Article
Polymer Science
Lili Zhang, Norman A. Fleck
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the thickness dependence of uniaxial and equi-biaxial tensile responses of ultrathin PMMA films, revealing that tensile failure strain decreases with decreasing film thickness, temperature, and molecular weight, while side-branching plays a secondary role.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke A. Galuska, Eric S. Muckley, Zhiqiang Cao, Dakota F. Ehlenberg, Zhiyuan Qian, Song Zhang, Simon Rondeau-Gagne, Minh D. Phan, John F. Ankner, Ilia N. Ivanov, Xiaodan Gu
Summary: Research shows that obtaining the intrinsic mechanical properties of sub-100nm thin films is challenging, especially in the field of soft organic electronics. Experiments demonstrate subtle yet significant effects of water on the mechanical properties of hydrophobic films.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Muflih A. Adnan, Ali Shayesteh Zeraati, Shariful Kibria Nabil, Tareq A. Al-Attas, Karthick Kannimuthu, Cao-Thang Dinh, Ian D. Gates, Md Golam Kibria
Summary: This research introduces a cation-infused ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte (CISPE) that addresses both challenges of CO2 electroreduction, using a bidirectional ion transport mechanism and suppressed cathode flooding. The deposition of CISPE enables a record high full-cell energy efficiency of 28% for one-step CO2 electrolysis to ethylene, with stable operation for approximately 110 hours. This work provides a versatile design paradigm for functional polymer electrolytes, enabling stable and efficient electrolysis of high-value feedstock chemicals and fuels using low-cost catalysts.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Masayuki Saito, Norifumi L. L. Yamada, Kohzo Ito, Hideaki Yokoyama
Summary: Understanding the mechanical properties and swelling behaviors of ultrathin polymer films is crucial in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This study investigates the mechanical properties and swelling behaviors of ultrathin chemically cross-linked polybutadiene films. It was found that reducing the film thickness increased the Young's modulus and resulted in an unusual stress-relaxation behavior. Moreover, the in-plane swelling of films floating on water was significantly suppressed due to the effects of interface-induced orientations and trapped chain segments acting as pseudo-cross-linking points.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
M. Kuepferling, A. Casiraghi, G. Soares, G. Durin, F. Garcia-Sanchez, L. Chen, C. H. Back, C. H. Marrows, S. Tacchi, G. Carlotti
Summary: This review examines the state of the art measurement techniques for the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction constant (DMI constant D), particularly in systems where the DMI arises from the interface between two materials. The review provides an overview of experimental techniques, theoretical background, and models for quantifying the DMI constant. The measurement techniques are categorized into three types: domain-wall-based measurements, spin-wave-based measurements, and spin-orbit torque-based measurements. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are analyzed, and the D values at different interfaces are compared. The review aims to improve understanding of the applicability of different techniques and explain discrepancies in literature values.
REVIEWS OF MODERN PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kyoungjun Lee, Jinho Byun, Kunwoo Park, Sungsu Kang, Myeong Seop Song, Jungwon Park, Jaekwang Lee, Seung Chul Chae
Summary: This study demonstrates a method to retain information with the least loss of energy in ubiquitous mobile devices. By integrating a ferroelectric HfO2 thin film directly on a silicon wafer, a colossal resistance change in the ferroelectric tunnel junction is achieved. The On/Off ratio is improved by altering the polarization direction in the metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor junction. The high CMOS compatibility of HfO2 is of great significance for the widespread application of ferroelectric tunnel barriers.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhichen Yan, Rakesh Joshi, Yi You, Geedhika Poduval, John A. Stride
Summary: This study introduces a method for controlled growth of ultrathin carbon films with a structure similar to graphene directly on silicon substrates, which shows potential for producing high-quality graphene films suitable for device fabrication.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wei Peng, Junsik Mun, Qidong Xie, Jingsheng Chen, Lingfei Wang, Miyoung Kim, Tae Won Noh
Summary: The research shows that in compressed strained BaTiO3 ultrathin films, the intentional introduction of oxygen vacancies can create nanoscale polarization structures, opening a new path for understanding and generating topological polar objects.
NPJ QUANTUM MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Zhizhong Zhu, Wenhui Ma
Summary: The stress-depolarization field phase stability map for ultrathin [111]-PbTiO3 epitaxial films on SrTiO3 reveals that inducing low-symmetry states can be remarkably lowered by the presence of the depolarization field, restricting the polarization vector in a symmetry plane. Investigation of the competition of phase stability and evolution of monoclinic states shows significant enhancement in dielectric and piezoelectric responses under certain boundary conditions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qian Zhang, Qian Wang, Guangyu Wang, Zilu Zhang, Shan Xia, Guanghui Gao
Summary: This study constructed conductive hydrogel film-based sensors inspired by the ultrathin and flexible characteristics of human organ biofilms. The sensors can accurately record human motion signals and recognize surface textures and roughness of objects. The ultrathin and flexible hydrogel films not only exhibit excellent sensing properties, but also possess UV shielding, antiswelling ability, and good biocompatibility.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Joanna Giermanska, Soumaya Ben Jabrallah, Nicolas Delorme, Guillaume Vignaud, Jean-Paul Chapel
Summary: In this study, the variation of mass density of polymer thin films was investigated, showing an increase for PS and a decrease for PMMA films as thickness was reduced. Additionally, the coefficient of thermal expansion was measured to rationalize the inconsistency with the depression/rise of Tg, revealing a clear correlation between glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, and free volume of the polymer.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yang Wei, Kunting Miao, Xi Zhang, Yongfeng Zhou, Kaiqi Zheng
Summary: This study established a database and proposed a new stress-strain model for FRP-SS confined circular concrete columns, which showed good performance in capturing the stress-strain curves at different stages and predicting the residual stages under various confining conditions. The proposed model demonstrated better flexibility and versatility compared to existing models, and the effects of different parameters on the behavior of FRP-SS confined circular concrete were discussed.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Punnarao Manchi, Sontyana Adonijah Graham, Bhaskar Dudem, Harishkumarreddy Patnam, Jae Su Yu
Summary: The study focuses on utilizing ferroelectric lithium niobate microparticles to fabricate nanogenerators for harvesting mechanical energy resources, with the hybrid nanogenerator exhibiting the best performance. Optimizing the concentration of added ferroelectric material can lead to the highest electrical performance, with good electrical stability and mechanical durability.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rainhard Machatschek, Matthias Heuchel, Andreas Lendlein
Summary: By studying the hydrolysis of PEI at the air-water interface, it was found that adjusting the hydrophilicity and cohesive structure of PEI through hydrolysis can alter its function in biomedical and membrane applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
D. L. Shan, C. H. Lei, Y. C. Cai, K. Pan, Y. Y. Liu
Summary: This study presents a mesoscopic mechanical control method, based on entropy analysis, to manipulate the electrocaloric response in epitaxial ferroelectric thin films for practical cooling applications at different temperatures. By adjusting the chemical composition, misfit strain, and external stress, it is possible to control the phase structures, phase transition temperatures, and electrocaloric response in BaxSr1-xTiO3 thin films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mei Zhi, Zhongbo Zhou, Caiyun Yang, Yucheng Chen, Yeyuan Xiao, Fangang Meng
Summary: This study investigates the effects of solid retention times (SRTs) on microbial communities and interactions in algal-bacterial partial nitrification systems. The results show that an SRT of 10 days is ideal for stable nitrite accumulation, while longer SRTs result in more nitrate production. SRTs are strongly associated with microbial diversity and the functional microorganisms present.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei-Ting Hsu, Chun-Hung Ku, Mu-Jean Chen, Chih-Da Wu, Shih-Chun Candice Lung, Yu-Cheng Chen
Summary: Indirect measurements using microenvironment concentrations and personal activity diaries are a useful alternative for estimating PM2.5 exposure. This study optimized a personal exposure model based on spatiotemporal predictions and found that ambient and home outdoor measurements may underestimate and overestimate personal exposure to PM2.5, respectively. The model incorporating home indoor PM2.5 achieved the highest agreement with personal exposure and the lowest measurement error.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chin -Yu Hsu, Jhy-Charm Soo, Sheng-Lun Lin, Chih-Da Wu, Kai Hsien Chi, Wen-Chang Hsu, Chun-Chieh Tseng, Yu-Cheng Chen
Summary: This study aimed to quantify PM2.5 and associated metals from local and long-range transport sources in different geographic locations in Taiwan. The results showed that the northern and eastern regions of Taiwan were more vulnerable to long-range transport-related PM2.5 and metals compared to the central-south and southern regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
Wanchun Jiang, Yujia Qiu, Yucheng Chen, Fa Ji, Haiming Xie, Xiangqian Zhou, Jialiang Chen, Jiawei Huang, Jianxin Wang, Yan Li
Summary: In distributed key-value stores, the selection of replica servers is crucial for reducing response time. However, existing replica selection algorithms suffer from poor timeliness of feedback information. To address this issue, this paper proposes an Accelerated Information Dissemination (AID) mechanism that allows both client and replica server to store records about the status of replica servers and piggyback multiple records in the key-value pairs. The results show that AID significantly improves the timeliness of feedback information, especially in large-scale deployments.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON PARALLEL AND DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Mathematics
Yu Chen, Weili Yao
Summary: In this paper, we investigate the mean-square estimate of the automorphic L-function L(f)(s, chi) attached to a normalized Hecke eigen forms f and a primitive Dirichlet character chi modulo q, for the full modular group SL(2, Z) with even integral weight k ≥ 2. Utilizing properties of Fourier coefficients and analytic methods, we establish an asymptotic formula that refines previous results.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PURE & APPLIED MATHEMATICS
(2023)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Jingxi Wu, Yuyong Chen, Zhiming Du, Haiyan Jiang
Summary: The centrifugal investment casting process of the air rudder skeleton made of Ti48Al48Cr2Nb2 alloy was studied using finite element analysis and orthogonal experimental design. The results showed that shrinkage porosity mainly occurred at the intersection of the structure and near the junction between the ingate and the casting, which was related to the grain frame and closed region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METALCASTING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tse-Lun Chen, Chen-Hao Lai, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yu-Hsuan Ho, Albert Y. Chen, Ta-Chih Hsiao
Summary: This study investigates the sources of submicron and ultrafine particles (UFP) using a positive matrix factorization model. It found that UFP exposure is epidemiologically and toxicologically linked to pulmonary, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. The study identified the contributions of particle chemical composition and size distribution to lung deposition and excess cancer risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shachar Keren, Cynthia Bukowski, Maya Barzilay, Myounguk Kim, Mikhail Stolov, Alfred J. Crosby, Noy Cohen, Tamar Segal-Peretz
Summary: Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) is an emerging technique for fabricating hybrid organic-inorganic materials with nanoscale precision and controlled properties. This work studies the nanocomposite morphology and its effect on the mechanical behavior of SIS-based hybrid thin films of AlOx -PMMA under aqueous environments. Results show that the AlOx content affects the modulus and yield stress of the material. Additionally, the presence of AlOx induces water uptake, which further influences the performance of the hybrid materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu-Chuan Yen, Chun-Hung Ku, Ta-Chih Hsiao, Kai Hsien Chi, Chiung-Yu Peng, Yu-Cheng Chen
Summary: The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictive measures had a significant impact on personal exposure to specific VOCs and aldehydes. During the Level 3 warning period, there was a significant decrease in exposure to VOCs associated with automobile emissions, but an increase in formaldehyde exposure. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of COVID-19 measures on personal exposure to specific VOCs and aldehydes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyemin Kim, James J. J. Watkins, Alfred J. J. Crosby
Summary: Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) bottlebrush elastomers (BBEs) are soft materials with controlled bulk mechanical properties. A study of the adhesion of PDMS BBEs to glass reveals that the critical energy release rates, G(c), for initiating separation are independent of crosslink density. The monomer chemistry of side chains plays a primary role in defining surface properties, while the faster dissipative relaxation mechanisms within BBEs contribute to their lower G(c) and less velocity dependence compared to linear chain networks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos A. Lugo, Chiara Airoldi, Chao Chen, Alfred J. Crosby, Beverley J. Glover
Summary: We study the origin and propagation of surface nano-ridges in plant petal epidermal cells using the model system Hibiscus trionum. By tracking the development of cell shape and cuticle, we observe the formation of two distinct sub-layers in the cuticle and propose a mechanical model assuming it behaves as a growing bi-layer. Our numerical investigations in two- and three-dimensional settings replicate the observed developmental trajectories in petals and provide insights into the factors influencing the pattern features.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuan-Hsiu Huang, Yi-Ru Ko, Tzu-Chi Lin, Yu-Hsiang Cheng, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yu-Chieh Ting
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic in northern Taiwan resulted in the implementation of Level 3 alert measures, significantly impacting air quality and providing an unprecedented opportunity to understand future control strategies for air pollutants. This study comprehensively investigated the variations in sources, chemical characteristics, and human health risks of PM2.5. The study found that PM2.5 mass concentrations and inorganic ions were greatly reduced during the alert period, while organic matter and elemental carbon decreased to a lesser extent, causing a shift in the chemical composition of PM2.5. The study also identified the primary sources of PM2.5 and highlighted the need for continued efforts in reducing carbonaceous matter emissions.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tzu-Yi Lu, Chih-Da Wu, Yen-Tsung Huang, Yu-Cheng Chen, Chien-Jen Chen, Hwai- Yang, Wen-Chi Pan
Summary: This study investigated the association between metal constituents in PM2.5 and the risk of liver cancer. Long-term exposure to copper (Cu) in PM2.5 was found to be positively associated with the risk of liver cancer. The findings suggest that copper in PM2.5 may contribute to the association between PM2.5 exposure and liver cancer.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu-Chuan Yen, Chun-Hung Ku, Tsung-Chieh Yao, Hui-Ju Tsai, Chiung-Yu Peng, Yu-Cheng Chen
Summary: This study assessed the variability and potential health risks of exposure to aldehydes in schoolchildren, finding that personal exposure to formaldehyde and acrolein were higher during the warm season. The within-subject variance accounted for the majority of the total variance in exposure. Factors such as season, location, household refurbishment, and indoor ventilation were significantly associated with personal exposure to aldehydes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Lutong Pu, Yike Diao, Jie Wang, Tingting Fang, Ziqian Xu, Jiayu Sun, Yucheng Chen
Summary: This study investigated the left atrial dysfunction of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients using a rapid semi-automatic method and found that left atrial long-axis strain (LAS) can serve as a predictive value for atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence in HCM patients.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
