibit interesting properties due to their space-group symmetries and triply continuous morphology. A study of the twin boundary in a self-assembled polymer showed that the boundary plane acts as a topological mirror, with alterations in morphology and the appearance of new types of nodes and loops. The boundary region was found to have similar properties to the adjacent ordered grain regions, suggesting it is a low-energy boundary.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Physics, Applied
David Veysset, Jae-Hwang Lee, Mostafa Hassani, Steven E. Kooi, Edwin L. Thomas, Keith A. Nelson
Summary: The review provides a comprehensive overview of experimental methods for high-velocity microparticle impacts across various materials testing fields. Recent studies using the laser-induced particle impact test platform demonstrate the versatility of the method with applications in impact protection and additive manufacturing. Future perspectives in the field of high-velocity impact are also presented in the conclusion.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Claire Griesbach, Seog-Jin Jeon, David Funes Rojas, Mauricio Ponga, Sadegh Yazdi, Siddhartha Pathak, Nathan Mara, Edwin L. Thomas, Ramathasan Thevamaran
Summary: The study found remarkable yield strengths and massive strain bursts in initially dislocation-free silver micro- and nanocubes. Regardless of the defect state of the samples prior to testing, a size effect was observed, with yield strength increasing as the sample size decreased.
Article
Polymer Science
Abhiram Reddy, Xueyan Feng, Edwin L. Thomas, Gregory M. Grason
Summary: Block copolymer (BCP) melts are complex and expandable, showing variable domain shapes and symmetries. Recent advances focus on modeling and measuring features beyond traditional metrics, aiming to understand equilibrium structure formation mechanisms at subdomain levels. Experimental methods and theoretical models are advancing towards precise control and manipulation of BCP morphology.
Letter
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ara Kim, Sinan Muftu, Edwin L. Thomas, Jae-Hwang Lee
Summary: This study investigates the nonlinear tribological behavior of polymeric microparticles under extreme collision conditions, focusing on the tribological and rheological responses of block copolymers in different morphological phases. Laser-induced projectile impact tests successfully quantify the mechanical interactions involved in friction and rheological responses.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kristen A. Miller, Lawrence B. Alemany, Soumyabrata Roy, Qianqian Yan, Pedro Guerra Demingos, Chandra Veer Singh, Sampath Alahakoon, Eilaf Egap, Edwin L. Thomas, Pulickel M. Ajayan
Summary: This study presents a facile two-step synthesis method for producing high-quality 2D polymer films with benzoxazole linkages. The films exhibit promising mechanical properties and microporous structures, and can be exfoliated into nanosheets.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han Sol Kang, Chanho Park, Hongkyu Eoh, Chang Eun Lee, Du Yeol Ryu, Youngjong Kang, Xuenyan Feng, June Huh, Edwin L. Thomas, Cheolmin Park
Summary: This study visualizes and analyzes the structural defects that affect the rapid response of visible light in a block copolymer photonic crystal. It reveals the diffusional pathway of solvents through these defects.
Article
Polymer Science
Wenpeng Shan, Inbal Weisbord, Xueyan Feng, Jinho Hyon, Gkreti-Maria Manesi, Apostolos Avgeropoulos, Tamar Segal-Peretz, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: Creating ultrathin films via ballistic impact-induced frictional material transfer is a new approach for additive manufacturing. The covalently bonded A and B block brushes in A/B lamellar diblock copolymers are robust mechanical units that can undergo extreme deformation. Impact of microspheres against a rigid substrate causes slip and thinning of the bottommost layers. For angled impacts, enhanced shear stress leads to brush slip and frictional transfer.
Article
Polymer Science
Wenpeng Shan, Kailu Xiao, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: In this study, micron-sized polystyrene spherical projectiles made from three different molecular weight polymers were launched against a rigid substrate, causing ultrahigh strain rate deformation. The researchers used electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to observe the deformation mechanisms and found that the presence of entanglements in the polymer samples played a crucial role in dissipating kinetic energy and promoting viscoplastic flow. The results showed that entangled samples exhibited extensive flow and shear banding, while unentangled samples underwent strain localization and brittle fracture.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gregory M. Grason, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: The article presents a framework for understanding the structure of supramolecular network crystals in soft matter using mesoatomic building blocks. These building blocks play a similar role to atomic or molecular subunits in hard matter crystals. By analyzing the shapes, internal structures, and local packing of these mesoatomic elements, the article proposes a set of rules for decomposing network crystals into unique mesoatomic building blocks. Additionally, the article suggests that mesoatoms are kinetically favored intermediate structures that guide the assembly of network crystals.
PHYSICAL REVIEW MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Ilaie Nadejde, Edwin L. Thomas, Pavel I. Galich
Summary: This study expands the complete omnidirectional bandgaps of high symmetry two-dimensional phononic crystal designs through simple geometric changes. The experimental validation demonstrates the feasibility of achieving extreme ultrasonic attenuation using non-symmetric designs for both P- and S-waves. Practical insights into improving acoustic properties of phononic crystals are discussed.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
I-Ming Lin, Chih-Ying Yang, Yi-Ming Wang, Wei-En Wang, Yu-Chueh Hung, Edwin L. Thomas, Yeo-Wan Chiang
Summary: By using bicontinuous and nanoporous ordered nanonetworks, innovative materials with exceptional optical and mechanical properties can be created. These materials have a high surface-to-volume ratio and porosity, opening up new possibilities for material design.
