Photocatalytic water splitting is beneficial for the effective mitigation of global energy and environmental crises.Owing to multi-exciton generation,impressive light harvesting,and excellent photochemical properties,...Photocatalytic water splitting is beneficial for the effective mitigation of global energy and environmental crises.Owing to multi-exciton generation,impressive light harvesting,and excellent photochemical properties,the quantum dot(QD)-based catalysts reveal a considerable potential in photocatalytic hydrogen(H_(2))production compared with bulk competitors.In this review,we summarize the recent advances in QDs for photocatalytic H_(2) production by enumerating different synthetic and characterization strategies for QDs.Various QDs-based photocatalysts are introduced and summarized in categories,and the role of different QDs in varied systems,as well as the mechanism and key factors that enhance the photocatalytic H_(2) generation performance,is discussed.Finally,conclusions and future perspectives in the exploration of highly efficient QDs-based photocatalysts for innovative applications are highlighted.展开更多
The mechanics-corrosion and strength-ductility tradeoffs of magnesium(Mg)alloys have limited their applications in fields such as orthopedic implants.Herein,a fine-grain structure consisting of weak anodic nano-lamell...The mechanics-corrosion and strength-ductility tradeoffs of magnesium(Mg)alloys have limited their applications in fields such as orthopedic implants.Herein,a fine-grain structure consisting of weak anodic nano-lamellar solute-enriched stacking faults(SESFs)with the average thickness of 8 nm and spacing of 16 nm is constructed in an as-extruded Mg96.9Y1.2Ho1.2Zn0.6Zr0.1(at.%)alloy,obtaining a high yield strength(YS)of 370 MPa,an excellent elongation(EL)of 17%,and a low corrosion rate of 0.30 mm y−1(close to that of high-pure Mg)in a uniform corrosion mode.Through scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM),one-dimensional nanostructured SESFs are identified as the weak anode(∼24 mV)for the first time.The excellent corrosion resistance is mainly related to the weak anodic nature of SESFs and their nano-lamellar structure,leading to the more uniform potential distribution to weaken galvanic corrosion and the release of abundant Y^(3+)/Ho^(3+)from SESFs to form a more protective film with an outer Ca_(10)(PO_(4))_(6)(OH)_(2)/Y_(2)O_(3)/Ho_(2)O_(3) layer(thickness percentage of this layer:72.45%).For comparison,the as-cast alloy containing block 18R long period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase and the heat-treated alloy with fine lamellar 18R-LPSO phase(thickness:80 nm,spacing:120 nm)are also studied,and the characteristics of SESFs and 18R-LPSO phase,such as the weak anode nature of the former and the cathode nature of the latter(37-90 mV),are distinguished under the same alloy composition.Ultimately,we put forward the idea of designing Mg alloys with high mechanical and anti-corrosion properties by constructing"homogeneous potential strengthening microstructure",such as the weak anode nano-lamellar SESFs structure.展开更多
Stapes fracture causes hearing loss and instability in the middle ear hearing system(MEHS). The material used in the stapes reconstruction restores stapes, but the effects of the nonlinear material parameters on the s...Stapes fracture causes hearing loss and instability in the middle ear hearing system(MEHS). The material used in the stapes reconstruction restores stapes, but the effects of the nonlinear material parameters on the stability of the MEHS are still unknown. To address this challenge, the nonlinear dynamic response and stability of the stapes reconstruction are investigated using a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical model. The material parameters of the implant are tentatively determined by analyzing the natural frequencies of the undamped system. The dynamical properties of the MEHS are characterized under different external excitations. The approximate solution of the MEHS near the resonant frequency is derived through the multiple-time-scale method(MTSM). The results show that the nonlinear stiffness of the material has little influence on the MEHS in the healthy state, but it causes resonant phenomena between the ossicle and the implant in the pathological state.展开更多
Transferring high-quality exfoliated graphene flakes onto different substrates while keeping the graphene free of polymer residues is of great importance, but at the same time very challenging. Currently, the only fea...Transferring high-quality exfoliated graphene flakes onto different substrates while keeping the graphene free of polymer residues is of great importance, but at the same time very challenging. Currently, the only feasible way is the so-called all-dry "pick-and-lift" method, in which a hexagonal boron nitride(hBN) flake is employed to serve as a stamp to pick up graphene from one substrate and to lift it down onto another substrate. The transferred graphene samples, however,are always covered or encapsulated by hBN flakes, which leads to difficulties in further characterizations. Here, we report an improved "pick-and-lift" method, which allows ultra-clean graphene flakes to be transferred onto a variety of substrates without hBN coverage. Basically, by exploiting the superlubricity at the graphene/hBN stack interface, we are able to remove the top-layer hBN stamp by applying a tangential force and expose the underneath graphene.展开更多
Single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs),due to their outstanding electrical and optical properties,are expected to have extensive applications,such as in transparent conductive fims and ultra-small field-effect transis...Single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs),due to their outstanding electrical and optical properties,are expected to have extensive applications,such as in transparent conductive fims and ultra-small field-effect transistors(FETs).However,those applications can only be best realized with pure metallic or pure semiconducting SWCNTs.Hence,identifying and separating metallic from semiconducting SWCNTs in as-grown samples are crucial.In addition,knowledge of the type of an SWCNT is also important for further exploring its new properties in fundamental science.Here we report employing scanning near-field optical microscopy(SNOM)as a direct and simple method to identify metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs on SiO2/Si substrates.Metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs show distinct near-field optical responses because the metallic tubes support plasmons whereas the semiconducting tubes do not.The reliability of this method is verified using FET testing and Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy.Our result demonstrates that the SNOM technique provides a reliable,simple,noninvasive and in situ method to distinguish between metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs.展开更多
Injectability empowers conductive hydrogels to transcend traditional limitations,unlocking a realm of possibilities for innovative medical,wearable,and therapeutic applications that can significantly enhance patient c...Injectability empowers conductive hydrogels to transcend traditional limitations,unlocking a realm of possibilities for innovative medical,wearable,and therapeutic applications that can significantly enhance patient care and quality of life.Here,we report an injectable,self-healable,and reusable hydrogel obtained by mixing the concentrated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)doped with polystyrene sulfonate(PEDOT:PSS)suspension(~2 wt.%solid content),polyvinyl alcohol(PVA),and borax.Leveraging the presence of reversible borax/hydroxyl bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds,this PEDOT:PSS/PVA hydrogel exhibits notable shear-thinning behavior and self-healing capabilities,enabling it to be injected as a gel fiber from a syringe.As-prepared injectable hydrogel also demonstrates an ultra-low modulus(~2.5 MPa),reduced on-skin impedance(~45%of commercial electrodes),and high signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)(~15-22 dB)in recording of electrocardiography(ECG),electromyography(EMG),and electroencephalogram(EEG)signals.Furthermore,the injectable hydrogels can be remolded and reinjected as the reusable electrodes,maintaining nearly identical electrophysiological recording capabilities and brain-computer interface(BCI)performance compared to commercial wet electrodes.With their straightforward fabrication,excellent material properties and electronic performance,ease of cleaning,and remarkable reusability,our injectable PEDOT:PSS/PVA hydrogels hold promise for advancements in BCI based electronics and wearable bioelectronics.展开更多
In the green energy and carbon-neutral technology,electrochemical energy storage devices have received continuously increasing attention recently.However,due to the unavoidable volume expansion/shrinkage of key materi...In the green energy and carbon-neutral technology,electrochemical energy storage devices have received continuously increasing attention recently.However,due to the unavoidable volume expansion/shrinkage of key materials or irreversible mechanical damages during application,the stability of energy storage and delivery as well as the lifetime of these devices are severely shortened,leading to serious performance degradation or even safety issues.Therefore,the utilization of self-healable gels into electrochemical energy storage devices,such as electrodes,binders,and electrolytes,is proven as an effective method to realize long-term stable operation of these devices via the self-repairing of mechanical and electrochemical characteristics.Herein,this review first summarizes the feature and fabrication of different gels,paying special attention to hydrogels,organohydrogels,and ionogels.Then,basic concepts and figure of merit of self-healable gels are analyzed with a detailed discussion at the healing mechanisms,from reversible dynamic bonds to physical molecular diffusion,and to external healing trigger.Then we introduce all the important parts of electrochemical energy storage devices,which could be replaced by healable gels to enhance the durability,including electrodes,binders,and electrolytes.Finally,the critical challenges and future perspectives regarding the future development of healable gels based high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices or electronics are provided.展开更多
To the Editor:Spontaneous preterm labor(PTL)causes infant morbidity and mortality.Regular uterine contractions were the common characteristics in spontaneous labor at term or PTL.Thus,effective decrease or suppression...To the Editor:Spontaneous preterm labor(PTL)causes infant morbidity and mortality.Regular uterine contractions were the common characteristics in spontaneous labor at term or PTL.Thus,effective decrease or suppression of myometrial contraction could prevent preterm delivery.We discovered that microRNA-206(miR-206)was a myometrium contraction-associated miRNA based on the transcriptome data of human laboring myometrium and indicated that miR-206 suppressed myometrial contractility by targeting junction protein alpha 1(GJA1)in the myometrium and would be a new potential therapeutic for preterm birth.Administration of miR-206 in RU486-induced PTL decreased myometrial contractility,prolonged pregnancy,reversed PTL to term labor,and improved perinatal outcomes.展开更多
To the Editor:Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)often causes death,dysfunction,or damage to the cardiomyocytes,and thus more effective clinical treatments are required.[1]MicroRNAs(miRNAs)bind to target mRN...To the Editor:Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)often causes death,dysfunction,or damage to the cardiomyocytes,and thus more effective clinical treatments are required.[1]MicroRNAs(miRNAs)bind to target mRNAs to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression,with important effects on MI/RI by regulating critical molecular signaling pathways.展开更多
The low separation/migration efficiency is a major obstacle that limits the practical application of semiconductor-photocatalysts. Constructing S-scheme heterojunction is an ideal strategy for providing high photocata...The low separation/migration efficiency is a major obstacle that limits the practical application of semiconductor-photocatalysts. Constructing S-scheme heterojunction is an ideal strategy for providing high photocatalytic activity via accelerating charge separation. Herein, an AgPO/CNcomposite was synthesized by coupling AgPOparticle with CNhollow spheres in-situ via a precipitation method. The S-scheme hete-rojunction between AgPOand CNcould accelerate the charge separation and retain high photoredox ability, which synchronously realized high photocatalytic oxygen production and hexavalent chromium reduction. The optimized Ag3PO4/CNcomposite shows a high oxygen production rate up to 803.31 μmol·g·hand a high conversion(87.9%) of Cr(Ⅵ) to Cr(Ⅲ). In addition, CNhollow spheres affords higher reaction efficiency than that of CNtube, CNbulk and CNsheet, which indicates that the hollow sphere structure can provide more active sites and adsorption sites in the photocatalytic process. This work offers an effective way in developing a dual-function S-scheme heterojunction for clean energy production and environmental protection.展开更多
基金Taishan Youth Scholar Program of Shandong ProvinceNational Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Numbers:21972058,21975110,22088102,51825205+3 种基金Postgraduate Practice Research Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province,Grant/Award Number:SJCX21_1707CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research,Grant/Award Number:YSBR‐004DNL Cooperation Fund,CAS,Grant/Award Number:DNL202016National Key Projects for Fundamental Research and Development of China,Grant/Award Number:2018YFB1502002。
文摘Photocatalytic water splitting is beneficial for the effective mitigation of global energy and environmental crises.Owing to multi-exciton generation,impressive light harvesting,and excellent photochemical properties,the quantum dot(QD)-based catalysts reveal a considerable potential in photocatalytic hydrogen(H_(2))production compared with bulk competitors.In this review,we summarize the recent advances in QDs for photocatalytic H_(2) production by enumerating different synthetic and characterization strategies for QDs.Various QDs-based photocatalysts are introduced and summarized in categories,and the role of different QDs in varied systems,as well as the mechanism and key factors that enhance the photocatalytic H_(2) generation performance,is discussed.Finally,conclusions and future perspectives in the exploration of highly efficient QDs-based photocatalysts for innovative applications are highlighted.
基金the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51871069,52071093)the Zhejiang Province Key Research and Development Plan,China(2021C01086)Student Research and Innovation Fund of the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(3072022GIP1004)。
文摘The mechanics-corrosion and strength-ductility tradeoffs of magnesium(Mg)alloys have limited their applications in fields such as orthopedic implants.Herein,a fine-grain structure consisting of weak anodic nano-lamellar solute-enriched stacking faults(SESFs)with the average thickness of 8 nm and spacing of 16 nm is constructed in an as-extruded Mg96.9Y1.2Ho1.2Zn0.6Zr0.1(at.%)alloy,obtaining a high yield strength(YS)of 370 MPa,an excellent elongation(EL)of 17%,and a low corrosion rate of 0.30 mm y−1(close to that of high-pure Mg)in a uniform corrosion mode.Through scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy(SKPFM),one-dimensional nanostructured SESFs are identified as the weak anode(∼24 mV)for the first time.The excellent corrosion resistance is mainly related to the weak anodic nature of SESFs and their nano-lamellar structure,leading to the more uniform potential distribution to weaken galvanic corrosion and the release of abundant Y^(3+)/Ho^(3+)from SESFs to form a more protective film with an outer Ca_(10)(PO_(4))_(6)(OH)_(2)/Y_(2)O_(3)/Ho_(2)O_(3) layer(thickness percentage of this layer:72.45%).For comparison,the as-cast alloy containing block 18R long period stacking ordered(LPSO)phase and the heat-treated alloy with fine lamellar 18R-LPSO phase(thickness:80 nm,spacing:120 nm)are also studied,and the characteristics of SESFs and 18R-LPSO phase,such as the weak anode nature of the former and the cathode nature of the latter(37-90 mV),are distinguished under the same alloy composition.Ultimately,we put forward the idea of designing Mg alloys with high mechanical and anti-corrosion properties by constructing"homogeneous potential strengthening microstructure",such as the weak anode nano-lamellar SESFs structure.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 12072222, 12132010,12021002, 11991032, and 12372019)the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and System Safety of Traffic Engineering Structures of China (No. SKLTESKF1901)the Aeronautical Science Foundation of China (No. ASFC-201915048001)。
文摘Stapes fracture causes hearing loss and instability in the middle ear hearing system(MEHS). The material used in the stapes reconstruction restores stapes, but the effects of the nonlinear material parameters on the stability of the MEHS are still unknown. To address this challenge, the nonlinear dynamic response and stability of the stapes reconstruction are investigated using a multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical model. The material parameters of the implant are tentatively determined by analyzing the natural frequencies of the undamped system. The dynamical properties of the MEHS are characterized under different external excitations. The approximate solution of the MEHS near the resonant frequency is derived through the multiple-time-scale method(MTSM). The results show that the nonlinear stiffness of the material has little influence on the MEHS in the healthy state, but it causes resonant phenomena between the ossicle and the implant in the pathological state.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFA0302001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11574204 and 11774224)
文摘Transferring high-quality exfoliated graphene flakes onto different substrates while keeping the graphene free of polymer residues is of great importance, but at the same time very challenging. Currently, the only feasible way is the so-called all-dry "pick-and-lift" method, in which a hexagonal boron nitride(hBN) flake is employed to serve as a stamp to pick up graphene from one substrate and to lift it down onto another substrate. The transferred graphene samples, however,are always covered or encapsulated by hBN flakes, which leads to difficulties in further characterizations. Here, we report an improved "pick-and-lift" method, which allows ultra-clean graphene flakes to be transferred onto a variety of substrates without hBN coverage. Basically, by exploiting the superlubricity at the graphene/hBN stack interface, we are able to remove the top-layer hBN stamp by applying a tangential force and expose the underneath graphene.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.11574204 and 11774224the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFA0302001)+1 种基金Program for Professor of Special Appointment(Eastern Scholar)at Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learningadditional support from a Shanghai talent program。
文摘Single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs),due to their outstanding electrical and optical properties,are expected to have extensive applications,such as in transparent conductive fims and ultra-small field-effect transistors(FETs).However,those applications can only be best realized with pure metallic or pure semiconducting SWCNTs.Hence,identifying and separating metallic from semiconducting SWCNTs in as-grown samples are crucial.In addition,knowledge of the type of an SWCNT is also important for further exploring its new properties in fundamental science.Here we report employing scanning near-field optical microscopy(SNOM)as a direct and simple method to identify metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs on SiO2/Si substrates.Metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs show distinct near-field optical responses because the metallic tubes support plasmons whereas the semiconducting tubes do not.The reliability of this method is verified using FET testing and Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy.Our result demonstrates that the SNOM technique provides a reliable,simple,noninvasive and in situ method to distinguish between metallic and semiconducting SWCNTs.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant Nos. 41172110 and 61107090） and Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation （Grant No. ZR2011BZ007）.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.62304112 and 62288102)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(No.BK20230359)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Jiangsu Province(No.22KJB430038)Natural Science Research Start-up Foundation of Recruiting Talents of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications(No.NY221111).
文摘Injectability empowers conductive hydrogels to transcend traditional limitations,unlocking a realm of possibilities for innovative medical,wearable,and therapeutic applications that can significantly enhance patient care and quality of life.Here,we report an injectable,self-healable,and reusable hydrogel obtained by mixing the concentrated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)doped with polystyrene sulfonate(PEDOT:PSS)suspension(~2 wt.%solid content),polyvinyl alcohol(PVA),and borax.Leveraging the presence of reversible borax/hydroxyl bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds,this PEDOT:PSS/PVA hydrogel exhibits notable shear-thinning behavior and self-healing capabilities,enabling it to be injected as a gel fiber from a syringe.As-prepared injectable hydrogel also demonstrates an ultra-low modulus(~2.5 MPa),reduced on-skin impedance(~45%of commercial electrodes),and high signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)(~15-22 dB)in recording of electrocardiography(ECG),electromyography(EMG),and electroencephalogram(EEG)signals.Furthermore,the injectable hydrogels can be remolded and reinjected as the reusable electrodes,maintaining nearly identical electrophysiological recording capabilities and brain-computer interface(BCI)performance compared to commercial wet electrodes.With their straightforward fabrication,excellent material properties and electronic performance,ease of cleaning,and remarkable reusability,our injectable PEDOT:PSS/PVA hydrogels hold promise for advancements in BCI based electronics and wearable bioelectronics.
基金supported by the Natural Science Research Start-up Foundation of Recruiting Talents of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications(No.NY221111)Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Jiangsu Province(No.22KJB430038)awarded to Y.L.Z.W.L.+1 种基金thanks the support from the National Natural Science Foundation Program of China(No.52204370)Open project of Hebei Key Laboratory of Hazardous Chemicals Safety and Control Technology(No.20211204-7).
文摘In the green energy and carbon-neutral technology,electrochemical energy storage devices have received continuously increasing attention recently.However,due to the unavoidable volume expansion/shrinkage of key materials or irreversible mechanical damages during application,the stability of energy storage and delivery as well as the lifetime of these devices are severely shortened,leading to serious performance degradation or even safety issues.Therefore,the utilization of self-healable gels into electrochemical energy storage devices,such as electrodes,binders,and electrolytes,is proven as an effective method to realize long-term stable operation of these devices via the self-repairing of mechanical and electrochemical characteristics.Herein,this review first summarizes the feature and fabrication of different gels,paying special attention to hydrogels,organohydrogels,and ionogels.Then,basic concepts and figure of merit of self-healable gels are analyzed with a detailed discussion at the healing mechanisms,from reversible dynamic bonds to physical molecular diffusion,and to external healing trigger.Then we introduce all the important parts of electrochemical energy storage devices,which could be replaced by healable gels to enhance the durability,including electrodes,binders,and electrolytes.Finally,the critical challenges and future perspectives regarding the future development of healable gels based high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices or electronics are provided.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81871181)High-tech Major Featured Technology Program of Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission(No.2019GX07)
文摘To the Editor:Spontaneous preterm labor(PTL)causes infant morbidity and mortality.Regular uterine contractions were the common characteristics in spontaneous labor at term or PTL.Thus,effective decrease or suppression of myometrial contraction could prevent preterm delivery.We discovered that microRNA-206(miR-206)was a myometrium contraction-associated miRNA based on the transcriptome data of human laboring myometrium and indicated that miR-206 suppressed myometrial contractility by targeting junction protein alpha 1(GJA1)in the myometrium and would be a new potential therapeutic for preterm birth.Administration of miR-206 in RU486-induced PTL decreased myometrial contractility,prolonged pregnancy,reversed PTL to term labor,and improved perinatal outcomes.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81570326)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(Nos.BK20141139,BK20190988)+1 种基金Jiangsu Commission of Health Foundation(No.H2018005)Key Research and Development program of Xuzhou(No.KC20097)
文摘To the Editor:Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)often causes death,dysfunction,or damage to the cardiomyocytes,and thus more effective clinical treatments are required.[1]MicroRNAs(miRNAs)bind to target mRNAs to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression,with important effects on MI/RI by regulating critical molecular signaling pathways.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21975110,21972058 and 22102064)the financial support from Taishan Youth Scholar Program of Shandong Province。
文摘The low separation/migration efficiency is a major obstacle that limits the practical application of semiconductor-photocatalysts. Constructing S-scheme heterojunction is an ideal strategy for providing high photocatalytic activity via accelerating charge separation. Herein, an AgPO/CNcomposite was synthesized by coupling AgPOparticle with CNhollow spheres in-situ via a precipitation method. The S-scheme hete-rojunction between AgPOand CNcould accelerate the charge separation and retain high photoredox ability, which synchronously realized high photocatalytic oxygen production and hexavalent chromium reduction. The optimized Ag3PO4/CNcomposite shows a high oxygen production rate up to 803.31 μmol·g·hand a high conversion(87.9%) of Cr(Ⅵ) to Cr(Ⅲ). In addition, CNhollow spheres affords higher reaction efficiency than that of CNtube, CNbulk and CNsheet, which indicates that the hollow sphere structure can provide more active sites and adsorption sites in the photocatalytic process. This work offers an effective way in developing a dual-function S-scheme heterojunction for clean energy production and environmental protection.
