Improved performance of all-solution-processed quantum dot light-emitting diodes with TFB/PVK double-hole transport layers using 1,2-dichloroethane.

High-performance quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) require balanced electron and hole injection into the QD emissive layer-an especially difficult task when using all-solution processes. One effective strategy for achieving this balance is to create a stepwise hole injection pathway double-hole transport layers (D-HTLs). Poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)--(4,4'-(-(4--butylphenyl)diphenylamine))] (TFB) are commonly employed in D-HTLs because of their favorable energy level alignment and suitable hole mobilities.

Troubleshooting Carbon Nanotube Bundling Using Electrostatic Energy-Driven Dispersion for LiFePO Bimodal Thick Electrode in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Interest in using thick LiFePO cathodes to enhance lithium-ion battery energy density has recently been growing. To obtain thick cathodes with superior electrical conductivity throughout their depth, it is crucial to substitute conventional zero-dimensional conductive agents with one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Nevertheless, the inherent properties of CNT, including their high aspect ratio and strong van der Waals interaction, hinder uniform dispersion, causing poor performance in thick electrodes.

Decoding Directional Control in Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching via Catalyst Architecture.

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating silicon nanostructures, yet the presence of anomalous isotropic etching poses significant challenges for precise dimensional control. Here, it is demonstrated that catalyst morphology, particularly its aspect ratio, plays a crucial role in determining etching directionality. Through systematic investigation of the initial stages of MaCE, it is revealed that significant undercutting occurs within seconds of etching initiation, persisting across all solution compositions.

Morphology-Tunable Binary Transition Metal Oxide Heterostructure@Carbon Composites for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Heterostructures of binary and unary transition metal oxides (B and UTMOs) have demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to synergistic effects; however, there remains a lack of research combining multiple strategies for synergy enhancement. Herein, we present the development of crystallinity-controlled heterostructures based on nickel and cobalt oxides (NiCoO/NiO and NiO/CoO) with different morphologies (urchin- and flower-like structures, e.g.

Nanofabrication for Nanophotonics.

Nanofabrication, a pivotal technology at the intersection of nanoscale engineering and high-resolution patterning, has substantially advanced over recent decades. This technology enables the creation of nanopatterns on substrates crucial for developing nanophotonic devices and other applications in diverse fields including electronics and biosciences. Here, this mega-review comprehensively explores various facets of nanofabrication focusing on its application in nanophotonics.

Synthesis of zinc oxide nano-rice decorated with silver nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) trace detection of isoprocarb and crystal violet.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has gained substantial interest for the practical analysis of trace amounts of various molecules. However, improving the magnitude of the electromagnetic enhancement and preparing the substrate for long-term use remains top research priorities. This study presents a novel and straightforward synthesis method for zinc oxide nanorices (ZnONRs) decorated with small silver particles (Ag/ZnONR), which can serve as a highly stable, sensitive, and reproducible material for SERS detection of isoprocarb (IPC) and crystal violet (CV).

Characterization of Streptomyces species with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) degradation capabilities isolated from rice field soil.

The shift towards sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers has become essential for addressing environmental challenges. Among these alternatives, bio-plastics such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) have gained considerable attention due to their biodegradability into water and carbon dioxide through microbial activity. PHB is one of the most widely commercialized bio-plastics.

Correction: N-doped carbon nanoparticles on highly porous carbon nanofiber electrodes for sodium ion batteries.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3RA00635B.].

Biodegradable Fiber Preparation Technique to Meet Industrial Requisites Through Sheath-Core Melt-Spinning.

Biodegradable polymers are essential for sustainable plastic life cycles and contribute to a carbon-neutral society. Here, we explore the development of biodegradable fibers with excellent mechanical properties using polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends. To address the inherent immiscibility between hydrophobic PP and hydrophilic TPS, hydrophilic modification and a masterbatch approach were employed.

Fabrication of Biaxially Aligned Nanofibers via Insulating Block-Assisted Electrospinning and Their Applications.

Electrospinning is a well-established and widely adopted process for producing fine and continuous nanofiber networks. Electrospun nanofibers have gained significant attention owing to their advantages, including nanoscale fiber uniformity, tunable pore size with bimodal distribution, and versatility in integrating various inorganic and organic compositions. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to align nanofibers and enhance their functionality with improved mechanical properties, faster charge transport, and more efficient mass transport in well-organized spatial structures.

Cost-effective fabrication of submicron-scale patterns enabled by microcontact printing with a pre-strained soft elastomeric stamp.

While photolithography and e-beam lithography remain the predominant techniques for nanoscale patterning, their high costs and inherent complexity have limited their accessibility for certain applications. Recently, shrink lithography has emerged as a promising technique for reducing pattern dimensions through substrate contraction, offering a simpler and cost-effective alternative to existing methods. In this study, we propose a method combining microcontact printing with a pre-stretched soft elastomeric stamp to achieve scalable pattern reduction.

Discovery of a Novel sp. JO01 for the Degradation of Poly(butylene adipate--terephthalate)( PBAT) and Its Inhibition by PBAT Monomers.

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a type of biodegradable plastic composed of both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon polymers, which grants it the advantages of processability and flexibility along with increased interest. Studies have suggested that PBAT biodegradation mechanisms involve enzymatic breakdown by lipases. Our initial efforts in this study were therefore focused on identifying a novel PBAT-degrading bacterial strain with high degradation activity.

Enhancing the Mechanical and Adhesive Properties of Polyurethane Adhesives with Propylene Oxide-Modified Ethylenediamine (PPO-EDA).

This study explores the use of propylene oxide-modified ethylenediamine (PPO-EDA) as a novel crosslinker and chain extender in polyurethane (PU) adhesives. PPO-EDA was synthesized and compared with ,-dimethylethylenediamine (DMEDA) to assess its impact on mechanical properties and adhesion performance. Key parameters such as NCO conversion, tensile strength, and lap shear strength were thoroughly evaluated.

A synchronized event-cue feedback loop integrating a 3D printed wearable flexible sensor-tactor platform.

Wearable devices designed for the somatosensory system aim to provide event-cue feedback electronics and therapeutic stimulation to the peripheral nervous system. This prompts a neurological response that is relayed back to the central nervous system. Unlike virtual reality tools, these devices precisely target peripheral mechanoreceptors by administering specific stimuli.

Three-dimensional customized artificial grafts functionalized with biomimetic softness and anticoagulant heparin-dopamine surface modification: Preclinical study for practical applications.

Artificial vascular grafts, as blood vessel substitutes, are a prime challenge in tissue engineering and biomaterial research. An ideal artificial graft must have physiological and mechanical properties similar to those of a natural blood vessel, and hemocompatibility on its surface. We designed and fabricated artificial grafts by applying 3D printing and templated technology, which is endowed with morphologically patient-specific vascular reconstruction.

Vialess heterogeneous skin patch for multimodal monitoring and stimulation.

System-level wearable electronics require to be flexible to ensure conformal contact with the skin, but they also need to integrate rigid and bulky functional components to achieve system-level functionality. As one of integration methods, folding integration offers simplified processing and enhanced functionality through rigid-soft region separation, but so far, it has mainly been applied to modality of electrical sensing and stimulation. This paper introduces a vialess heterogeneous skin patch with multi modalities that separates the soft region and strain-robust region through folded structure.

Enhancement Strategy for Protocatechuic Acid Production Using with Focus on Continuous Fermentation Scale-Up and Cytotoxicity Management.

Protocatechuate acid (PCA) is a phenolic acid naturally synthesized by various organisms. Protocatechuic acid is synthesized by plants for physiological, metabolic functions, and self-defense, but extraction from plants is less efficient compared to the microbial culture process. The microbial synthesis of protocatechuic acid is sustainable and, due to its high yield, can save energy consumption when producing the same amount.

Melt Pool Simulation of Dual Laser Beam-Arc Hybrid Welding of Aluminum Alloy Using Finite Element Method.

In this study, the melt pool formation behavior of high-speed laser-arc hybrid welding of aluminum plates was simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). To evaluate the heat input efficiencies of the laser and arc, standalone laser or arc welding experiments were conducted using the same arc or laser processing parameters as those employed in hybrid welding. These experiments were also simulated using FEA to calibrate the laser and arc heat adsorption parameters.

Synthesis of Novel Zwitterionic Surfactants: Achieving Enhanced Water Resistance and Adhesion in Emulsion Polymer Adhesives.

Recent advancements in polymer materials have enabled the synthesis of bio-based monomers from renewable resources, promoting sustainable alternatives to fossil-based materials. This study presents a novel zwitterionic surfactant, SF, derived from 10-undecenoic acid obtained from castor oil through a four-step reaction, achieving a yield of 78%. SF has a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 1235 mg/L, slightly higher than the commercial anionic surfactant Rhodacal DS-4 (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), and effectively stabilizes monomer droplets, leading to excellent conversion and stable latex formation.

Unveiling Trade-Off and Synergy in Simultaneous Removal of NO, CO, and NH on Mixed Metal Oxide Nanostructure Catalysts.

The simultaneous removal reaction (SRR) is a pioneering approach for achieving the simultaneous removal of anthropogenic NO and CO pollutants through catalytic reactions. To facilitate this removal across diverse industrial fields, it is crucial to understand the trade-offs and synergies among the multiple reactions involved in the SRR process. In this study, we developed mixed metal oxide nanostructures derived from layered double hydroxides as catalysts for the SRR, achieving high catalytic conversions of 93.

Facile synthesis of nanoporous Mg crystalline structure by organic solvent-based reduction for solid-state hydrogen storage.

Nanoporous metals have unique potentials for energy applications with a high surface area despite the percolating structure. Yet, a highly corrosive environment is required for the synthesis of porous metals with conventional dealloying methods, limiting the large-scale fabrication of porous structures for reactive metals. In this study, we synthesize a highly reactive Mg nanoporous system through a facile organic solution-based approach without any harsh etching.

Choline Oxidase-Incorporated ATRP-Based Cerium Nanogels as Nanozymes for Colorimetric Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide and Choline.

Choline is an important molecule in monitoring food safety and infant nutrition. Here, we report Ce nanogels synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) employing Ce-coordinated acryloyl-lysine polymer brushes (Ce@SiO NGs) as highly efficient cascade nanozymes for colorimetric detection of choline. The synthesized Ce@SiO NGs demonstrated remarkable peroxidase-like activity with a porous exterior, which are essential to entrap choline oxidase (COx) to yield COx@Ce@SiO NGs and construct a cascade reaction system to detect choline.

Direct Tensile Testing of Free-Standing Ultrathin Polymer Films on Liquid Surface at High Temperature.

The fragile nature of ultrathin polymer films poses a challenge for precise mechanical property measurements in a free-standing state, despite their critical importance for the fabrication and performance of advanced electronic devices under thermal loading. Here, a novel high-temperature tensile testing method for free-standing ultrathin polymer films using a film on heated liquid (FOHL) platform is proposed. Glycerol is chosen for the thermally stable liquid platform for its high surface tension, high boiling point, miscibility with water, and chemical stability.

Curvature-Specific Coupling Electrode Design for a Stretchable Three-Dimensional Inorganic Piezoelectric Nanogenerator.

Structures such as 3D buckling have been widely used to impart stretchability to devices. However, these structures have limitations when applied to piezoelectric devices due to the uneven distribution of internal strain during deformation. When strains with opposite directions simultaneously affect piezoelectric materials, the electric output can decrease due to cancellation.

Novel Glycidyl Carbamate Functional Epoxy Resin Using Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene.

Herein, a novel glycidyl carbamate functional epoxy resin (GCE) is synthesized by the additional reaction of the isocyanate group of tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) with the hydroxyl group of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and glycidol. The successful synthesis of the GCE is confirmed by FT-IR and H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, a dual-curing adhesive system is developed using acrylic acid and trimethylolpropane triacrylate with varying GCE contents, and its adhesive performance is assessed by testing adhesive strength, pencil hardness, and surface energy.