Article
Chemistry, Applied
Samarah Harb, Mariana S. Rodrigues, Thiago A. C. de Souza, Andressa Trentin, Mayara C. Uvida, Daniel J. Pochapski, Sandra H. Pulcinelli, Celso Santilli, Peter Hammer
Summary: This study focused on the anticorrosive performance of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites based on PMMA on metallic substrates, demonstrating that increasing amounts of LiOH lead to higher ceria content and larger particles, resulting in coatings with excellent corrosion protection.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hai-Feng Lu, Zhen-Zhou Nie, Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Meng Wang, Shuai Huang, Xu-Man Chen, Zhi-Yang Liu, Hong Yang
Summary: The introduction of liquid metal nanodroplets into the LCE network significantly enhances the mechanical properties and fatigue resistance performance of the composite material, making it more promising for industrial applications and suitable for high-load actuators.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Saige J. Dacuycuy, Wayne A. Shiroma, Aaron T. Ohta
Summary: This study empirically characterizes the controllable deformation of liquid metal in fluidic channels and describes its dynamic behavior in microchannels. These results are valuable for designing microsystems that use liquid metal as a functional material.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Xiaofeng Wang, Lei Sun, Anying Yuan, Guannan Chu, Shengjie Yao, Long Zhao, Deqi Hou, Qinghua Tang
Summary: This study proposes a method combining precooling and tube hydroforging to address the issue of liquid metal embrittlement (LME) susceptibility in galvanized 22MnB5 steel during the hot stamping process. The results show that precooling combined with the tube hydroforging process eliminates LME when the initial hydroforging temperature is below 800 degrees C. Boiling water precooling is found to be more suitable for industrial production, and the mechanical properties of hot-stamped parts satisfy the production requirements when the initial hydroforging process is at temperatures between 800 and 750 degrees C.
STEEL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xing Ye, Zhaoyi Zheng, Jorg G. Werner, John William Boley
Summary: Liquid metals, with their unique properties, are suitable for soft electronics and stretchable conductors. By mechanically damaging the oxide layer, liquid metals can convert chemical energy to electrical energy. The composite material formed by dispersing liquid metals into an ionically-conductive liquid can provide voltage and power. The naturally occurring oxide skin of liquid metals prevents self-discharge and ensures stability in harsh environments. This technology can be applied to strain-activated stretchable batteries and self-powered soft devices.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rutvik Lathia, Chandantaru Dey Modak, Prosenjit Sen
Summary: In this study, the impact dynamics of particle-coated droplets were investigated. It was found that particles coating can suppress droplet breakage, which is of great significance in various applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Taymour A. Hamdalla, A. M. Aboraia, A. A. A. Darwish, S. A. Al-Ghamdi, S. Alfadhli, Alexander Soldatov
Summary: In order to improve the electrochemical performance of LiCoPO4 as a cathode in Lithium-ion batteries, a novel durable one-pot technique is proposed. Mil-88a metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles are incorporated through LiCoPO4 synthesis to form a metal-carbon layer. The structure of the cathode is investigated using XRD, XRF, and TEM, and the electrochemical studies show an improved discharge-specific capacity of 138 mAhg(-1) in the first cycle.The Mil88a MOF provides a basis for metal atoms and carbon, increasing bulk conductivity.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ben Wang, Yun Wang, Jiajia Lin, Yabin Zhang, Xuechang Zhou
Summary: The developed nanocatalysts showed exceptional catalytic properties in water remediation, with improved efficiency and recyclability. The catalysts can be easily collected using a magnet, and their inner liquid metal microdroplets can be recycled by treating them with a base.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinwoo Ma, Vivek T. Bharambe, Karl A. Persson, Adam L. Bachmann, Ishan D. Joshipura, Jongbeom Kim, Kyu Hwan Oh, Jason F. Patrick, Jacob J. Adams, Michael D. Dickey
Summary: Liquid metals can adhere to most surfaces due to the presence of a native gallium oxide layer, but a coating made of suspended silica particles in an appropriate solvent can prevent adhesion on various 3D printed plastics and commercial polymers. This technique allows for the creation of a transparent, nanoscopically rough coating that enables liquid metals to roll and bounce off treated surfaces, and can be selectively removed by laser ablation for metal patterning.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yujie Chen, Zhen Chen, Chi Chen, Hafeez Ur Rehman, Hezhou Liu, Hua Li, Mikael S. Hedenqvist
Summary: This study demonstrates a hydrogel containing gradient-distributed PDA-EGaIn nanodroplets, showing a rapid and tunable thermoresponse, which is suitable for use in grab-release instruments and soft robots.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marcin Nowacki, Monika Walesa-Chorab
Summary: The naphtalenediimide-triphenylamine monomer (NDI-TPA) was synthesized and used to form a thin polymer layer on the electrode surface via electropolymerization. The monomer contains four triphenylamine groups and forms a cross-linked multielectrochromic polymer that changes color during oxidation and reduction. The influence of temperature on the electrochemical and electrochromic properties of the polymer coating was investigated, showing that higher temperatures result in faster and more reversible electrochemical reactions, shorter response times, but also faster degradation of the polymer film.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Batoul Alallam, Abd Almonem Doolaanea, May Kyaw Oo, Mohd Hamzah Mohd Nasir, Muhammad Taher
Summary: The surface coating of nanoparticles has a significant impact on their physicochemical properties, affecting transfection efficiency and gene editing efficiency. Smaller nanoparticles facilitate cellular uptake, while the release and protection ability of plasmid DNA are key factors.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Mechanical
Shuting Liang, Zengwei Wang, Fengjiao Li, Mengjun Huang, Ge Ding
Summary: This study investigates the electric driving behavior of liquid metal columns in a confining channel. It finds that the liquid metal undergoes deformation when an electric field is applied, and the flow of the electrolyte is influenced by the length and volume of the liquid metal column. The research provides a theoretical basis for droplet actuation in microtubes and shows promising applications in the field of micro-drive machines.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Haiqing Lu, Zhanan Zou, Xingli Wu, Chuanqian Shi, Jianliang Xiao
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of highly deformable artificial muscle fibers using liquid crystal elastomers and liquid metal, and characterizes their actuating properties. The results provide important guidance for the design and development of soft systems utilizing the actuating mechanisms of liquid crystal elastomers.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MECHANICS-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minwoo Kim, Hyungjun Lim, Seung Hwan Ko
Summary: Room-temperature liquid metal (LM)-based electronics with exceptional conductivity, conformability, stretchability, and biocompatibility have the potential to revolutionize the field of soft electronics. However, the rheological properties of LM, such as fluidity and surface tension, pose challenges in patterning. In this study, the authors comprehensively investigate and categorize LM-patterning methods, and provide insights into the unique properties of LM-based soft electronics. They also discuss the potential applications of LM-based soft electronics in areas like radio frequency electronics, soft robots, and heterogeneous catalyst. Understanding and utilizing the patterning methods and unique features of LM could lead to widespread integration of LM-based soft devices into everyday life.
Article
Optics
Steffen Schoenhardt, Andreas Boes, Thach G. Nguyen, Arnan Mitchell
Summary: Integrated photonic resonators based on bound states in the continuum (BICs) on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform have the potential for novel, mass-manufacturable resonant devices. To overcome the size limitation of traditional resonator structures, this study investigates the translation of BIC-based ridge resonators into a guided mode system with finite lateral dimensions. Numerical simulations demonstrate that, similar to BIC-based resonators, such a waveguide system can exhibit spectrally narrow-band inversion of its transmissive behavior.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tengteng Qin, Jiaqi Niu, Xiaoqiang Liu, Chaoyao Geng, Anthony P. O'Mullane
Summary: Co/Fe bimetallic hydroxide nanosheets were deposited on polypyrrole nanotubes, followed by coating with polydopamine and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF)-67 to form a composite catalyst precursor. After calcination, the resultant composite catalyst consisted of Co2Fe alloy nanoparticles, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs), and a Co-Nx activated carbon net. The composite exhibited high electrocatalytic activity in both the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, making it a promising catalyst for Zn-air batteries and other applications. The superior catalytic activity was attributed to the synergy between the Co-Nx activated carbon net and Co2Fe alloy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junma Tang, Priyank Kumar, Zhenbang Cao, Jialuo Han, Torben Daeneke, Dorna Esrafilzadeh, Anthony P. O'Mullane, Jianbo Tang, Arifur Rahim, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
Summary: By using mechanical energy as the stimulus and liquid metal gallium (Ga) together with nickel (Ni) particles as co-catalysts, renewable biofuels can be converted into mainly H-2 and C2H4 at near room temperature. This approach offers an alternative for H-2 and C2H4 production without high reaction temperatures and fossil fuel hydrocarbons.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andreas Boes, Lin Chang, Carsten Langrock, Mengjie Yu, Mian Zhang, Qiang Lin, Martin Fejer, John Bowers, Arnan Mitchell
Summary: This article reviews the history of lithium niobate as an optical material, covering its various photonic platforms, engineering concepts, spectral coverage, and major applications, while also providing a glimpse into its future prospects.
Review
Optics
Yang Sun, Jiayang Wu, Mengxi Tan, Xingyuan Xu, Yang LI, Roberto Morandotti, Arnan Mitchell, David J. MOss
Summary: Optical microcombs are compact chip-scale devices that generate laser frequency combs, which have supported many technological advances in fundamental science and industrial applications. Their applications have rapidly progressed in the past decade, not only in traditional fields such as frequency synthesis, signal processing, and optical communications, but also in interdisciplinary fields including LiDAR, astronomical detection, neuromorphic computing, and quantum optics.
ADVANCES IN OPTICS AND PHOTONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziyang Wu, Ting Liao, Sen Wang, Wei Li, Binodhya Wijerathne, Wanping Hu, Anthony P. O'Mullane, Yuantong Gu, Ziqi Sun
Summary: In this study, Fe-doped MFe-LDHs (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Mn) were synthesized to investigate the influence of Fe on their electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). It was found that the Fe content had a significant impact on the catalytic performance, with an optimal Fe content resulting in the highest OER activity. Excess Fe, however, compromised the activity. Additionally, a volcano relationship was observed between the intermediate adsorption and Fe content, and intermediate adsorption capacitance was identified as a new activity descriptor for electrocatalysts.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyu Bai, Shi-Yang Tang, Jianing Wu
Summary: Nowadays, most energy absorbers with a multilayer structure are made of rigid materials, and the utilization of soft materials as energy-absorbing devices is rare. However, in this study, a robust biological energy absorber made of multilayer-structured soft material is reported, based on the understanding of the function of membranous sheathes in fan worms. The study reveals that the mechanical performance and energy absorption capacity of the soft energy absorber are governed by structural features. Ultimately, the advantage of soft-material-based energy absorbers in stabilizing assistance compared with rigid counterparts is elucidated through kinematic analysis of fan worms.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruohan Yu, Jialuo Han, Yuan Chi, Jiewei Zheng, Richard Fuchs, Mohammad B. Ghasemian, Md. Arifur Rahim, Shi-Yang Tang, Guangzhao Mao, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Jianbo Tang
Summary: Exploring the influence of minor constituents on liquid alloys, this study shows that the presence of solute metals in liquid gallium can significantly affect their electrocapillarity and electrochemistry. The formation of different fractal modes in liquid alloy droplets under controlled voltage and alkaline solution conditions is investigated, with distinct non-branched droplets, unstable fractals, and stable fractals observed. Surface tension measurements, cycle voltammetry, and surface compositional characterizations provide evidence that minor alloy components drastically alter the surface tension, electrochemical oxidation, and oxide dissolution processes. These findings offer promising opportunities for harnessing the tunability and functionality of liquid metals.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiewei Zheng, Astha Sharma, Tushar Kumeria, Yuan Chi, Mohammad B. B. Ghasemian, Guangzhao Mao, Jianbo Tang, Priyank Kumar, Md. Arifur Rahim, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
Summary: Liquid metals provide new dimensions for controlling and governing reactions. Solutes in liquid metals can be used to enhance and tune interfacial reactions. In this study, zinc (Zn) is shown to enrich the interfacial area for the synthesis of highly crystalline and porous ZIF-8. The highest reaction rate and best quality ZIF-8 are achieved when a eutectic liquid metal system of Zn with gallium (Ga) is implemented.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenbang Cao, Yuan Chi, Junma Tang, Dorna Esrafilzadeh, Jianbo Tang, Md. Arifur Rahim, Donald S. Thomas, Mohammad Tajik, William A. Donald, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
Summary: In this study, a gallium-ethylene glycol system was used to break down organic bonds and produce hydrogen gas. By applying mechanical agitation, an in-situ monitoring approach was established to analyze the gaseous products and the post-reaction mixture. The results showed that gallium could continuously and selectively produce hydrogen gas and also generate alkanes and alkenes. This study provides a platform to explore alternative strategies for hydrogen production and organic transformation using liquid metals.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Damon M. de Clercq, Jiong Yang, Muhammad Hanif, Jessica Alves, Jiale Feng, Michael P. Nielsen, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Timothy W. Schmidt
Summary: Hybrid inorganic-organic semiconducting devices based on monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have high radiative efficiencies and can form flexible P-N junctions, but the understanding of excitons and charges at the interface between TMDs and organic systems is still limited.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yang Sun, Jiayang Wu, Yang Li, Mengxi Tan, Xingyuan Xu, Sai Tak Chu, Brent E. Little, Roberto Morandotti, Arnan Mitchell, David J. Moss
Summary: Photonic RF transversal signal processors, implemented with photonic technologies, offer high-speed information processing with reduced size, power consumption, and complexity. Optical microcombs generated from compact micro-resonators are ideal sources for RF photonics. This study provides a detailed analysis of the processing accuracy of microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal processors. Theoretical limitations, practical error sources, and the relative contributions of both are investigated, highlighting the potential for further error reduction through feedback control.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shaker Alkaraki, Quan Wei Lin, Alejandro L. Borja, Zhengpeng Wang, Hang Wong, Shiyang Tang, Yi Wang, James R. Kelly
Summary: This article presents a proof of concept for novel phase shifters based on substrate integrated waveguide technology. Liquid metal is used to reconfigure each phase shifter, resulting in a phase shifting range of 360 degrees. The phase shifters have low insertion loss and are designed for use in phased array antenna applications.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES
(2023)
Article
Optics
Remi Armand, Marko Perestjuk, Alberto Della Torre, Milan Sinobad, Arnan Mitchell, Andreas Boes, Jean-Michel Hartmann, Jean-Marc Fedeli, Vincent Reboud, Pierre Brianceau, Alfredo De Rossi, Sylvain Combrie, Christelle Monat, Christian Grillet
Summary: We have achieved a high-Q silicon-germanium on silicon ring resonator at mid-infrared wavelengths. The fabricated ring has a loaded Q-factor of 236,000 at the operating wavelength of 4.18 μm. By considering the combined waveguide propagation losses and bending losses, even higher Q-factors could be achieved on this platform. Moreover, our dispersion engineering of the waveguides makes these microrings suitable for nonlinear optical applications. These results pave the way for sensing applications and nonlinear optics in the mid-infrared range.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Taimur Ahmed, Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Arnan Mitchell, Sumeet Walia
Summary: The alluring properties of low-dimensional materials have greatly advanced brain-inspired electronics, leading to the development of highly efficient neuromorphic devices. This review critically examines the mechanisms in state-of-the-art low-dimensional neuromorphic devices and discusses the factors that influence their working paradigm under different stimuli. Furthermore, it provides a forward-looking outlook on the challenges and perspectives in analyzing these mechanisms to drive next-generation neuromorphic computing.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
