Fast Response Research Articles

Visual Implicit Pre-Cueing Improves Response Time in Decision-Making in Dyslexic Children.

This study aimed to examine the effect of visual pre-cueing presented at different time intervals in the response time of dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. Fifteen dyslexic and 15 non-dyslexic children performed a computerised four-choice reaction time task across four conditions: no pre-cue and a 43-ms time interval (or duration) of a centralised dot appearing in the stimulus circle at 43, 86 or 129 ms prior to the stimulus. Each condition was repeated eight times, totaling 32 trials, and presented in a random order. Response correctness and response times were recorded for each trial, and z-scores were obtained by standardising performance in the three pre-cued conditions relative to the no pre-cue condition. Dyslexic children took longer to respond in the task than non-dyslexic children. Both dyslexic and non-dyslexic children had faster response times in the pre-cued conditions than in the conditions without the pre-cue. These lower response times were inversely correlated with the length of the pre-cueing interval. These results suggest that dyslexic children use visual pre-cueing to improve decision-making. The ability of dyslexic children to use pre-cues may offer an interesting avenue for the exploration of interventions aimed at minimising behavioural and cognitive difficulties resulting from dyslexia.

Increase of bridge length by ingenious grafting of ester chains, imparting epoxy resins superb thermal, smoke suppression, gas-phase flame retardancy, and mechanical properties

While bifunctional synergistic flame retardants have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the fire safety of epoxy resins (EPs), the grafting of specific functional monomers into flame retardant molecules, elucidating their mechanisms of action through comparative analysis, and concurrently achieving a delicate balance among flame retardancy, heat resistance, and mechanical toughness remains a significant challenge. Herein, this research present an innovative strategy to derive a novel sulfur-based bifunctional flame retardant, DSTA, based on the structure of the original flame retardant, DST, by grafting the ester chains to increase the bridge length of the molecular structure. As expected, the addition of flexible ester chains enabled DSTA to have a very high initial decomposition temperature and the heat-resistance index. DSTA can be used in low dosage compared to DST, enabling EP to achieve UL-94 V-0 rating. Combustion behavior showed that DSTA had the best ability to heat and smoke suppression for EP, and had faster response speed and higher fire growth index. Notably, pyrolysis volatiles tested on DSTA revealed that the ester chains can pyrolysis to release large amounts of CO2, which occurs in the early stages of pyrolysis and works together with other N-containing inert gases and P-containing radicals in the gas-phase to efficiently extinguish flames. Meanwhile, DSTA improves all mechanical properties of EP, which was attributed to the presence of ester chains. In summary, this work presents a new strategy for examining the impact of specific functional groups on the flame retardant mechanisms of EP.

Radiotherapy for Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: When is the Optimal Timing of Treatment and Evaluation

PurposeDespite the decades of using radiotherapy for Graves’ ophthalmopathy, the effects and optimal timing remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the overall efficacy and response, predictive factors, and the effective timing of radiotherapy by assessing steroid requirement after radiotherapy in patients without prior surgery. Methods and MaterialsBetween 2008 and 2022, we analyzed 74 patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy who received radiotherapy to both orbits. Concurrent steroid therapy was administered to 51 patients. Symptoms were evaluated using a modified clinical activity score (CAS), defining responders as those with a two or more score improvement in CAS, diplopia, or a significant reduction in exophthalmos asymmetry. Common symptoms included eye swelling (81.1%), and conjunctival edema (81.1%). Diplopia observed in 48 patients (64.9%). ResultsMedian follow-up was 44.5 months (range 4.8-169.6). CAS significantly improved in the early-immediate phase, one month after radiotherapy (p<0.001). However, diplopia showed significant improvement at a relatively late phase, 4 months after radiotherapy (p=0.039). Patients treated with steroids concurrently showed a faster response compared to those without steroids. Initiating radiotherapy within 12 months of symptom onset resulted in a shorter duration of steroid use after radiotherapy compared to later initiation (65 vs. 286 days, p=0.011). ConclusionsOur study suggests an evaluation period of at least four months after radiotherapy regardless of concurrent steroid treatment, recognizing the prolonged improvement timeline for diplopia. Additionally, for reducing steroid use after radiotherapy, our study suggests optimal timing of radiotherapy within 12 months of symptom onset.

HaptoFloater: Visuo-Haptic Augmented Reality by Embedding Imperceptible Color Vibration Signals for Tactile Display Control in a Mid-Air Image.

We propose HaptoFloater, a low-latency mid-air visuo-haptic augmented reality (VHAR) system that utilizes imperceptible color vibrations. When adding tactile stimuli to the visual information of a mid-air image, the user should not perceive the latency between the tactile and visual information. However, conventional tactile presentation methods for mid-air images, based on camera-detected fingertip positioning, introduce latency due to image processing and communication. To mitigate this latency, we use a color vibration technique; humans cannot perceive the vibration when the display alternates between two different color stimuli at a frequency of 25 Hz or higher. In our system, we embed this imperceptible color vibration into the mid-air image formed by a micromirror array plate, and a photodiode on the fingertip device directly detects this color vibration to provide tactile stimulation. Thus, our system allows for the tactile perception of multiple patterns on a mid-air image in 59.5 ms. In addition, we evaluate the visual-haptic delay tolerance on a mid-air display using our VHAR system and a tactile actuator with a single pattern and faster response time. The results of our user study indicate a visual-haptic delay tolerance of 110.6 ms, which is considerably larger than the latency associated with systems using multiple tactile patterns.

A novel mapping method for equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping of [formula omitted]-DOF series hydraulic robot

Impedance control is a commonly used approach for robots to interact with environments. At present, the impedance control is mostly implemented at the foot end, while the impedance control at the joint space offers faster response speed and is a more favorable option. However, due to the influence of installation position and moment arm of hydraulic drive unit (HDU), it is more complicated to establish the mapping relationship of equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping between the foot end and joint HDU. To address this challenge, this paper provides a general calculation expression of mapping matrices between the foot end and joint HDU, which also considers the influence of above nonlinear factors. Additionally, the accuracy of mapping matrices is verified through the impedance control, and the “finite difference method” (FDM) is used to enhance the accuracy of validation. Finally, the accuracy of mapping matrices is validated through the single leg of a 2-DOF series hydraulic robot.

Electron sensitization and chemical sensitization of ZnWO4/WO3 nanorod heterojunctions for high performance triethylamine sensor

Real-time detecting of triethylamine gas is necessary and challenging in environmental protection and industrial production. However, conventional sensing materials still suffer from low response, long response times and high detection limit, mainly due to the insufficient charge transfer capability of the sensing materials. Herein, ZnWO4/WO3 was successfully prepared for TEA detection by a two-step hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the synergy between the heterojunctions, including electron sensitization and chemical sensitization, the sensor based on 0.1-ZnWO4/WO3 composite demonstrates remarkable performance in terms of faster response/recovery time (3.3-fold/2.02-fold), higher response (2.21-fold), lower detection limit (0.5 ppm) and lower power consumption (30℃-decrement) as compared with the pristine WO3 sensor. In addition, the long-term stability, repeatability, 10 s fast response, and satisfactory anti-interference ability of the composite sensor indicate its potential application in TEA detection. This work provides a feasible scheme to design advanced gas sensors through the synergistic effect of electron sensitization and chemical sensitization.

High-Performance Complementary Electrochromic Batteries using Nb18W16O93 by the Synergistic Effects of Aqueous Al3+/K+ Dual-Ion.

Multivalent ions, especially Al3+ in aqueous electrolyte contributes to higher capacity and color contrast for more sustainable post-lithium electrochromism and energy storages. However, the lack of suitable cathodic and anodic electrochromic materials is a major challenge for Al-ion electrochromic batteries, which limits their optical contrast and lifespan. Herein, we report that Wadsley-Roth phase Nb18W16O93 with open structure achieves Al3+ intercalation/extraction reversibly. The complementary electrochromic energy storage devices based on Nb18W16O93 coupled with Prussian blue using hybrid Al3+/K+ aqueous electrolytes show a fast response, a high capacity and a large coloring efficiency. The superior performances are due to the cations of Al3+ and K+ selectively insert/extract in the electrode of Nb18W16O93 and Prussian blue, respectively. This work provides an effective strategy for high-performance and low-cost electrochromic batteries with higher sustainability.

High‐Performance Complementary Electrochromic Batteries using Nb18W16O93 by the Synergistic Effects of Aqueous Al3+/K+ Dual‐Ion

AbstractMultivalent ions, especially Al3+ in aqueous electrolyte contributes to higher capacity and color contrast for more sustainable post‐lithium electrochromism and energy storages. However, the lack of suitable cathodic and anodic electrochromic materials is a major challenge for Al‐ion electrochromic batteries, which limits their optical contrast and lifespan. Herein, we report that Wadsley‐Roth phase Nb18W16O93 with open structure achieves Al3+ intercalation/extraction reversibly. The complementary electrochromic energy storage devices based on Nb18W16O93 coupled with Prussian blue using hybrid Al3+/K+ aqueous electrolytes show a fast response, a high capacity and a large coloring efficiency. The superior performances are due to the cations of Al3+ and K+ selectively insert/extract in the electrode of Nb18W16O93 and Prussian blue, respectively. This work provides an effective strategy for high‐performance and low‐cost electrochromic batteries with higher sustainability.

Ability to Select AAC Graphic Symbols by Severity of Alzheimer’s Disease and Number of Symbols

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the graphic-symbol selection ability of patients with dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT) based on the severity of dementia by conducting symbol identification and symbol discrimination tasks with increasing numbers of symbols. These tasks were performed with both normal elderly individuals and DAT patients to explore how cognitive load affects them differently.Methods: A total of 21 normal elderly individuals, 17 mild DAT patients, and 20 moderate to severe DAT patients were assessed. They performed symbol identification and symbol discrimination tasks using the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Symbol Assessment Tool. The number of symbols increased in six steps, from 4 to 72. Accuracy and response time were measured for statistical analysis.Results: In the symbol identification task, there was no significant difference in accuracy among the three groups. However, normal group showed significantly faster responses compared to moderate to severe DAT group. In the symbol discrimination task, normal group showed higher accuracy and significantly faster responses than moderate to severe DAT group. As the number of symbols increased, response times increased across all groups, with more time required for the symbol discrimination task.Conclusion: It was confirmed that the greater the severity of DAT, the more cognitive load and impaired information processing were reflected in symbol selection. Findings suggest that response time is a more sensitive indicator of cognitive decline in DAT patients and highlight the need to adjust the number of symbols and presentation methods according to the severity of the patient’s condition in dementia interventions.

Size-controlled synthesis and sensing properties of anthracene-based metal-organic frameworks for detection of singlet oxygen in photodynamic therapy

Developing fluorescent probes to detect singlet oxygen (1O2) is essential to understanding the critical role of 1O2 in immunological and pathological processes in various organs. In this study, size-controlled DPA-MOF (X) with good biocompatibility and excellent optical stability was used as a nanoprobe for real-time imaging and monitoring of 1O2 in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The experimentally synthesized DPA-MOF (X), which can be adjusted in particle size by dilution, exhibits blue fluorescence signals. The results show that smaller-sized DPA-MOF (60) has a faster response to 1O2 and higher cell uptake ability. The ratio of fluorescence intensity (F0/Fi) of DPA-MOF (60) showed a linear correlation with the concentration of 1O2 in the range of 0–7 mM, with a detection limit of 88 μM. DPA-MOF has a distinct advantage over most carrier loading sensors in that it effectively avoids the issue of fluorophore leakage from the nanomaterial matrix, thereby improving its stability. Additionally, the controlled synthesis of DPA-MOF can potentially improve probe accumulation in tumors and lower the uptake by the body system. This study presents a luminescent metal-organic framework (LMOF) sensor that utilizes a 1O2 capture unit as a measuring ligand. This sensor has been shown to have exceptional biocompatibility and can be utilized for highly specific and efficient detection of 1O2 in vivo or living cells.

A Wide‐Temperature Adaptive Electrochromic Device Based on a Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Poly(acrylic acid) Gel Electrolyte

AbstractAs a promising energy‐saving technology, electrochromic technology has been widely investigated for practical applications. However, there is relatively few research about the applications under certain extreme climatic conditions since gel electrolytes often occur freezing and volatilizing. In this work, a poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) (PVA/PAA) gel electrolyte with good anti‐freezing and heat‐resistance performance is developed. Utilizing hydrated tungsten oxide (WO3·xH2O) and polyaniline (PANI) as electrochromic materials and the PVA/PAA gel as electrolyte, a WO3·xH2O/PVA/PAA‐ethylene glycol (EG)‐H2O/PANI electrochromic device (WO3·xH2O/PAEH/PANI ECD) is obtained, which can work efficiently at wide operating temperatures from −20 to 60 °C. The device has multiple reversible color changes, a large optical modulation of 66.2% at 600 nm, high coloration efficiency of 386.0 cm2 C−1, fast responses (with coloration/bleaching times of 1.3/1.1 s), as well as excellent cyclic stability (82.0% of the initial optical modulation is still retained after 2100 cycles). This work reveals the potential application prospects of PAEH gel electrolyte in practical extreme operating conditions.

Emerging New-Generation Semiconductor Single Crystals of Metal Halide Perovskites for Radiation Detection

Radiation detection uses semiconductor materials to convert high-energy photons into charge (direct detection) or low-energy photons (indirect detection), and it has a wide range of applications in nuclear physics, medical imaging, astronomical detection, homeland security, and other fields. Metal halide perovskites have the advantages of high frequency number, high carrier mobility, high defect tolerance, low defect density, adjustable band gap, and fast light response, and they have wide application prospects in the field of radiation detection. However, the research is still in its infancy stage, and it is far from meeting the requirements of industrial application. This paper focuses on the advantages of metal halide perovskite single-crystal materials in both semiconductors-based direct conversion detection and scintillator-based indirect detection as well as the latest progress in this promising field. This paper not only introduces the latest application of lead halide perovskite monocrystalline materials in high-energy electromagnetic radiation detection (X-ray and γ-rays), but it also introduces the latest development of α-particle/β-particle/neutron detection. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and future prospects of metal halide perovskite single-crystal materials in radiation detection.

Mitochondria-Targetable Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complex-Based Luminescence Probe for Monitoring and Assessing Treatment Response of Ferroptosis-Mediated Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Ferroptosis plays an essential role in the pathological progression of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), which is closely related to iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Since mitochondria are thought to be the major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and iron storage, monitoring the variations of mitochondrial hypochlorous acid (HClO) (an important member of ROS) has important implications for the assessment of ferroptosis status, as well as the formulation of treatment strategies for HIRI. However, reliable imaging tools for the visualization of mitochondrial HClO and monitoring its dynamic changes in ferroptosis-mediated HIRI are still lacking. Herein, in this work, an HClO-activated near-infrared (NIR) cyclometalated iridium(III) complex-based probe, named NIR-Ir-HClO, was developed for the visual monitoring of the mitochondrial HClO fluxes in ferroptosis-mediated HIRI. The newly prepared probe showed fast response (<30 s), good sensitivity, excellent selectivity, good cell biocompatibility, and satisfactory mitochondrial-targeting performance, making it suitable for accurate monitoring of mitochondrial HClO in living cells. Moreover, visualization of the variations of mitochondrial HClO in ferroptosis-mediated HIRI and monitoring of the treatment response of ferroptosis-mediated HIRI to the ferroptosis inhibitors were achieved for the first time. All these show that probe NIR-Ir-HClO can be utilized as a reliable imaging tool for revealing the pathological mechanism of mitochondrial HClO in ferroptosis-mediated HIRI, as well as for the formulation of new treatment strategies for HIRI.

Ethylene vinyl acetate/copper sulphide with near-infrared light active shape memory behavior

This thesis presents the preparation of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) (EVA/CuS) with near-infrared light photo-thermal response. The composites were prepared using EVA as the matrix material and copper sulphide (CuS) particles as the functional phase. The designability of SMPs was considered in the preparation of these composites. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of CuS, as a functional phase, enhanced the cross-linking degree and augmented the shape memory properties of EVA. Additionally, it served as a photo-thermal functional filler, imparting its photo-thermal properties. It can be observed that as the quantity of CuS particles incorporated into the EVA/CuS composite film increases, the photothermal conversion performance of the composite film improves, the shape fixation rate rises, and the rate of recovery of light-responsive shape memory accelerates. The temperature of the composites increased to 116.7°C in 20 s when the CuS addition was 2 wt% and the NIR light intensity was 0.5 W/cm2. At a NIR light intensity of 0.6 W/cm2, the “U” shape of the sample was restored to a straight state in 30 s, and the shape recovery rate reached 100%. In this experiment, optical near-infrared photostimulation-responsive EVA/CuS composites have been successfully prepared. These composites demonstrate the ability to achieve remote control and fast response of EVA shape memory behavior, offering a new avenue for the preparation of photo-responsive EVA-based shape memory materials.

Green Edge: Harnessing situational awareness for sustainable systems

Green computing and Building Management Systems (BMS)are closely related through their shared goal of improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Field controllers that connect with the sensors and actuators at the field level act as an interface between field devices and enterprise applications. Data transfer, protocol conversion, data processing, computing, and control actuators based on predefined logic are the functions of the field controllers. Fast response time is one of the crucial parameters of these field controllers hence reducing the load on these field controllers by enabling Edge computing functionality is very much required. Maharudrayya Nandimath and others [16] in their “Edge Computing in IBMS (Integrated Building Management Systems). (2024 International Conference on Computer Communication and Informatics (iccci. in)) the paper suggested many of the measures to reduce the load on these field controllers. Building Management Systems are essential for optimizing the operation of modern buildings, ensuring comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. By integrating advanced technologies such as Situation Awareness (SA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), BMS can be significantly enhanced to provide real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent decision-making. This paper explores the potential of combining SA and AI with BMS, leveraging insights from recent research on industrial processes, IoT cloud-edge continuum, and smart cities. The proposed system architecture includes feedback loops and contextual awareness, aiming to improve building operations and reduce energy consumption, thereby supporting global sustainability goals.

Anodically Grown Pt(II) Oxide Microelectrode/Nanoelectrode pH Sensor

Abstract Operando measurements of local pH at the nanoscale can significantly improve the understanding of the complex microenvironments that exist in electrochemical systems. However, attempts to easily fabricate a nano-sized pH electrode that can operate under a wide range of pH conditions and have fast temporal responses have been difficult. Here, we show that an anodic-grown Pt/Pt(II) oxide pH sensor manufactured in alkaline conditions (1 M NaOH) shows a near-Nernstian response (-60 mV/pH) from pH 0 to pH 14, is insensitive to dissolved oxygen, cation, and anion identities, and responds correctly in solution with different ionic strengths. This is in contrast to Pt/Pt(II) oxide films grown in acidic media, which do not demonstrate a Nernstian relationship due to cation interference other than H+. We observed a response time of 2.25 seconds, corresponding to 90% of the final measured pH, for an approximately twelve-fold pH step change when growing the Pt(II) oxide layer on a platinum nanoelectrode. Our findings emphasize the influence of solution pH used for anodization synthesis on the anodic Pt(II) oxide pH sensing properties. The direct oxidation approach for fabricating Pt/Pt(II) oxide microelectrode/nanoelectrode pH sensors can simplify the manufacture of real-time pH sensors for complex aqueous environments.

Poly(3, 4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) as Promising Energy Storage Materials in Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Benefiting from the advantages of high conductivity and good electrochemical stability, the conjugated conducting polymer poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is a promising energy storage material in zinc-ion batteries. Zinc-ion batteries have the advantages of high safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost, but suffer from unstable cathode material structure, poor electrical conductivity, and uncontrollable dendritic growth of zinc anodes. PEDOT, with its fast electrochemical response and wide potential window, is expected to make up for the shortcomings and enhance capacity and cycle life of zinc-ion batteries. Herein, in this review different polymerization methods of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as well as their structure and properties are summarized; the progress in doping strategies related to the increasing conductivity and dispersivity of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) materials is discussed; specific applications of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based materials in anode, cathode, electrolyte, and binder of zinc-ion batteries are explored; and the representative advancements for improving the electrochemical performance of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in zinc-ion batteries are emphasized. Finally, the current challenges of poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as promising materials in zinc-ion batteries and an insight into their future research directions are pointed out.

Fixed-Time Backstepping Sliding-Mode Control for Interleaved Boost Converter in DC Microgrids

Interleaved boost converters (IBCs) are commonly used as interface converters for DC microgrids (MGs) due to their high efficiency and low output ripple. However, the MGs system can easily become unstable due to the negative impedance characteristics of constant power load (CPL) and rapid power fluctuations. This paper proposes a fixed-time backstepping sliding-mode controller (FTBSMC) aimed at stabilizing the MGs system and achieving fixed-time tracking of the DC bus voltage. Firstly, the fixed-time disturbance observer (FxTDO) estimates the load disturbance at a fixed time, which improves the fast disturbance resistance of the system. Then, based on the dis-turbance estimation, the FTBSMC is designed, which combines the fast dynamic response of the sliding-mode control with the global stability of the backstepping control, avoiding the singularity problem of the conventional sliding-mode control. In addition, a first-order nonlinear filter is employed to avoid the direct differentiation of conventional backstepping control and at the same time to ensure global fixed-time stability. The fixed-time convergence of the proposed FTBSMC is rigorously demonstrated by using Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, the FTBSMC proposed is verified by simulation and experiment in terms of faster dynamic response and stronger robustness.

Comprehensive Experimental Assessment Of Unsteady Pressure And Heat Flux In A Small-Core Turbine Over-Tip Shroud

Abstract For novel high-speed small core turbines, with tip clearance below 0.5mm, even small blade-to-blade tip clearance variation is significant. The assessment of these complex flows is pertinent to the design of the next generation of small-core turbines. This manuscript provides a thorough experimental analysis of the shroud?s unsteady heat flux and static pressure in a small-core squealer-tip blade turbine. Atomic Layer Thermopile sensors and fast response pressure transducers were used to perform high-frequency acquisition at 2MHz around the 51% axial blade chord on the shroud. Measurements were taken at engine-representative conditions at several operational conditions and tip clearances. The signals were phase-locked averaged over the revolution period and synchronized to identify individual blade and row signatures. The linear relationship between the rotational tip Reynolds and the static pressure ratio across the blade tip reveals the transition point to reverse over-tip flows. Total heat flux is decomposed into different steady and unsteady heat flux contributions. It is demonstrated that the adiabatic wall temperature governs the unsteady heat flux and contributes to one third of the total surface heat flux. A linear trend was observed between the unsteady heat flux and the tip clearance measured at the pressure and suction side rims. Similar trends were observed between the local heat flux and the pressure ratio across the tip. A comparison with CFD predictions highlights some limitations on resolving the detached and secondary flows, evidencing the necessity of complementary experimental data.

Selective passivation of 2D MoS2 nanosheets surface defects by spontaneous growth of Au nanoparticles for full response-recovery NO2 detection at room temperature

Full recovery at room temperature (RT) is quite challengng for two dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides chemiresistive gas sensors. The main reason for the incomplete recovery is the strong bonding of gas molecules onto sensing layer defects. Here, we show that the recovery rate of MoS2 chemiresistive NO2 sensors can be improved by selective passivation of MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) defects with Au nanoparticles (NPs) via a simple spontaneous reduction method. MoS2 NSs were produced by liquid shear exfoliation. Pristine and Au NPs functionalized MoS2 were characterized using ς-potential, UV–Visible spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, AFM, EDS, XRD, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. The analyses confirm the presence of Au NPs on the edges of MoS2 NSs at defective sites with NP sizes of 1–4 nm and 5–30 nm. Both pristine MoS2 and Au-decorated MoS2 NSs were employed to fabricate NO2 chemiresistive devices. Au-decorated MoS2 sensors showed an improved performance (for 1 ppm NO2, Au-MoS2 sensor exhibited a response of 5.6 % instead of 2.2 % for MoS2 sensor), and gave faster response and better recovery time. Concurrently, the functionalization is independent of the adsorption and desorption of NO2. Most importantly, the functionalization of MoS2 NSs helps to full response-recovery within one hour, without either thermal or UV irradiation treatment.