Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorna Binks, Chong Tian, Stephan D. P. Fielden, Inigo J. Vitorica-Yrezabal, David A. Leigh
Summary: We report a novel class of synthetic molecular pumps that utilize a stepwise information ratchet mechanism to achieve the kinetic gating required for sequestering macrcyclic substrates. These pumps thread rings onto a thread and enable the loading of different macrocydes in a desired sequence.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Molina, Javier E. Escobar, Daniel Ramos, Eduardo Gil-Santos, Jose J. Ruz, Javier Tamayo, Alvaro San Paulo, Montserrat Calleja
Summary: Dynamic range quantifies the linear operation regime available in nanomechanical resonators. Nonlinearities can affect the response of nanowire resonators, but it is possible to achieve high values, up to 90 dB, through certain techniques.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Wang, Qiaowen Zhao, Sen Liang, Mingliang Mei, Guangwei She, Wensheng Shi, Lixuan Mu
Summary: A silicon nanowire-based fluorescence lifetime thermometer (NWFLT) was developed for measuring intra- and extra-cellular temperatures simultaneously. The NWFLT revealed significant temperature heterogeneity along the longitudinal direction, particularly between the inside and outside of the cell.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Qiyang Hu, Boyao Lyu, Jin Tang, Lingyao Kong, Haifeng Du, Weiwei Wang
Summary: A magnetic toron is a localized three-dimensional spin texture composed of skyrmionic layers, stabilized in chiral magnets using external fields. In a cylindrical nanowire, toron dynamics induced by electric currents show unidirectional motion in a large current, divided into three regions. The moving direction of the toron can be tuned by the sign of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, indicating its potential as an information carrier.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Harish Devaraj, Qi Tian, Weihong Guo, Rajiv Malhotra
Summary: Thermally driven sintering is widely used for enhancing the conductivity of metal nanowire ensembles in printed electronics, with a new modeling framework successfully linking atomistic simulations of neck growth to ensemble conductivity evolution. The experimental validation demonstrates ultra-low computational effort and rapid design capability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Hui Xia, Yaqian Liu, Hailu Wang, Tianxin Li, Zhongying Tong, Xiren Chen, Pingping Chen, Weida Hu, Wei Lu
Summary: A feasible route to balance the electric gain and the light absorption efficiency in semiconductor nanowire array has been discovered by injecting photocarriers in the opposite direction, which activates the photoconductive gain to the maximum degree. Experimental results show a high responsivity and bias-voltage control for different working modes.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiang Yan, Ying Zhang, Zongguang Liu, Junzhuan Wang, Jun Xu, Linwei Yu
Summary: We have established a single nanowire morphing strategy to construct ultracompact soft robotic grippers capable of large amplitude multi-dimensional maneuvering and dexterous manipulation of microscale objects under swift Lorentz forces driving. This strategy provides an ideal platform for rapidly designing, constructing, and prototyping a wide range of advanced ultracompact nanorobotic, mechanical sensing, and biological manipulation functionalities.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Debadrita Paria, Annalisa Convertino, Piyush Raj, Kristine Glunde, Yun Chen, Ishan Barman
Summary: Nanotechnology has enabled the development of next generation biomedical devices that interact with living cells at the nanostructure level. By studying the response of cells to different stimuli in 3D microenvironments, researchers are able to harness specific cues for potential applications such as bioassays and tissue printing technologies. The study on randomly oriented nanowire substrates provides insights into the interaction between cancer cells and synthetic surfaces, showing varying attachment preferences of primary and secondary cancer cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Debanjan Maity, Ankita Kolay, Melepurath Deepa
Summary: By tethering N-GQDs and PCDTBT to SiNWs, the light absorption performance can be enhanced, leading to higher conversion efficiency in liquid junction solar cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maritza Mujica, Amar Mohabir, Pralav P. Shetty, Wesley R. Cline, Daniel Aziz, Matthew T. McDowell, Victor Breedveld, Sven Holger Behrens, Michael A. Filler
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate the growth of single-crystalline i-Si, i-Si/n-Si, and SixGe1-x/SiyGe1-y nanowires via the Geode process. The use of microcapsules improves scalability while maintaining programmability of the nanowires. Heat and mass transport limitations introduced by the microcapsule wall are shown to be negligible, allowing for consistent compositional control. The efficient transport also minimizes structural variations in nanowires grown in microcapsules with different sizes and wall thicknesses.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Virgil Andrei, Inwhan Roh, Peidong Yang
Summary: Artificial photosynthesis converts small molecules into useful fuels using photochemical diodes. Nanowire semiconductors offer advantages in light absorption and catalytic activity, but require careful integration for overall fuel production.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Moumita Rana, Afshin Pendashteh, Richard S. Schaufele, Joaquim Gispert, Juan J. Vilatela
Summary: This study introduces a novel method to fabricate silicon anodes, utilizing suspended long silicon nanowires and assembling them into continuous and robust textile-like network structures. The resulting anodes exhibit high-performance electrode properties and excellent capacity retention.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Viraj Bhingardive, Guillaume Le Saux, Avishay Edri, Angel Porgador, Mark Schvartzman
Summary: The cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells is regulated by various chemical and physical cues, with a newly engineered platform based on nanowires revealing how spatial heterogeneity affects NK cell function. The platform demonstrates the tunability of NK cell cytotoxicity, offering insights into their immune function and potential applications in immunotherapy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Young Ho Song, Doo Gun Kim, Dong Wook Lee, Jeong Woo Hwang, Parsian K. Mohseni, Jae Cheol Shin, Xiuling Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the direct heteroepitaxy of III-V nanowire arrays on silicon substrates. By fabricating a micrometer-scale SiNx pattern using photolithography technique, the diameter and height of the nanowires can be controlled effectively.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Gopalakrishnan, Mihir Ranjan Sahoo, Avijeet Ray, Nirpendra Singh, S. Harish, E. Senthil Kumar, M. Navaneethan
Summary: We have developed a heterostructure photocathode consisting of nickel cobalt disulphide layers (NiCo2S4 NS) over a p-Si nanowire (Si NW) surface for solar-assisted water reduction. The optimized Si NW/NiCo2S4 NS heterostructure exhibits enhanced water reduction activity under simulated solar irradiation. The catalytic performance of the heterostructure is attributed to the electrocatalyst properties of NiCo2S4 and efficient charge separation and migration processes at the photocathode/electrolyte interface. Our findings demonstrate the potential of this heterostructure scheme for designing high-performance Si photocathodes for solar water reduction.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yanqing Tang, Yun Huang, Liu Luo, Donglei (Emma) Fan, Yangcheng Lu, Arumugam Manthiram
Summary: A self-supported sulfur host was successfully fabricated to improve the performance of Li-S batteries, achieving significant progress in high sulfur loading, high capacity, excellent rate performance, and cycling stability.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingang Li, Mingsong Wang, Zilong Wu, Huanan Li, Guangwei Hu, Taizhi Jiang, Jianhe Guo, Yaoran Liu, Kan Yao, Zhihan Chen, Jie Fang, Donglei Fan, Brian A. Korgel, Andrea Alu, Yuebing Zheng
Summary: A study has reported reconfigurable chiral nanostructures with silicon nanoparticles and nanowires, allowing for tailored configurations and chiroptical responses. The optical chirality arises from the coupling between optical resonances of the silicon nanoparticle and nanowire, enabling label-free enantiodiscrimination of biomolecules in single structures. This research provides insights into high-index material design and new strategies for adaptive devices in photonic and electronic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Sun, Zhenkai Ji, Le He, Chuanzhen Zhao, Liang Ma, Xiuzhen Xu, Erik Jan Cornel, Zhen Fan, Xiaobin Xu
Summary: The study demonstrates a rapid and efficient intracellular delivery method for miRNA against esophageal cancer via photothermal effects induced on plasmonic pyramid arrays. This approach achieves successful and quick delivery of miRNA and combats drug resistance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qianru Jia, Yifei Liu, Donglei Emma Fan, Li Shi
Summary: The study investigates the impact of chemical vapor deposition on the structure and thermal conductivities of graphitic foams and dendritic graphitic foams, revealing the potential for enhanced thermal management in these materials. By introducing a small volume fraction of functional materials into the graphitic foams, a significant increase in room-temperature solid thermal conductivity is achieved, while dendritic graphitic foams with increased surface area show lower effective thermal conductivity despite a compromised solid thermal conductivity. Through systematic variations in catalyst template morphology and CVD conditions, the distinct roles of catalyst surface curvature and graphitic strut thickness in controlling the properties of the two types of foams are elucidated.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhichao Ma, Hyungmok Joh, Donglei Emma Fan, Peer Fischer
Summary: This research introduces a dynamic method of acoustic wavefront control based on light patterns that trigger the generation of microbubbles. The method allows for the modification of acoustic waves from a single transducer, enabling the generation of various acoustic images and patterns. This versatile approach has significant potential for a wide range of applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yun Huang, Jianhe Guo, Yufan Li, Huaizhi Li, Donglei Emma Fan
Summary: 2D materials like MoS2 show unique performance in the field of micro/nanomachines and robots, and when combined with TiO2 can enhance light absorption capability, potentially allowing for solar-powered water disinfection.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianfu Luo, Weigu Li, Zexi Liang, Yifei Liu, Donglei Emma Fan
Summary: Easy access to clean water is crucial for modern society, but developing energy-efficient and portable water treatment systems for point-of-use applications remains challenging. In this study, a 3D porous dendritic graphite foam (PDGF) was used to directly capture and remove pathogen cells from bulk water in a high-frequency AC field, achieving high disinfection efficiency with low energy consumption. The PDGFs, at a cost of $1.47 per piece, maintained their functionality for at least 20 uses without degradation. The developed system was successfully applied to purify natural water from Waller Creek to safe drinking levels, showing potential for future POU water treatment devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huaizhi Li, Daniel Teal, Zexi Liang, Hyunah Kwon, David Huo, Alison Jin, Peer Fischer, Donglei Emma Fan
Summary: A versatile electrokinetic trap allows for simultaneous control of the two-dimensional position and three-dimensional angle of an untethered nanowire with high precision. This trap overcomes the challenges of Brownian motion and enables nanorobotic tools for assembly, micromanipulation, and biological measurements.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiuzhen Xu, Yuting Xiong, Wenfei Liu, Dandan Hao, Zhenkai Ji, Yiqiang Zhan, Jia Huang, Xiaobin Xu
Summary: This study presents a facile method for fabricating high-quality triangular micro-wires (TMWs) of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite. The TMWs are grown on a Si/SiO2 substrate with triangular micro-trenches (TMTs) through blade coating. The resulting TMWs exhibit high crystallinity, and the size and periodicity of the TMTs array can be independently controlled. Photodetectors made from these TMWs demonstrate excellent responsivity and specific detectivity, with stable and reproducible photoresponse to pulsed light. The TMWs array holds potential for large-area, high-performance integrated optoelectronics, as shown in the demonstration of an image sensor application.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhengtong Yao, Wen Li, Tiantian Chen, Xiaobin Xu, Qiangfeng Xiao
Summary: This article reviews the research progress of nanomodification technology for lithium metal anodes in inhibiting lithium dendrite growth. It summarizes the forward-looking strategies and latest research progress based on nanomaterials and nanostructures, covering current collectors, protection of the interface layer, separators, and all-solid-state lithium batteries.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuting Xiong, Xiuzhen Xu, Bo Chen, Xiaobin Xu
Summary: A facile fabrication approach for the high-quality synthesis of 1D perovskite triangular nanowire arrays through space-confined effect is reported. The obtained nanowires exhibited superior photoresponse properties, and the fabrication method is scalable and compatible with current semiconductor manufacturing.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Zexi Liang, Jiarui He, Chuangang Hu, Xiong Pu, Hadi Khani, Liming Dai, Donglei (Emma) Fan, Arumugam Manthiram, Zhong-Lin Wang
Summary: Self-powered untethered robots that can operate in diverse environments have received significant attention in recent years. Designing power systems that can accommodate different robot forms and sizes is a major challenge in robotic research. This article provides an overview of recent progress and challenges in energy harvesting and storage technologies for robots of all scales.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanyue Kang, Yuting Xiong, Liang Ma, Tongqing Yang, Xiaobin Xu
Summary: This review summarizes the recent advancements in micro/nanostructure array integrated microfluidic devices for the separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The mechanisms by which these structures contribute to improved capture efficiency are discussed, along with the two major categories of separation methods based on the physical and biological properties of CTCs. These emerging technologies are expected to become powerful tools for disease diagnosis in the future.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuting Xiong, Hanyue Kang, Hongzhao Zhou, Liang Ma, Xiaobin Xu
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoshi Liu, Liang Ma, Wenyuan Yan, Abdellah Aazmi, Minghe Fang, Xiuzhen Xu, Hanyue Kang, Xiaobin Xu
Summary: This review focuses on recent advances in the development of microfluidic chips incorporating micro-/nanostructures for the separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The review discusses physical and chemical mechanisms for CTC separation, comparing and discussing their advantages and disadvantages. The review also provides a perspective on the future direction of CTC research.
