Dual-functional poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)/poly(2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate)mixed brushes with switchable protein adsorption and antibacterial properties

Herein,binary mixed brushes consisting of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)(PMOXA)and poly(2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate)(PDMAEMA)with different chain lengths were fabricated by successive grafting of NH_(2)-terminated PMOXA and SH-terminated PDMAEMA onto polydopamine-anchored substrates.The mixed-brush coating was characterized by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,zeta potential measurements,water contact angle,and atomic force microscopy.The mixed brushes showed tunable surface charge,wettability,and surface roughness,depending on the degree of PDMAEMA swelling under varying pH and ionic strength(Ⅰ).Then the adsorption behaviors of pepsin,bovine serum albumin(BSA),γ-globulin,and lysozyme,four very different proteins with regard to isoelectric point,on the mixed brushes coating were studied by using fluorescence microscopy and surface plasmon resonance.When the chain length of PDMAEMA was about twice as long as PMOXA,the mixed brushes not only had high adsorption capacity for pepsin,BSA,and y-globulin but also had a desorption efficiency of 86.9%,87.1%,and 93.5%,respectively.It is explained that electrostatic attraction between the protonated PDMAEMA and positively charged acidic proteins(pepsin and BSA,whose isoelectric points were below the pK_(a) of PDMAEMA)would drive the intensive adsorption(at pH 3,I=10^(-3)mol·L^(-1)for pepsin,and pH 5,I=10^(-5)mol·L^(-1)for BSA),while desorption was dominated by the hydrophilic PMOXA when PDMAEMA was shrinking(at pH 7,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)for pepsin,and pH 9,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)for BSA).Furthermore,the isoelectric precipitation led to the adsorption of neutral protein(γ-globulin,whose isoelectric point was near the pK_a of PDMAEMA)at pH 7,I=10^(-5)mol·L^(-1),while electrostatic repulsion and antifouling PMOXA triggered the desorption of y-globulin at pH 3,I-10^(-1)mol·L^(-1).However,alkaline protein(lysozyme,whose isoelectric point was higher than the pK_(a) of PDMAEMA)exhibited slight adsorption on PMOXA/PDMAEMA mixed brushes under test conditions,regardless of whether PMOXA or PDMAEMA occupied the outermost layer.The antibacterial property of the mixed brushes against Escherichia coli was investigated.PMOXA/PDMAEMA mixed brushes showed significant bactericidal activity at pH 3,I=10^(-3)mol·L^(-1),while the rinse of pH 9,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)solution could remove most of the residual bacteria.This work not only enables controlled adsorption of proteins with different isoelectric points but also ensures that the surface of the coating is minimized from bacterial contamination.

Wavelength-interval switchable Brillouin–Raman random fiber laser through Brillouin pump manipulation

A wavelength-interval switchable Brillouin–Raman random fiber laser(BRRFL) based on Brillouin pump(BP) manipulation is proposed in this paper. The proposed wavelength-interval switchable BRRFL has a full-open cavity configuration, featuring multiwavelength output with wavelength interval of double Brillouin frequency shifts. Through simultaneously injecting the BP light and its first-order stimulated Brillouin-scattered light into the cavity, the laser output exhibits a wavelength interval of single Brillouin frequency shift. The wavelength-interval switching effect can be manipulated by controlling the power of the first-order stimulated Brillouin scattering light. The experimental results show the multiwavelength output can be switched between double Brillouin frequency shift multiwavelength emission with a broad bandwidth of approximately 60 nm and single Brillouin frequency shift multiwavelength emission of 44 nm. The flexible optically controlled random fiber laser with switchable wavelength interval makes it useful for a wide range of applications and holds significant potential in the field of wavelength-division multiplexing optical communication.

Self-supported metal(Fe, Co, Ni)-embedded nitrogen-doping carbon nanorod framework as trifunctional electrode for flexible Zn-air batteries and switchable water electrolysis

To meet the practical demand of wearable/portable electronics, developing high-efficiency and durable multifunctional catalyst and in-situ assembling catalysts into electrodes with flexible features are urgently needed but challenging. Herein, we report a simple route to fabricate bendable multifunctional electrodes by in-situ carbonization of metal ion absorbed polyaniline precursor. Alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in graphite layer are uniformly distributed in the N-doping carbon nanorod skeleton. Profiting from the favorable free-standing structure and the cooperative effect of metallic nanoparticles, graphitic layer and N doped-carbon architecture, the trifunctional electrodes exhibit prominent activities and stability toward HER, OER and ORR. Notably, due to the protection of carbon layer, the electrocatalysts show the reversible catalytic HER/OER properties. The overall water splitting device can continuously work for 12 h under frequent exchanges of cathode and anode. Importantly, the bendable metal air batteries fabricated by self-supported electrode not only displays the outstanding battery performance,achieving a decent peak power density(125 mW cm^(-2)) and exhibiting favorable charge-discharge durability of 22 h, but also holds superb flexible stability. Specially, a lightweight self-driven water splitting unit is demonstrated with stable hydrogen production.

Switching CO_(2) Electroreduction Selectivity Between C_(1) and C_(2) Hydrocarbons on Cu Gas-Diffusion Electrodes

Regulating the selectivity toward a target hydrocarbon product is still the focus of CO_(2)electroreduction.Here,we discover that the original surface Cu species in Cu gas-diffusion electrodes plays a more important role than the surface roughness,local pH,and facet in governing the selectivity toward C_(1)or C_(2)hydrocarbons.The selectivity toward C_(2)H_(4) progressively increases,while CH_(4) decreases steadily upon lowering the Cu oxidation species fraction.At a relatively low electrodeposition voltage of 1.5 V,the Cu gas-diffusion electrode with the highest Cu^(δ+)/Cu^(0)ratio favors the pathways of∗CO hydrogenation to form CH_(4) with maximum Faradaic efficiency of 65.4%and partial current density of 228 mA cm^(−2)at−0.83 V vs RHE.At 2.0 V,the Cu gas-diffusion electrode with the lowest Cu^(δ+)/Cu^(0)ratio prefers C-C coupling to form C_(2)+products with Faradaic efficiency topping 80.1%at−0.75 V vs RHE,where the Faradaic efficiency of C_(2)H_(4) accounts for 46.4%and the partial current density of C_(2)H_(4) achieves 279 mA cm^(−2).This work demonstrates that the selectivity from CH_(4) to C_(2)H_(4) is switchable by tuning surface Cu species composition of Cu gas-diffusion electrodes.

Colorless to black switching with high contrast ratio via the electrochemical process of a hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite

Colorless‐to‐black switching has attracted widespread attention for smart windows and multifunctional displays because they are more useful to control solar energy.However,it still remains a challenge owing to the tremendous difficulties in the design of completely reverse absorptions in transmissive and colored states.Herein,we report on an electrochemical device that can switch between colorless and black by using the electrochemical process of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite MAPbBr_(3),which shows a high integrated contrast ratio of up to 73%from 400 to 800 nm.The perovskite solution can be used as the active layer to assemble the device,showing superior transmittance over the entire visible region in neutral states.By applying an appropriate voltage,the device undergoes reversible switching between colorless and black,which is attributed to the formation of lead and Br_(2)in the redox reaction induced by the electron transfer process in MAPbBr_(3).In addition,the contrast ratio can be modulated over the entire visible region by changing the concentration and the applied voltage.These results contribute toward gaining an insightful understanding of the electrochemical process of perovskites and greatly promoting the development of switchable devices.

Diode-pumped wavelength-switchable visible Pr^(3+):YLF laser and vortex laser around 670 nm

Here we developed a novel wavelength-switchable visible continuous-wave(CW)Pr^(3+):YLF laser around 670 nm.In single-wavelength laser operations,the maximum output powers of 2.60 W,1.26 W,and 0.21 W,the maximum slope efficiencies of 34.7%,27.3%,and 12.3%were achieved with good beam qualities(M^(2)<1.6)at 670.4 nm,674.2 nm,and 678.9 nm,respectively.Record-high output power(2.6 W)and record-high slope efficiency(34.7%)were achieved for the Pr^(3+):YLF laser operation at 670.4 nm.This is also the first demonstration of longer-wavelength peaks beyond 670 nm in the^(3)P_(1)→^(3)F_(3)transition of Pr^(3+):YLF.In multi-wavelength laser operations,the dual-wavelength lasings,including 670.1/674.8 nm,670.1/679.1 nm,and 675.0/679.4 nm,were obtained by fine adjustment of one/two etalons within the cavity.Furthermore,the triple-wavelength lasings,e.g.672.2/674.2/678.6 nm and 670.4/674.8/679.4 nm,were successfully demonstrated.Moreover,both the first-order vortex lasers(LG_(0)^(+1)and LG_(0)^(-1)modes)at 670.4 nm were obtained by off-axis pumping.

Stimuli-responsive emulsions:Recent advances and potential applications

Responsive emulsions are the emulsions that can be reversibly switched on-demand between“stable”and“unstable”by environmental stimulus or trigger,which allows a simple and effective adjustment approach to achieve emulsification and demulsification.In recent years,stimuli-responsive emulsions acting as smart soft material are received considerable attention with the advantages of simple manipulation,good reversibility,low cost,easy treatment,and little effect on the system.In this paper,the recent research progress of emulsions that can respond to external stimuli,including pH,light,magnetic field,CO_(2)/N_(2) and dual responsive are reviewed.Also,the potential applications based on responsive emulsion are discussed,such as catalytic reactions,heavy oil recovery,polymer particles synthesis and optical sensor,aiming to summarize the latest achievements and put forward the possible development trends of responsive emulsions.

Switchable diurnal radiative cooling by doped VO_(2)

This paper presents design and simulation of a switchable radiative cooler that exploits phase transition in vanadium di-oxide to turn on and off in response to temperature.The cooler consists of an emitter and a solar reflector separated by a spacer.The emitter and the reflector play a role of emitting energy in mid-infrared and blocking incoming solar energy in ultraviolet to near-infrared regime,respectively.Because of the phase transition of doped vanadium dioxide at room tem-perature,the emitter radiates its thermal energy only when the temperature is above the phase transition temperature.The feasibility of cooling is simulated using real outdoor conditions.We confirme that the switchable cooler can keep a desired temperature,despite change in environmental conditions.

Wide-Angle Scanning Antennas for Millimeter-Wave 5G Applications

The fifth generation(5G)network communication systems operate in the millimeter waves and are expected to provide a much higher data rate in the multi-gigabit range,which is impossible to achieve using current wireless services,including the sub-6 GHz band.In this work,we briefly review several existing designs of millimeter-wave phased arrays for 5G applications,beginning with the low-profile antenna array designs that either are fixed beam or scan the beam only in one plane.We then move on to array systems that offer two-dimensional(2D)scan capability,which is highly desirable for a majority of 5G applications.Next,in the main body of the paper,we discuss two different strategies for designing scanning arrays,both of which circumvent the use of conventional phase shifters to achieve beam scanning.We note that it is highly desirable to search for alternatives to conventional phase shifters in the millimeter-wave range because legacy phase shifters are both lossy and costly;furthermore,alternatives such as active phase shifters,which include radio frequency amplifiers,are both expensive and power-hungry.Given this backdrop,we propose two different antenna systems with potential for the desired 2D scan performance in the millimeter-wave range.The first of these is a Luneburg lens,which is excited either by a 2D waveguide array or by a microstrip patch antenna array to realize 2D scan capability.Next,for second design,we turn to phased-array designs in which the conventional phase shifter is replaced by switchable PIN diodes or varactor diodes,inserted between radiating slots in a waveguide to provide the desired phase shifts for scanning.Finally,we discuss several approaches to enhance the gain of the array by modifying the conventional array configurations.We describe novel techniques for realizing both one-dimensional(1D)and 2D scans by using a reconfigurable metasurface type of panels.

Switchable dry adhesive based on shape memory polymer with hemispherical indenters for transfer printing

Transfer printing based on switchable adhesive is essential for developing unconventional systems,including flexible electronics,stretchable electronics,and micro light-emitting diode(LED)displays.Here we report a design of switchable dry adhesive based on shape memory polymer(SMP)with hemispherical indenters,which offers a continuously tunable and reversible adhesion through the combination of the preloading effect and the thermal actuation of SMP.Experimental and numerical studies reveal the fundamental aspects of design,fabrication,and operation of the switchable dry adhesive.Demonstrations of this adhesive concept in transfer printing of flat objects(e.g.,silicon wafers),three-dimensional(3D)objects(e.g.,stainless steel balls),and rough objects(e.g.,frosted glasses)in two-dimensional(2D)or 3D layouts illustrate its unusual manipulation capabilities in heterogeneous material integration applications.

A thermal actuated switchable dry adhesive with high reversibility for transfer printing

Transfer printing based on switchable adhesive that heterogeneously integrates materials is essential to develop novel electronic systems,such as flexible electronics and micro LED displays.Here,we report a robust design of a thermal actuated switchable dry adhesive,which features a stiff sphere embedded in a thermally responsive shape memory polymer(SMP)substrate and encapsulated by an elastomeric membrane.This construct bypasses the unfavorable micro-and nano-fabrication processes and yields an adhesion switchability of over1000 by combining the peel-rate dependent effect of the elastomeric membrane and the thermal actuation of the sub-surface embedded stiff sphere.Experimental and numerical studies reveal the underlying thermal actuated mechanism and provide insights into the design and operation of the switchable adhesive.Demonstrations of this concept in stamps for transfer printing of fragile objects,such as silicon wafers,silicon chips,and inorganic micro-LED chips,onto challenging non-adhesive surfaces illustrate its potential in heterogeneous material integration applications,such as flexible electronics manufacturing and deterministic assembly.

Strategy for Synthesizing Novel Acetamidines as CO_2-Triggered Switchable Surfactants via Acetimidates

In this study, we developed a strategy for using the Scoggins procedure in the synthesis of acetamidines as novel C02-triggered switchable surfactants via acetimidates by effectively tuning the chemical equilibrium. The as-synthesized N'-alkyl-N,Ndiethylacetamidines exhibit excellent CO_2/N_2 switchability and their bicarbonate salts have the ability to emulsify oil-water mixtures.

Selective production of acetol or methyl lactate from cellulose over RuSn catalysts

Designing a catalytic system that could convert cellulose to switchable C3 alcohols or esters with controllable selectivity is highly desired to meet the rapidly changing market demand.Herein,we develop RuSn catalysts with the altering Sn loadings that can achieve acetol formation from cellulose hydrogenation at240℃in presence of H_(2)or yield methyl lactate production from cellulose conversion in methanol and water mixture at 200℃in presence of N_(2).The increased Sn contents from 3%to 6%lead to form different surface sites from Ru_(3)Sn_(7),Ru,and SnO_(x)to Ru_(3)Sn_(7)and SnO_(x).The integrated Ru_(3)Sn_(7),Ru,and SnO_(x)species on 1.5%Ru-3%Sn/SiO_(2)catalyze isomerization,retro-aldol condensation,and hydrogenation individual steps with coordinated reaction rates,resulting in the acetol formation with a high yield of 53.7 C%.Furthermore,the optimum combination of Ru_(3)Sn_(7)and SnO_(x)on 1.5%Ru-6%Sn/SiO_(2)contributes to the isomerization,retro-aldol condensation,dehydration,and 1,2-hydride shift,giving rise to the preferential production of methyl lactate at a 25.1 C%yield.These results illustrate the feasibility of controlling the selective conversion of cellulose to C3 acetol or methyl lactate by devising a tunable catalytic system,which guides the rational design of catalysts for the selective conversion of cellulose.

Tunable and Switchable Narrow Bandwidth Semiconductor-Saturable Absorber Mirror Mode-Locked Yb-Doped Fiber Laser Delivering Different Pulse Widths

The wavelength-tunable and switchable narrow bandwidth mode-locking operation is demonstrated in an all fiber laser based on semiconductor-saturable absorber mirror （SESAM）. Two narrow-band fiber Bragg gratings centered at 1029.9nm and 1032nm respectively with a polarization controller inserted between them are used to realize the wavelength switchable between 1029.9nm and 1032nm. The laser delivers different pulse widths of 7.5ps for 1030nm and 20ps for 1032nm. The maximum output power for both could reach -6.5mW at single pulse operation. The output wavelength couM be tuned to about 0.gnm intervals ranging from 1030.2nm to 1031.1 nm and from 1032.15nm to 1033.7nm with the temperature change of the fiber Bragg grating, respectively.

A CO_(2)/N_(2)-Responsive Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Novel Switchable Surface-Active Alumina Nanoparticles

This article reports the development of a novel switchable Pickering emulsion with rapid CO_(2)/N_(2) respon-siveness,which is stabilized using alumina nanoparticles hydrophobized in situ with a trace amount of a switchable superamphiphile via electrostatic interactions.With the introduction of CO_(2) for 30 s,the Pickering emulsion can be spontaneously demulsified with complete phase separation;the emulsion can then be reconstructed in response to N_(2) purging for 10 min followed by homogenization.Moreover,the stable Pickering emulsion can be stored for more than 60 days at room temperature with-out any visible change.The CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive behavior of the switchable Pickering emulsion is attribu-ted to the reversible desorption/adsorption of the switchable surfactants on the surfaces of the alumina nanoparticles upon the alternative bubbling of CO_(2)or N_(2).Thanks to the simple fabrication of the surfac-tant and the hydrophobization of the alumina nanoparticles,this research has developed an extremely facile and cost-efficient method for preparing a rapidly CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive switchable Pickering emul-sion.The dosage of the switchable surfactants has been significantly reduced by nearly 1500 times(from 150 to 0.1 mmol·L^(-1))as compared with the dosage used in previous studies.Moreover,the as-prepared CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive switchable Pickering emulsion is environmentally friendly,mild,and nontoxic;thus,it holds great potential for practical applications with considerable economic and environmental benefits,such as oil transport,fossil fuel production,environmental gases detection,and the encapsulation and release of active ingredients.

Synthesis of novel disulfide-bridged dilactam crown ethers

The novel macrocyclic dilactams with redox-switched disulfide linkage were synthesized. These compounds were obtained from 2,2′-dithiodibenzoyl chloride in the macrocyclization step by fast addition method in moderate yields.

Tunable terahertz transmission behaviors and coupling mechanism in hybrid MoS_(2)metamaterials

A hybrid metamaterial with the integration of molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))overlayer is proposed to manipulate the terahertz(THz)wave.The simulated results indicate that the introduction of MoS_(2) layer could significantly modify the resonant responses with large resonance red-shift and bandwidth broadening due to the depolarization field effect,especially for the structure on the small permitivity substrate.Additionally,the wide-band modulator in off-resonant region and a switch effect at resonance can be achieved by varying the conductivity of MoS_(2) layer.Further theoretical calculations based on the Lorentz coupling model are consistent with the simulated results,explicating the response behaviors originate from the coupling between MoS_(2) overlayer and the metastructure.Our results could provide a possibility for active control THz modulator and switchable device based on the MoS_(2) overlayer and advance the understanding of the coupling mechanism in hybrid structures.

Switchable vortex beam polarization state terahertz multi-layer metasurface

We propose a switchable vortex beam polarization state terahertz multi-layer metasurface,which consists of threelayer elliptical metal crosses,four-layer dielectrics,and two-layer hollow metal circles,which are alternately superimposed.Under the normal incidence of left-handed circularly polarized(LCP)wave and the right-handed circularly polarized(RCP)waves,the proposed structure realizes three independent control functions,i.e.,focused and vortex beam,vortex beam with different topological charges,and polarization states switching,and azimuth switching of two vortex beams with different polarization states.The results show that the proposed metasurface provides a new idea for investigating the multifunctional terahertz wave modulation devices.

Iterative Learning Controller Design for CNC Machine Tools

The repetitive processing and large quantity of single product represented by 3C products are urgently needed.However,for current processing operations,previous processing data have not been used in the optimization of control input.In order to utilize previous processing data to facilitate the next process and avoid adverse effects caused by repetitive disturbance and noise,the idea of iterative learning was introduced to improve the accuracy of machining.On the control level,since it is difficult to obtain high accuracy by traditional feedback control when faced with complex trajectories,an open⁃loop iterative learning controller and a position loop feedback controller were introduced,which worked fast with good convergence effects.Aiming at reducing the influence of accidental error,step type iterative learning was put forward.The iteration mechanism was stopped when the accuracy converged to the allowable range so as to reduce computational complexity,store the current iterative part of the control input,and make constant value compensation.However,in simulation and experiment,it was found that after superposition of the iterative learning controller,the phenomenon of partial divergence of the system tracking error occurred.Therefore,the speed and acceleration characteristics of input trajectories in time domain and frequency domain were analyzed.High⁃frequency noise was introduced in frequency domain,which was found to be the cause of the abovementioned phenomenon,and high⁃frequency components were filtered to solve the problem.To further improve the accuracy of convergence and avoid filtering effective high⁃frequency information in some area,a switchable filter based on the analysis of the frequency characteristics of input trajectory was proposed.Through SIMULINK simulation and dSPACE experimental verification,it was proved that the iterative learning controller of modifying controlled quantity and filter based iterative learning control method are effective.

Switchable and tunable triple-channel bandpass filter

A triple-channel bandpass filter with switchable and tunable functions is proposed,which is based on a triple-mode cross resonator.The varactors and switching diodes are loaded at the end of the resonator.Because of the use of switches,resonators have four working states:conventional single-mode,two dual-modes,and one triple-mode.The varactor makes the channel independently adjustable.Finally,a triple-channel bandpass filter with switchable and tunable functions is designed by using two identical triple-mode resonator coupling structures.To solve the problem of whether each channel in the multi-channel filter is independently adjustable,this paper gives a simple and rigorous judgment method,namely rank criterion,which is a necessary and sufficient condition for each channel to be independently adjustable.The method of designing an element variable coupling matrix(EVCM)is adopted,which can not only obtain the desired frequency response through adjustable elements but also help to select resonators and coupling modes in the actual circuit design.The final circuit size of the designed filter is 0.29λg×0.26λg.The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation results.