One-pot Synthesis of Hierarchical Flower-like WS_(2) Microspheres as Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

3D hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres were synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal route.The as-synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray powder diffraction (XRD),energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS),scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman.SEM images of the samples reveal that the hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres with diameters of about 3-5μm are composed of a number of curled nanosheets.Electrochemical tests such as charge/discharge,cyclic voltammetry,cycle life and rate performance were carried out on the WS_(2) sample.As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries,hierarchical flowerlike WS_(2) microspheres show excellent electrochemical performance.At a current density of100 mA·g^(-1),a high specific capacity of 647.8 mA·h·g^(-1) was achieved after 120 discharge/charge cycles.The excellent electrochemical performance of WS_(2) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries can be attributed to its special 3D hierarchical structure.

Self-assembly of perovskite nanocrystals:From driving forces to applications

Self-assembly of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)into superlattices can exhibit unique collective properties,which have significant application values in the display,detector,and solar cell field.This review discusses the driving forces behind the self-assembly process of perovskite NCs,and the commonly used self-assembly methods and different self-assembly structures are detailed.Subsequently,we summarize the collective optoelectronic properties and application areas of perovskite superlattice structures.Finally,we conclude with an outlook on the potential issues and future challenges in developing perovskite NCs.

Alcohol solvent effect on the self-assembly behaviors of lignin oligomers

The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.

Superhydrophobic Surface-Assisted Preparation of Microspheres and Supraparticles and Their Applications

Superhydrophobic surface(SHS) has been well developed, as SHS renders the property of minimizing the water/solid contact interface. Water droplets deposited onto SHS with contact angles exceeding 150°, allow them to retain spherical shapes, and the low adhesion of SHS facilitates easy droplet collection when tilting the substrate. These characteristics make SHS suitable for a wide range of applications. One particularly promising application is the fabrication of microsphere and supraparticle materials. SHS offers a distinct advantage as a universal platform capable of providing customized services for a variety of microspheres and supraparticles. In this review, an overview of the strategies for fabricating microspheres and supraparticles with the aid of SHS, including cross-linking process, polymer melting,and droplet template evaporation methods, is first presented. Then, the applications of microspheres and supraparticles formed onto SHS are discussed in detail, for example, fabricating photonic devices with controllable structures and tunable structural colors, acting as catalysts with emerging or synergetic properties, being integrated into the biomedical field to construct the devices with different medicinal purposes, being utilized for inducing protein crystallization and detecting trace amounts of analytes. Finally,the perspective on future developments involved with this research field is given, along with some obstacles and opportunities.

Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Construct a 3D microsphere of HMX/B/Al/PTFE to obtain the high energy and combustion reactivity

Metal(aluminum and boron)based energetic materials have been wildly applied in various fields including aerospace,explosives and micro-devices due to their high energy density.Unfortunately,the low combustion efficiency and reactivity of metal fuels,especially boron(B),severely limit their practical applications.Herein,multi-component 3D microspheres of HMX/B/Al/PTFE(HBA)have been designed and successfully prepared by emulsion and solvent evaporation method to achieve superior energy and combustion reactivity.The reactivity and energy output of HBA are systematically measured by ignitionburning test,constant-volume explosion vessel system and bomb calorimetry.Due to the increased interfacial contact and reaction area,HBA shows higher flame propagation rate,faster pressurization rate and larger combustion heat of 29.95 cm/s,1077 kPa/s,and 6164.43 J/g,which is 1.5 times,3.5 times,and 1.03 times of the physical mixed counterpart(HBA-P).Meanwhile,HBA also shows enhanced energy output and reactivity than 3D microspheres of HMX/B/PTFE(HB)resulting from the high reactivity of Al.The reaction mechanism of 3D microspheres is comprehensively investigated through combustion emission spectral and thermal analysis(TG-DSC-MS).The superior reactivity and energy of HBA originate from the surface etching of fluorine to the inert shell(Al_(2)O_(3) and B_(2)O_(3))and the initiation effect of Al to B.This work offers a promising approach to design and prepare high-performance energetic materials for the practical applications.

Layer by Layer Self-assembly Fiber-based Flexible Electrochemical Transistor

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyethiophene)-polystyrene sulfonic acid(PEDOT:PSS)/polyallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride modified reduced graphene oxide(PDDA-rGO)was layer by layer self-assembled on the cotton fiber.The surface morphology and electric property was investigated.The results confirmed the dense membrane of PEDOT:PSS and the lamellar structure of PDDA-rGO on the fibers.It has excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties.The fiber based electrochemical transistor(FECTs)prepared by the composite conductive fiber has a maximum output current of 8.7 mA,a transconductance peak of 10 mS,an on time of 1.37 s,an off time of 1.6 s and excellent switching stability.Most importantly,the devices by layer by layer self-assembly technology opens a path for the true integration of organic electronics with traditional textile technologies and materials,laying the foundation for their later widespread application.

Tissue Regeneration in Infected Wounds of Albino Rats Using Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres Incorporated Collagen Scaffold: A Histological Approach with H&E Staining

A wound care system consisting of ciprofloxacin-loaded gelatin microspheres impregnated in a macroporous collagen scaffold was created to effectively control wound infection and regenerate soft tissue at the wound site.Histological and biochemical alterations were observed in infected wounds treated with these scaffolds in Albino Wistar rats.Furthermore,the study examined the immediate and prolonged release of ciprofloxacin from the scaffolds,as well as their function in eliminating bacterial infections and expediting the process of skin healing and regeneration.The developed technique was followed in the streamlined process of creating these collagen scaffolds.Compared to untreated wounds,the group receiving scaffold treatment experienced a faster rate of wound closure.It was noted that the rate of infections was considerably reduced and that full soft tissue regeneration occurred within 12 days.The development of well-deposited collagen bundles in the treated groups was demonstrated by H&E staining,which verified the flawless regeneration of the dermis and epidermis.The antimicrobial agent-loaded gelatin microspheres impregnated into the porous collagen scaffold demonstrated remarkable soft tissue regeneration and efficient infection control at the wound site.

Research Progress on the Preparation of Inorganic/Natural Materials Composite Microspheres

Microspheres are a new type of drug carrier with great potential for development and application.Natural polymers have good biocompatibility,biodegradability,and are easily dispersed in living organisms,making them suitable for preparing microspheres.Inorganic materials(mainly inorganic minerals)have excellent mechanical properties and are inexpensive and easy to obtain.Through the coupling and hybridization of natural polymers and inorganic materials,they can complement each other's advantages and synergistically enhance efficiency,resulting in many excellent physical and chemical properties.Inorganic materials/natural polymer composite microspheres can be prepared by modifying natural polymers with inorganic materials through various methods such as emulsification crosslinking,solution mixing,in-situ synthesis,extrusion,etc.The application of inorganic materials/natural polymer composite microspheres in drug delivery systems has significant sustained-release effects,is safe and non-toxic,and the cost of carrier materials is relatively low,which has certain significance for the development of new drug carriers.This article reviews the recent research on the preparation,drug loading and release properties of inorganic material/natural polymer composite microspheres,analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used preparation methods,and looks forward to the development direction of composite microspheres.

Insensitive energetic microspheres DAAF/RDX fabricated by facile molecular self-assembly

Insensitive energetic materials are promising in the defense weapons field.However,energetic materials still suffer from great challenges and the concern about their safety limits their utilization.In this work,insensitive energetic explosive 3,30-diamino-4,40-azoxyfurazan/hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine(DAAF/RDX)microspheres were fabricated by self-assembly method.Rod-like DAAF/RDX was prepared by mechanical ball milling for comparison.DAAF/RDX composites with different mass ratios(90:10,80:20,and 70:30)were obtained.The morphologies and structures of as-obtained DAAF/RDX composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),powder x-ray diffraction(PXRD)and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR).The results showed that DAAF/RDX microspheres exhibited regular shaped microspheres with sizes from 0.5 to 1.2 mm.There was no crystal transition during the modification process.The thermal properties of as-obtained materials were then evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and materials studio software.DAAF/RDX microspheres showed an advanced decomposition peak temperature compared with rod-like DAAF/RDX.The binding energy and peak temperature values at zeroβ_(i)(T_(P0))of DAAF/RDX(90:10)increased by 36.77 kJ/mol,1.6℃,and 58.11 kJ/mol,12.3℃compared to DAAF/RDX(80:20)and DAAF/RDX(70:30),indicating the better thermal stability of DAAF/RDX(90:10).The characteristic drop height(H_(50))of DAAF/RDX(higher than 100 cm)composites was higher than that of raw RDX(25 cm),suggesting significant improvements in mechanical safety.The preparation of DAAF/RDX microspheres is promising for the desensitization of RDX and useful for the formation of other materials and future wide applications.

Preparation and Self-assembly of Chitosan/Carbon Microsphere Composite

Carbon-based films were synthesized by self-assembly of chitosan-encapsulated carbon microsphere （CMS@CS） composite. First, carbon microspheres （CMSs） prepared by chemical vapor deposition were modified by HNO3 and H2O2. Second, oxidized CMSs were modified by chitosan （CS）. Finally, CMS@CS was self-assembled by vertical deposition, in which suspension concentration and deposition temperature on the quality of self-assembling film were investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry were employed to characterize the morphology and structure of the samples. The results show that CMSs modified by CS had uniform particle size and good dispersion, CMS@CS was self-assembled into a dense film, the film thickened with increasing suspension concentration at fixed temperature, and more ordered film was obtained at 1 wt% of suspension concentration and 50 ℃. The ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra show that the absorbance of CMS@CS film grew steadily with increasing suspension concentration and that the CMSs with oxygen-containing groups have a good assembling performance to form composite films with CS.

Microsphere femtosecond laser sub-50 nm structuring in far field via non-linear absorption

Creation of arbitrary features with high resolution is critically important in the fabrication of nano-optoelectronic devices.Here,sub-50 nm surface structuring is achieved directly on Sb2S3 thin films via microsphere femtosecond laser irradi-ation in far field.By varying laser fluence and scanning speed,nano-feature sizes can be flexibly tuned.Such small patterns are attributed to the co-effect of microsphere focusing,two-photons absorption,top threshold effect,and high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser-induced incubation effect.The minimum feature size can be reduced down to~30 nm(λ/26)by manipulating film thickness.The fitting analysis between the ablation width and depth predicts that the feature size can be down to~15 nm at the film thickness of~10 nm.A nano-grating is fabricated,which demonstrates desirable beam diffraction performance.This nano-scale resolution would be highly attractive for next-generation laser nano-lithography in far field and in ambient air.

Boosting Interfacial Polarization Through Heterointerface Engineering in MXene/Graphene Intercalated-Based Microspheres for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Multi-layer 2D material assemblies provide a great number of interfaces beneficial for electromagnetic wave absorption.However,avoiding agglomeration and achieving layer-by-layer ordered intercalation remain chal-lenging.Here,3D reduced graphene oxide(rGO)/MXene/TiO_(2)/Fe_(2)C lightweight porous microspheres with periodical intercalated structures and pronounced inter-facial effects were constructed by spray-freeze-drying and microwave irradiation based on the Maxwell–Wagner effect.Such approach reinforced interfacial effects via defects introduction,porous skeleton,multi-layer assembly and multi-compo-nent system,leading to synergistic loss mechanisms.The abundant 2D/2D/0D/0D intercalated heterojunctions in the microspheres provide a high density of polari-zation charges while generating abundant polarization sites,resulting in boosted interfacial polarization,which is verified by CST Microwave Studio simulations.By precisely tuning the 2D nanosheets intercalation in the heterostructures,both the polarization loss and impedance matching improve significantly.At a low filler loading of 5 wt%,the polarization loss rate exceeds 70%,and a minimum reflection loss(RLmin)of-67.4 dB can be achieved.Moreover,radar cross-section simulations further confirm the attenuation ability of the optimized porous microspheres.These results not only provide novel insights into understanding and enhancing interfacial effects,but also constitute an attractive platform for implementing heterointerface engineering based on customized 2D hierarchical architectures.

Waste to wealth: Oxygen-nitrogen-sulfur codoped lignin-derived carbon microspheres from hazardous black liquors for high-performance DSSCs

Carbon materials are effective substitutes for Pt counter electrodes(CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs). However, many of these materials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene, are expensive and require complex preparation process. Herein, waste lignin, recycled from hazardous black liquors,is used to create oxygen-nitrogen-sulfur codoped carbon microspheres for use in DSSC CEs through the facile process of low-temperature preoxidation and high-temperature self-activation. The large number of ester bonds formed by preoxidation increase the degree of cross-linking of the lignin chains, leading to the formation of highly disordered carbon with ample defect sites during pyrolysis. The presence of organic O/N/S components in the waste lignin results in high O/N/S doping of the pyrolysed carbon,which increases the electrolyte ion adsorption and accelerates the electron transfer at the CE/electrolyte interface, as confirmed by density functional theory(DFT) calculations. The presence of inorganic impurities enables the construction of a hierarchical micropore-rich carbon structure through the etching effect during self-activation, which can provide abundant catalytically active sites for the reversible adsorption/desorption of electrolyte ions. Under these synergistic effects, the DSSCs that use this novel carbon CE achieve a quite high power-conversion efficiency of 9.22%. To the best of our knowledge, the value is a new record reported so far for biomass-carbon-based DSSCs.

Exploration of the Exceptional Capacitive Deionization Performance of CoMn_(2)O_(4) Microspheres Electrode

The“battery type”inorganic electrode has been demonstrated the highly efficient sodium ion intercalation capacity for capacitive deionization.In this work,the CoMn_(2)O_(4)(CMO)microspheres with porous core-shell structure are prepared via co-precipitation and followed by annealing.The effects of annealing temperatures on the morphology,pore structure,valence state,and electrochemical behavior of CMO are explored.As electrode for capacitive deionization,the salt removal capacity and current efficiency of optimized AC||CMO device reaches up to 60.7 mg g^(−1) and 97.6%,respectively,and the capacity retention rate is 74.1%after 50 cycles.Remarkably,both the in-situ X-ray diffraction and ex-situ X-ray diffraction analysis features that the intercalation/de-intercalation of sodium ions are governed by(103)and(221)crystal planes of CMO.Accordingly,the density functional theory calculations realize that the adsorption energies of Na+onto(103)and(221)crystal planes are higher than that of any other crystal planes,manifesting the priorities in adsorption of sodium atoms.Furthermore,the X-ray photoelectron spectra of pristine and post-CMO electrode highlights that the reversible conversion of Mn^(3+)/Mn^(4+)couple is resulted from the intercalation/de-intercalation of Na^(+),while this is irreversible for Co^(3+)/Co^(2+)couple.Beyond that,the CMO electrode has been proven the selectivity removal of Na^(+) over K^(+)and Mg^(2+)in a multi-cation stream.

Poly(lactic acid)-aspirin microspheres prepared via the traditional and improved solvent evaporation methods and its application performances

Drug-loaded microspheres are significant for the development of modern pharmaceutical products. It is well known that the taken of aspirin for long-term increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal complications, therefore a controllable delivery of aspirin is of importance to lighten those side effects. In this work, poly(lactic acid)(PLA) was chosen as the carrier to prepare PLA-aspirin microspheres by using the traditional and the improved solvent evaporation methods. It was found that no matter which experimental condition was, the encapsulation efficiency of aspirin was higher by using the improved method than that of the traditional method. Specifically, when the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol = 1%(mass),the polymer concentration = 1:20, the oil/water rate = 1:2.5, PLA-aspirin microspheres were obtained via the improved method with a high yield of 82.83%(mass) and an encapsulation efficiency of 44.09%. PLAaspirin microspheres were then prepared continuously using the improved method, which further enhanced the encapsulation efficiency to 54.56%. Approximate 85% aspirin released from microspheres within 7 days. Obvious degradation which was represented by reduction on hardness was observed by soaking microspheres in PBS for 60 days. This work is of interest because it provides a continuous route to prepare PLA-aspirin microspheres continuously with a high drug encapsulation efficiency.

Thermal and ignition properties of hexanitrostilbene(HNS) microspheres prepared by droplet microfluidics

HNS-IV(Hexanitrostilbene-IV) is the main charge of the exploding foil initiators(EFI), and the microstructure of the HNS will directly affect its density, flowability, sensitivity, and stability. HNS microspheres were prepared using droplet microfluidics, and the particle size, morphology, specific surface area, thermal performance, and ignition threshold of the HNS microspheres were characterized and tested. The results shown that the prepared HNS microspheres have high sphericity, with an average particle size of 20.52 μm(coefficient of variation less than 0.2), and a specific surface area of 21.62 m^(2)/g(6.87 m^(2)/g higher than the raw material). Without changing the crystal structure and thermal stability of HNS-IV, this method significantly enhances the sensitivity of HNS-IV to short pulses and reduces the ignition threshold of the slapper detonator to below 1000 V. This will contribute to the miniaturization and low cost of EFI.

Nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres and the small gap sleeve bridging technique to repair peripheral nerve injury

We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique.Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve injury;as a result,in this study,we added basic fibroblast growth factors to the microspheres to further promote nerve regeneration.First,in an in vitro biomimetic microenvironment,we developed and used a drug screening biomimetic microfluidic chip to screen the optimal combination of nerve growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor to promote the regeneration of Schwann cells.We found that 22.56 ng/mL nerve growth factor combined with 4.29 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor exhibited optimal effects on the proliferation of primary rat Schwann cells.The successfully prepared nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor-poly-lactide-co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres were used to treat rat sciatic nerve transection injury using the small gap sleeve bridge technique.Compared with epithelium sutures and small gap sleeve bridging alone,the small gap sleeve bridging technique combined with drug-free sustained-release microspheres has a stronger effect on rat sciatic nerve transfection injury repair at the structural and functional level.

Novel Bilayer-Shelled N,O-Doped Hollow Porous Carbon Microspheres as High Performance Anode for Potassium-Ion Hybrid Capacitors

With the advantages of high energy/power density,long cycling life and low cost,dual-carbon potassium ion hybrid capacitors(PIHCs)have great potential in the field of energy storage.Here,a novel bilayer-shelled N,O-doped hollow porous carbon microspheres(NOHPC)anode has been prepared by a self-template method,which is consisted of a dense thin shell and a hollow porous spherical core.Excitingly,the NOHPC anode possesses a high K-storage capacity of 325.9 mA h g^(−1)at 0.1 A g^(−1)and a capacity of 201.1 mAh g^(−1)at 5 A g^(−1)after 6000 cycles.In combination with ex situ characterizations and density functional theory calculations,the high reversible capacity has been demonstrated to be attributed to the co-doping of N/O heteroatoms and porous structure improved K+adsorption and intercalation capabilities,and the stable long-cycling performance originating from the bilayer-shelled hollow porous carbon sphere structure.Meanwhile,the hollow porous activated carbon microspheres(HPAC)cathode with a high specific surface area(1472.65 m^(2)g^(−1))deriving from etching NOHPC with KOH,contributing to a high electrochemical adsorption capacity of 71.2 mAh g^(−1)at 1 A g^(−1).Notably,the NOHPC//HPAC PIHC delivers a high energy density of 90.1 Wh kg^(−1)at a power density of 939.6 W kg^(−1)after 6000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles.

Dual-channel fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance sensor with cascaded coaxial dual-waveguide D-type structure and microsphere structure

To address the restriction of fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance(SPR) sensors in the field of multi-sample detection, a novel dual-channel fiber-optic SPR sensor based on the cascade of coaxial dual-waveguide D-type structure and microsphere structure is proposed in this paper. The fiber sidepolishing technique converts the coaxial dual-waveguide fiber into a D-type one, and the evanescent wave in the ring core leaks, generating a D-type sensing region;the fiber optic fused ball push technology converts the coaxial dual waveguides into microspheres, and the stimulated cladding mode evanescent wave leaks, producing the microsphere sensing region. By injecting light into the coaxial dual-waveguide middle core alone, the sensor can realize single-stage sensing in the microsphere sensing area;it can also realize dual-channel sensing in the D-type sensing area and microsphere sensing area by injecting light into the ring core. The refractive index measurement ranges for the two channels are 1.333–1.365 and 1.375–1.405, respectively, with detection sensitivities of 981.56 nm/RIU and 4138 nm/RIU. The sensor combines wavelength division multiplexing and space division multiplexing technologies, presenting a novel research concept for multi-channel fiber SPR sensors.