Article
Chemistry, Physical
Reinout F. Ubbink, Solrun Gudjonsdottir, Yan B. Vogel, Arjan J. Houtepen
Summary: In this study, drift-diffusion simulations are used to model the electrochemical charging of nanocrystal films and investigate the limitations of this process. It is found that the concentration of the electrolyte and the applied potential affect the Fermi level and doping density in the film. The results also show that ion transport in the film is dominated by drift, rather than diffusion, which is different from classical electrochemical theory.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanxiu Li, Xuelan Sha, Xiafei Gao, Juan Peng
Summary: This paper synthesized Al-doped octahedral Cu2O (Al-Cu2O) nanocrystals by a simple wet chemical method. The selectivity of CO2RR products was improved by doping Al onto the surface of octahedral Cu2O. The Al-Cu2O was used as an efficient electrocatalyst for CO2RR with selective ethylene production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuhai Liu, Ming Han, Xiaolong Feng, Qiuhong Yu, Long Gu, Longfei Wang, Yong Qin, Zhong Lin Wang
Summary: The statistical piezotronic effect was reported in ZnO bulk, showing that strain-induced piezo-potential at crystal interfaces can effectively control electrical transport. The crystal orientation of inner ZnO nanoplatelets strongly influences ZnO bulk's transport properties and conductivity can be increased with optimum nanoplatelet orientation under high pressure.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maximilian Jansen, William A. Tisdale, Vanessa Wood
Summary: Colloidal nanocrystals are used as building blocks to create hierarchical solids with various structures, and recent studies have shown that these structures exhibit collective vibrations. This Perspective discusses the potential applications of these collective vibrations in phononic crystals, acoustic metamaterials, and optomechanical systems.
Article
Physics, Applied
Thierry Melin, Dominique Deresmes
Summary: The electrical properties of individual silicon nanocrystals were investigated using atomic/electrostatic force microscopy, revealing charge blinking properties and charging phenomena. Results demonstrate the possibility to produce experimental results on the electrostatic properties of silicon nanocrystals with elementary charge sensitivity using standard atomic force microscopy.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Giulia Guidetti, Bruno Frka-Petesic, Ahu G. Dumanli, Wadood Y. Hamad, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: This study demonstrates how thermal treatments can influence the optical appearance of structurally coloured CNC films, and how to maintain their helicoidal architecture and chiral optical response in different conditions. Retaining the helicoidal arrangement in CNC films at high temperatures is crucial for industrial and sensor applications, while the production of chiral carbon offers new possibilities for electrochemical applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ana Oberlintner, Blaz Likozar, Uros Novak
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were acetylated and incorporated into alginate (ALG) and chitosan (CH) film-forming solutions. SEM analysis showed improved compatibility between CH matrix and acetylated CNCs, resulting in a smooth surface layer, while ALG mixed better with pristine CNCs. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed structural changes in films after integration of pristine/modified CNCs. Water contact angle decreased and water vapor transmission rate increased with CNC esterification in CH. Mechanical properties showed the highest tensile strength in dry conditions and the opposite trend for elongation at break. TGA analysis suggested slight improvement in thermal stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin E. Droguet, Hsin-Ling Liang, Bruno Frka-Petesic, Richard M. Parker, Michael F. L. De Volder, Jeremy J. Baumberg, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: This study achieved large-scale fabrication of cellulose nanocrystal photonic films in a roll-to-roll device by optimizing the formulation and deposition process. It demonstrated the potential of cellulose nanocrystals as sustainable materials for industrial applications, producing effect pigments and glitters as alternatives to existing products that may be harmful or unsustainable.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuefen Zhang, Wei-Li Song, Mingyong Wang, Jiguo Tu, Handong Jiao, Shuqiang Jiao
Summary: In this study, a highly reversible photo-electrochemical coupling system has been demonstrated, which achieves rapid kinetics, fast charging, and enhanced rate performance through induced photoelectrons. It also enhances the discharge capacity and charge storage ability of manganese oxide as a positive electrode material for AAIBs.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chuanwei Miao, Lacey Reid, Y. Wadood Hamad
Summary: Portable and flexible electronics require lightweight, sustainable, durable, and low-cost piezoelectric materials. The study explores inexpensive organic materials and bio-derived materials as promising options. Research on the commercialization of ferroelectric polymers like PVDF, as well as understanding the electromechanical properties of bio-derived materials are important for future developments.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuejing Shen, Tao Sun, Zhanjun Wu, Li Tan
Summary: This study successfully designs and fabricates solid-state batteries with high-rate capability and long cycle life using a gel polymer electrolyte with ultrahigh ionic conductivity. The full batteries with the Al/GPE/3D graphene structure exhibit stability, high specific capacity, charging rate, and cycling stability under high current densities. Furthermore, high-flux operations play an important role in reducing energy demand during high-rate reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Fang Guo, Jingjing Zhang, Zhihong Huang, Weilai Huang
Summary: Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained attention in logistics due to government support and increasing environmental awareness. This study proposes an integer programming model based on a charging model and battery wear model to solve the routing problem of EVs. The benefits of considering charging time, battery wear, and distribution are demonstrated through examples, and sensitivity analysis is conducted on wear cost and charging time.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hyun Su Kim, Su Kyung Kang, Haoxiang Zhang, Elsa Tsegay Tikue, Jin Hyung Lee, Pyung Soo Lee
Summary: This study evaluated the size control of Al-ZSM-5 nanocrystals by manipulating the Si/Al ratio, synthesis time, and silica nutrients/seed crystal ratio, and tested their catalytic performance in the MDA reaction. Both synthesis conditions and crystal size significantly influenced the growth of Al-ZSM-5, with an increased Si/Al ratio leading to larger crystals in the synthesis sols. The catalyst size showed distinct differences in catalyst stability during the MDA reaction, while changes in the SAR of catalysts did not produce noticeable impacts on the catalyst stability of the Al-ZSM-5 crystals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Chen, Jun Li, Jun Xu, Yi Gao, Shiyun Zhu, Bin Wang, Guangdong Ying
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the ductility and compatibility of PLA composite film by incorporating nanocellulose. The results showed that the use of acetylated nanocellulose improved the mechanical performance of hydrophobic PLA matrix. Compared to cellulose nanocrystals, the inclusion of acetylated nanocellulose significantly increased the tensile stress of the composite films. Additionally, the PLA composite films with acetylated nanocellulose exhibited better ductility and compatibility. Therefore, acetylated nanocellulose was identified as an excellent reinforcing agent for improving the properties of PLA composite film, showing promising potential for replacing some petrochemical plastics in real-life applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Donglei Liu, Hao Zhang, Xufeng Dong, Lin Sang, Min Qi
Summary: Cartilage tissue engineering technology provides a solution for treating osteoarthritis. In this study, cellulose nanocrystal/collagen hydrogels with tunable viscoelastic properties were used as a viscoelastic microenvironment to investigate the effects on chondrocyte behaviors. The results showed that enhancing the hydrogel's viscoelastic properties promoted cell shape change, proliferation, and matrix deposition, and reduced inflammation levels. Stress relaxation was identified as the factor with the strongest correlation to chondrocyte behaviors. FAK and YAP were also found to be involved in the chondrocytes' response to the hydrogel.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonathan Y. S. Leung, Ivan Nagelkerken, Jennifer C. A. Pistevos, Zonghan Xie, Sam Zhang, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Ocean acidification and warming have an impact on the mechanical properties of shark teeth, but when combined together, the durability of teeth increases. The teeth are mainly made of fluorapatite, with increased fluoride content under acidified seawater, which may enhance the durability of the teeth.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ka-Te Chen, Chia-Hsun Hsu, Shi-Cong Jiang, Lu-Sheng Liang, Peng Gao, Yu Qiu, Wan-Yu Wu, Sam Zhang, Wen-Zhang Zhu, Shui-Yang Lien
Summary: The effects of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition fabricated Ta-doped TiO2 thin films on film structure and electronic properties are investigated. Ta-doping improves crystal structure stability and passivates material defects, leading to improved film quality. The annealing process enhances electron transport for perovskite solar cells, resulting in increased fill factor and conversion efficiency.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiman Zhao, Shunian Chen, Yujie Chen, Shuai Wu, Wenling Xie, Weiqing Yan, Shu Wang, Bin Liao, Sam Zhang
Summary: The study found that higher N2 gas flow rates promote higher N content in the coatings, resulting in a transformation to a face-centered-cubic (FCC) phase; the high N content allows the coating to exhibit superior hardness and excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Y. H. Liu, L. Chen, X. W. Li, Y. C. Wu, S. Liu, J. J. Wang, S. G. Hu, Q. Yu, T. P. Chen, Y. Liu
Summary: This study proposes a lightweight automatic epilepsy detection system based on a neuromorphic chip, utilizing a neural network model for high-accuracy detection without the need for prior knowledge. The system shows high classification accuracy in tests and offers the possibility of epilepsy detection in wearable or portable devices.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peizheng Xiong, Xiangming Huang, Naijing Ye, Qunwen Lu, Gang Zhang, Shunlin Peng, Hongbo Wang, Yiyao Liu
Summary: Metal-based nanoparticles play important roles in various fields, but their complex migration and transformation pathways may lead to unpredictable toxic effects on human and ecosystem health. This review summarizes the mechanisms and evaluation methods of cytotoxicity, and analyzes the typical effects on the nervous, immune, reproductive, and genetic systems. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the safety of metal-based nanoparticles for practical applications are discussed.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zengjie Zhou, Guannan Li, Xin Gong, Yuming Lu, Jianfeng Tang, Sam Zhang
Summary: A novel Te-doped 0.7BiFe1_xTexO3-0.3BaTiO3 ceramics with enhanced ferroelectric properties were designed and synthesized. The introduction of Te reduced the Fe2+ concentration and improved the insulating performance. The Te-induced structure distortion resulted in a large remnant polarization and relaxed ferroelectric behavior.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuang Liu, J. J. Wang, J. T. Zhou, S. G. Hu, Q. Yu, T. P. Chen, Y. Liu
Summary: In this article, a spiking neural network (SNN) based on both SRAM processing-in-memory (PIM) macro and on-chip unsupervised learning with Spike-Time-Dependent Plasticity (STDP) is presented. The co-design of algorithm and hardware improves area and energy efficiency. The proposed macro utilizes charge sharing of capacitors for fully parallel operations and a programmable high-precision PIM threshold generator is designed to achieve low DNL and high linearity. With the combination of the hardware-friendly STDP algorithm, parallel WLs and PBLs, unsupervised learning and MNIST dataset recognition are realized.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hongzhe Wang, Junjie Wang, Hao Hu, Guo Li, Shaogang Hu, Qi Yu, Zhen Liu, Tupei Chen, Shijie Zhou, Yang Liu
Summary: This paper proposes an RRAM PIM accelerator architecture that does not use ADCs and DACs. Additionally, no additional memory usage is required to avoid the need for a large amount of data transportation in convolution computation. Partial quantization is introduced to reduce the accuracy loss. The proposed architecture can substantially reduce the overall power consumption and accelerate computation. The simulation results show that the image recognition rate for the CNN algorithm can reach 284 frames per second at 50 MHz using this architecture. The accuracy of the partial quantization remains almost unchanged compared to the algorithm without quantization.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenling Xie, Yiman Zhao, Shunian Chen, Bin Liao, Sam Zhang, Qingsong Hua, Guangyu He
Summary: The AlN monolayer and (Al/AlN)5 multilayer coatings were deposited on AZ31 magnesium alloys using filtered cathodic vacuum arc technology. The AlN monolayer had a dense structure with some holes at the coating/substrate interface. The (Al/AlN)5 multilayer exhibited a compact layered structure with interrupted holes by the Al/AlN interface. Both AlN monolayer and (Al/AlN)5 multilayer showed excellent corrosion resistance, with low corrosion current densities of 1.91 x 10-6 and 1.11 x 10-6 A/cm2 respectively. The improved corrosion resistance of the (Al/AlN)5 multilayer can be attributed to its denser layered structure, better adhesion strength, crack propagation resistance, and deformation coordination between coating and substrate during corrosion.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Geng Yang, Ting Song, Hanxi Zhang, Mengyue Li, Xiaodan Wei, Wanyi Zhou, Chunhui Wu, Yiyao Liu, Hong Yang
Summary: Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising treatment for tumors, but it is limited by heat shock proteins (HSPs). In this study, a stimuli-responsive theranostic nanoplatform is designed for synergistic gas therapy and PTT. The nanoplatform combines photothermal effect, controlled drug release, and gas therapy to enhance PTT efficacy via mitochondrial dysfunction.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinghong Cai, Qiang Yang, Yao Tong, Sam Zhang, Min Wang
Summary: A novel method for the detection and inactivation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) based on first-principles method is presented. The adsorption and inactivation of AFB1 on g-C3N5 nanotubes with the OH group was achieved. The introduction of the OH group destroys the C=C bond of AFB1 and forms a new substance AFB1-9-hydroxy (AFB1-OH), resulting in the inactivation of AFB1 toxicity.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang Qin, Yuchen He, Yixi Zhang, Shun Li, Tingting Li, Fengming You, Yiyao Liu
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ting Song, Geng Yang, Hanxi Zhang, Mengyue Li, Wanyi Zhou, Chuan Zheng, Fengming You, Chunhui Wu, Yiyao Liu, Hong Yang
Summary: This study constructed a GSH-depleting magnetic nanoplatform (D@MOs-P) that enhances ferroptosis by disrupting redox homeostasis and ferritinophagy-mediated iron disorders. The D@MOs-P platform utilizes disulfide bond-mediated glutathione depletion and magnetic hyperthermia to disrupt redox homeostasis and induce ferritinophagy, leading to intense ferroptosis of tumor cells. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that D@MOs-P effectively suppresses tumor growth with minimal side effects. This research also highlights the potential of magnetic nanoparticles for T2-weighted MR imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Meng Wang, Jiayu You, Cunyun Xu, Jun Dong, Chuanyao Luo, Qunliang Song, Sam Zhang
Summary: The article introduces a simple method to improve the performance of Q-2D perovskite solar cells by adding 3D perovskite powder to the precursor solution. This enables the formation of a uniform and closely connected heterostructure with distributed large-n phases, thereby promoting charge transfer.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanbo Li, Tupei Chen, Xin Ju, Teddy Salim
Summary: This study presents the fabrication of a transparent thin film transistor (TFT) using InGaZnO and TaOx, which exhibits various synaptic behaviors and high responsivity to light, indicating potential applications in neuromorphic systems.
