Stable Layer Research Articles

Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Graphene Oxide and Silver Nanowire Thin Films with Interdigitated Nanostructure in Dendrite Suppressions of Li-Metal Batteries.

Reducing the thickness of the Li-metal anode is key to enhancing the energy density of batteries. However, poor initial lithium deposition on Cu current collectors can exacerbate the growth of lithium dendrites and limit performance. This study explores innovative strategies by fabricating graphene oxide (GO) and silver nanowire (AgNW) thin films onto Cu-foil using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method. The homogeneous LbL thin films are prepared with the assistance of bifunctional cross-linkers, such as cysteamine, to strengthen the intermolecular interactions between the nano-building blocks. The GO/AgNW LbL thin films possess a highly interdigitated nanostructure that combines the synergistic advantages of the individual building components. The GO layers facilitate the distribution of Li-ionic flux through the films, which promotes the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase layers. In addition, the AgNW layers provide electrical pathways and serve as nucleation sites for Li─Ag alloy reactions. These combined effects lead to a flat and stable initial Li-deposition, as well as dense and compact Li growth, without significant dendrite formation. The full cell tests show excellent cycle longevity, 430 cycles with an N/P ratio of 3.36 at 1 C and 250 cycles with an N/P ratio of 1.81 at 3 C.

Effect of Sulfate‐Based Stabilizers on the Rust Layer Formation and Corrosion Resistance of Q420qNH Weathering Steel

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the use of sulfate‐based stabilizers to stabilize the surface of Q420qNH weathering steel (WS) and their effect on rust layer formation and corrosion resistance. Dry/wet cyclic corrosion tests (CCT) were used to examine the effects of the various treatment regimens. The results demonstrated that sulfate‐based stabilizers accelerated the formation of α‐FeOOH, thereby enhancing the corrosion resistance of WS in simulated marine atmospheres. Particularly, the A1 stabilizer consisting of the CuSO4, FeSO4, NaHSO3, and Cr2(SO4)3 solution system shows better applicability under the simulated marine atmosphere. Specifically, after 8+64CCTs, the corrosion rate of sample A1 decreased by 54%, while the proportion of α‐FeOOH, the α/γ* value, and the self‐corrosion potential (Ecorr) increased by 15%, 0.55, and 0.29 V, respectively. The rust layer of Q420qNH WS primarily consists of γ‐FeOOH, α‐FeOOH, Fe3O4, and γ‐Fe2O3. Surface stabilization treatment with sulfate‐based stabilizers promoted the enrichment of Cu and Cr in the cracks, facilitating the filling of these defects and enhancing the stability and corrosion potential of the rust layer.

Rapid and Ultra‐Sensitive SARS‐CoV‐2 Subgenomic RNA Detection Using Single‐Molecule With a Large Transistor‐SiMoT Bioelectronic Platform

AbstractThe replication of Coronaviridae viruses depends on the synthesis of structural proteins expressed through the discontinuous transcription of subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs). Thus, detecting sgRNAs, which reflect active viral replication, provides valuable insights into infection status. Current diagnostic methods, such as PCR‐based assays, often involve high costs, complex equipment, and reliance on highly trained personnel. Additionally, their specificity can be compromised by technical limitations in kit design. While viral culture remains highly accurate, it is impractical for routine diagnostics. In this study, the single‐molecule‐with‐a‐large‐transistor (SiMoT) technology is presented for detecting sgRNA encoding the nucleocapsid (N) protein in clinical samples. SiMoT incorporates a stable layer of complementary DNA strands on the sensing gate electrode, facilitating rapid, sensitive, and specific sgRNA detection. Among 90 tested samples, SiMoT achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 98.0% and a specificity of 87.8%, delivering results within 30 min. This user‐friendly platform requires minimal sample preparation and offers a cost‐effective point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic solution. With its demonstrated diagnostic accuracy and scalability, SiMoT represents a promising tool for detecting active viral replication in SARS‐CoV‐2 and other coronaviruses. It addresses the limitations of existing molecular and culture‐based methods while enhancing accessibility to reliable diagnostics.

Strong self-association of chitosan microgels at interface mediated high stabilities in Pickering emulsion.

The spontaneous self-organization of naturally-occurring polysaccharide particles into a thick and robust gel network at interface in Pickering emulsion is challenging. Inspired by the phenomenon that chitosan microgels (CSMs) with a certain size could self-associate into a solidified gel phase upon freezing, here we tentatively used CSMs to construct a highly-stable Pickering emulsion. CSMs can form a stable Langmuir's layer at the water/oil interface through the network deformation and re-arrangement of dangling chains, while the subsequent negative polymer coating can avoid the bridging resulting from the cross-association for CSMs on different emulsion droplets upon freezing. The experimental results indicated that the emulsion showed excellent features, including the wide pH range stability (3-12), long-term storage stability (> 3months), thermal stability (121°C, 30min). Moreover, CSMs could self-associate into a reliable gel layer around the oil droplet in freezing, leading to the better freeze-thaw stability (1-3cycles). The negative coating not only facilitates the formation of interfacial gel network around each emulsion droplet, but also produces huge steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion to suppress the coalescence. This work provides a different way to modulate the interfacial structure, thus developing a more stable polysaccharide-based Pickering emulsion.

Interactions between Dust Aerosols and the Ultra-high Atmospheric Boundary Layer: Case study of vertical observation over the Taklimakan Desert, China

A deep atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) with a height of up to 4,000–6,000 m can develop over the Taklimakan Desert (TD). Nevertheless, the deep ABL in the TD was only studied for clean days. To date, the observational evidence concerning the interaction between the ultra-high ABL and dust aerosols over the TD remains scarce. In May 2022, we conducted the inaugural observational particle-sounding experiment in the TD, selecting representative cases of light and heavy dust days. The results captured a distinctive stratified structure of the daytime ABL induced by dust aerosols characterized by an ultra-thick residual layer (RL) in the afternoon. On heavy dust days, the daytime ABL was divided into convective boundary layer (CBL), capping inversion layer (CIL), RL and residual capping inversion layer (RCIL). Dust aerosols exerted a warming effect in the atmosphere reaching a maximum of about 1.0 K/day at the top of the dust aerosol layer and causing a temperature inversion. A CIL about 1,000 m occurred between the CBL and the RL, which acted as a barrier, restraining CBL development and hindering dust aerosol transport. Furthermore, a deeper stable boundary layer on heavy dust days at night was observed. A unique vertical structure of nocturnal dust aerosol concentrations peaks of 477μg/m3 was also observed in the deep RL at 1800-2600 m. The radiation effects of dust aerosols strengthened and weakened the stability of the RL above and below the dust layer, respectively. The study provided vertical observational evidence of the impact of dust aerosols on the deep ABL structure, thus contributing to a more profound comprehension of aerosol–radiation interactions over the desert arid region.

Optimization of the Preparation Process of Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol and Its Thermal Stability in Cementing Slurry

This study focuses on addressing the limitations of fluid loss additive in cement slurry under higher temperatures. The synthesis process of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was optimized to develop an efficient fluid loss additive for oil well cement slurries. Using one-factor experiments and the uniform design method, the optimal synthesis parameters were established: a reaction temperature of 50 °C; an acid concentration of 1 mol/L; a PVA mass concentration of 8%; a molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to PVA hydroxyl group of 1.47; and a crosslinking degree of 1.49%. The optimized crosslinked PVA demonstrated the ability to control API fluid loss within 50 mL when applied at 1% concentration in cement slurry under conditions of 30–110 °C and 6.9 MPa. Rheological analysis at medium and high temperatures revealed improved slurry properties, including smooth thickening curves and unaffected compressive strength. Further analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Zeta potential testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed that the crosslinked PVA hydrogel remained thermally stable up to 260 °C. Chemical crosslinking transformed the linear PVA into a network structure, enhancing its molecular weight, viscoelasticity, and thermal stability. This thermal resistance mechanism is attributed to the hydrogel’s high-strength reticular structure which forms a uniform, dense, and highly stable adsorption layer, thereby improving both the additive’s efficiency and the hydrogel’s temperature resistance.

Borophene bottom-up syntheses: a critical review

Abstract The ever-expanding portfolio of two-dimensional (2D) materials now also includes metallic boron sheets, known as borophene. Initially predicted by simulation in 1997, borophene was first synthesized in 2015. This 2D form of boron exists under various polymorphic structures, the most observed being β_12 and χ_3. Borophene fills a crucial gap in the 2D material repertoire thanks to its intrinsic metallicity and relative stability in air. However, in view of practical applications including borophene, it is crucial to master its synthesis to enable controlling its structure and thus tuning its properties. This review focuses on its current bottom-up syntheses, i.e., physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition. Indeed, borophene’s structure is different from the bulk boron one, which excludes its top-down synthesis. The impact of substrate characteristics, temperature, pressure conditions, and precursor molecules on borophene's phase and domain size is analyzed, along with key characterization techniques. The review extends to hydrogenated borophene and bilayer borophene for a comprehensive understanding of boron bonding and substrate interactions. Given the importance of ambient stability and transferability of 2D boron layers for device applications, a thorough comprehension of borophene oxidation is imperative. The review thus also discusses potential solutions to mitigate oxidation-related challenges.

On Master-Length Scale Formulations for Stable Conditions in Turbulence Closure Models

Three formulations of the turbulence-length scales used in numerical modelling of atmospheric flows are compared. The comparison is made using the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino turbulence closure model within the stable boundary layer local similarity framework. With an appropriate choice of model constants, the model predictions are barely discernible and compare well with the empirical data obtained from the SHEBA campaign.

Fabrication of AFM-Compatible Hydrogel Probe to Achieve Hydration Superlubrication in Salt Solutions.

Hydrogels demonstrate effective lubricating properties, but the underlying mechanisms at the nanoscale remain elucidated. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed by fabricating the hydrogel probes compatible with atomic force microscopy (AFM) to establish a superlubrication system based on the hydration interactions. The probe is made of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)-based hydrogel microspheres, which can achieve an extremely low friction coefficient of 0.0014 when sliding on the mica surface in NaCl solution. The friction coefficients in salt solutions sequence μ(NaCl) <0.01 < μ(KCl) < μ(LiCl), which contradicts the sequence based on the ion hydration capacity (K+ < Na+ < Li+), suggesting that the hydrogel-based lubrication systems are governed by the interplay between ion hydration lubrication and ions-polymer interactions simultaneously. The observed superlubrication in NaCl solution is ascribed to the superior hydration capacity of Na+ ions, which forms a stable and smooth hydration layer within the contact zone. This work provides new avenues for AFM-based hydrogel studies, and also significantly advances the comprehension of hydrogel lubrication mechanisms at the nanoscale.

Investigating processes influencing simulation of local Arctic wintertime anthropogenic pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska, during ALPACA-2022

Abstract. Lagrangian tracer simulations are deployed to investigate processes influencing vertical and horizontal dispersion of anthropogenic pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) 2022 field campaign. Simulated concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), including surface and elevated sources, are the highest at the surface under very cold stable conditions. Pollution enhancements above the surface (50–300 m) are mainly attributed to elevated power plant emissions. Both surface and elevated sources contribute to Fairbanks' regional pollution that is transported downwind, primarily to the south-west, and may contribute to wintertime Arctic haze. Inclusion of a novel power plant plume rise treatment that considers the presence of surface and elevated temperature inversion layers leads to improved agreement with observed CO and NOx plumes, with discrepancies attributed to, for example, displacement of plumes by modelled winds. At the surface, model results show that observed CO variability is largely driven by meteorology and, to a lesser extent, by emissions, although simulated tracers are sensitive to modelled vertical dispersion. Modelled underestimation of surface NOx during very cold polluted conditions is considerably improved following the inclusion of substantial increases in diesel vehicle NOx emissions at cold temperatures (e.g. a factor of 6 at −30 °C). In contrast, overestimation of surface SO2 is attributed mainly to model deficiencies in vertical dispersion of elevated (5–18 m) space heating emissions. This study highlights the need for improvements to local wintertime Arctic anthropogenic surface and elevated emissions and improved simulation of Arctic stable boundary layers.

Constructing an Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Solid-Electrolyte Interface In Situ via an Organo-Polysulfide Electrolyte Additive for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium (Li) metal's extremely high specific energy and low potential make it critical for high-performance batteries. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth and an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) during repeated cycling still seriously hinder its practical application in Li metal batteries. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and effective approach to fabricate a flexible and robust hybrid SEI layer using two kinds of organo-polysulfides with different sulfur chain lengths [bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)disulfide (Si-O-2S) and bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)tetrasulfide (Si-O-4S)] as the additives in the electrolyte. Compared to Si-O-2S, the siloxane and the long sulfur chain in Si-O-4S are conducive to the production of LixSiSy inorganic components on lithium metal surfaces and the formation of an organic-inorganic hybrid stable SEI layer in conjunction with LixSiOy, thereby improving the stability of the SEI layer and inhibiting the growth of lithium dendrites. Specifically, with 10 wt % Si-O-4S as the additive, an excellent cycling lifespan (1400 h) was achieved with a low hysteresis voltage of ∼17 mV at 1.0 mA cm-2 in a Li-Li symmetrical cell. Moreover, the lithium-sulfur battery also exhibits long cycling stability (850 mA h g-1 at 0.5 C after 200 cycles) and good Coulombic efficiency (99.5%). This study provides an electrolyte additive strategy for the Li anode fabricating a stable SEI layer and long cycling batteries.

Innovative Production of 3D-Printed Ceramic Monolithic Catalysts for Oxidation of VOCs by Using Fused Filament Fabrication

In this work, ceramic monolithic catalyst carriers based on zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) were produced using fused filament fabrication (FFF). The active catalyst components were deposited on the resulting carriers using the wet impregnation method. The activity of the prepared monolithic catalysts was evaluated by catalytic oxidation of a mixture of aromatic volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene (BTEX). The efficiency of the prepared monolithic catalysts was investigated as a function of the geometry of the monolithic carrier (ZDP, Z, and M) and the chemical composition of the catalytically active component (MnFeOx, MnCuOx, and MnNiOx) during the catalytic oxidation of BTEX compounds. The mechanical stability of the catalyst layer and the dimensional stability of the 3D-printed monolithic catalyst carriers were investigated prior to the kinetic measurements. In addition, thorough characterization of the commercial ZrO2-based filament was carried out. The results of the efficiency of the prepared monolithic catalysts for the catalytic oxidation of BTEX showed that the 3D-printed model M, which contained MnFeOx as the catalytically active component, was the most successful catalyst for the oxidation of BTEX compounds. The mentioned catalyst enables the catalytic oxidation of all components of the BTEX mixture (&gt;99% efficiency) at a temperature of 177 °C.

Effect of Different Heat Treatment Procedures on the Corrosion Behavior of High-Manganese Austenitic Steels

Abstract This study investigates the effects of different heat treatment procedures on the corrosion behavior of high-manganese austenitic steel containing molybdenum. Five samples were prepared, including as-cast and heat-treated specimens, with varying processes such as tempering, single and double solution annealing, and aging. The study focuses on microstructural changes, carbide dissolution, and the formation of protective molybdenum-rich oxides. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction was conducted to understand phase distribution. At the same time, corrosion resistance was evaluated through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results reveal that double solution annealing leads to the most homogeneous microstructure and significantly enhances corrosion resistance by forming stable molybdenum oxide layers, underscoring the crucial role of molybdenum oxides in surface protection. Among the samples, the corrosion resistance ranked from best to worst is as follows: double solution-annealed (Ht-5), solution-annealed (Ht-3), aged after solution annealing (Ht-4), tempered (Ht-2), and as-cast (Ht-1). This highlights the crucial role of molybdenum oxides in surface protection. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of advanced heat treatments in improving the corrosion resistance of high-manganese austenitic steels for industrial applications.

Investigating the Kinetic Effects on Current Gradient-Driven Instabilities of Electron Current Layers via Particle-in-Cell Simulations

Abstract Electron current layers, which form in various natural and laboratory plasmas, are susceptible to multiple instabilities, with tearing being a prominent instability driven by current gradients. Tearing is considered a potential mechanism for magnetic reconnection in collisionless regimes, where electron inertia acts as a non-ideal factor that causes magnetic field lines to break and reconnect. In contrast, another mode, known as the surface-preserving mode, also driven by current gradients, maintains the magnetic field topology. In this study, we investigate the kinetic effects on these modes in the presence of finite electron temperatures using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Our findings reveal that temperature significantly stabilizes the tearing mode, particularly at higher temperatures, due to an increased electron Larmor radius and the associated magnetic field diffusion. We also examine the interplay between the guide field and temperature. Additionally, we observe that growth rates for the surface-preserving mode, in contrast to the tearing mode, increase with temperature, likely due to enhanced electron flow velocities. Furthermore, we identify cases with mixed modes, where both tearing and surface-preserving modes coexist, exhibiting asymmetric structures characteristic of asymmetric magnetic reconnection. Finally, we outline potential future research directions that build upon our findings.

Attenuation of shear-layer instabilities in steady and pulsatile axisymmetric shear-thinning flows

The current study characterizes the attenuation of instabilities in steady and unsteady shear layers by investigating shear-thinning flows downstream of a confined axisymmetric sudden expansion. Flow fields were captured using particle image velocimetry. Tested fluids exhibited approximate power-law indices of 1, 0.81, 0.61 and 0.47 and measurements were performed at mean throat-based Reynolds numbers of ${Re_m} = 4800$ and 14 400. Unsteady flows were tested at a Strouhal number and amplitude-to-mean velocity ratio of $St = 0.15$ and $\lambda = 0.95$ , respectively. For unsteady shear layers, shear-layer roll-up regardless of shear-thinning strength was evidenced by collapse of average circulation over time. For steady shear layers, consistent shear-layer behaviour regardless of shear-thinning strength was evidenced by similar shear-layer trajectories and by growth rates in vorticity thickness. However, vorticity fields of the unsteady and steady shear layers, standard deviations of shear-layer trajectory, thickness of steady shear layers and Reynolds shear-stress spectra of the steady shear layers reveal an attenuation of shear-layer instabilities not captured by Reynolds number. Specifically, shear-layer instabilities exhibit increased diffusion with increasing shear-thinning strength and, in the case of steady shear layers, shear-thinning strength is shown to promote shear-layer stabilization. Also, evidenced by vorticity fields and through Reynolds shear-stress spectra, instabilities frequently coalesce into large rollers, a result that would suggest the presence of an inverse eddy cascade. The behaviour of shear-thinning fluids is shown to stabilize shear layers through attenuating shear-layer instabilities, complementing observations from previous studies showing how shear-thinning fluids promote turbulence in the dominant flow direction.

Deviations of Boundary Layer Height and Meteorological Parameters Between Ground-Based Remote Sensing and ERA5 over the Complex Terrain of the Mongolian Plateau

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the vertical accuracy of ERA5 reanalysis data for boundary layer height and key meteorological variables, based on high-precision observational data from Baotou, located on the Mongolian Plateau, during the winter (January–March) and summer (July–August) months of 2021. Results indicate that ERA5 exhibits significant biases in horizontal wind speed, with deviations ranging from −5 to 8 m/s at 50 m, primarily driven by sandstorms in winter and convective weather in summer. The most pronounced errors occur below 500 m. Vertical wind speeds are consistently underestimated in both seasons, with biases reaching up to 1 m/s, particularly during active summer convection. ERA5 also struggles to reproduce low-level wind directions accurately. In winter, correlation coefficients range from 0.43 to 0.64 below 200 m and improve to above 0.7 at 500 m. In summer, correlation coefficients are lower, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 below 200 m, with reduced accuracy at 500 m compared to winter. Temperature deviations increase above 2000 m, with a relative overestimation of 3% at 3000 m. Relative humidity is generally overestimated by 5–20% between 1000 and 2000 m in winter and by 10–30% in summer. For boundary layer heights, ERA5 overestimates daytime mixed-layer heights by up to 2000 m in summer and 500–800 m in winter. In contrast, ERA5 captures nocturnal stable boundary layer heights well during winter. This comprehensive evaluation of the vertical structure accuracy of ERA5 reanalysis data, conducted in a heavily industrialized city on the Mongolian Plateau, offers essential insights for improving meteorological studies and refining climate models in the region. The findings provide valuable reference data for enhancing weather forecasting and supporting climate change research, particularly in complex terrain areas.

Regulation of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate Growth Environment for Stable Zinc Anode/Electrolyte Interfaces.

Metallic Zn is a promising anode for high-safety, low-cost, and large-scale energy storage systems. However, it is strongly hindered by unstable electrode/electrolyte interface issues, including zinc dendrite, corrosion, passivation, and hydrogen evolution reactions. In this work, an in situ interface protection strategy is established by turning the corrosion/passivation byproducts (zinc hydroxide sulfates, ZHSs) into a stable hybrid protection layer. The hydrolysis of the diglycolamine buffer layer on the zinc anode provides a homogeneous basic electrolyte environment for the generation of small-sized ZHS, thereby leading to the formation of a ZHS-based hybrid layer. Benefiting from this hybrid layer, uniform zinc ion flux and high anticorrosion ability can be achieved. As a result, the decorated symmetric cell presents a long cycling lifespan of over 1500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 and an area capacity of 1 mAh cm-2. It also contributes to the appealing cycling and rate performance of Zn|NH4V4O10 full cells. This work provides insight into regulating and reusing interfacial byproducts for high-performance zinc metal batteries.

Unfolding of von Willebrand Factor Type D Like Domains Promotes Mucin Adhesion.

Mucins are the macromolecular key components of mucus. On wet epithelia of mammals, mucin solutions and gels act as powerful biolubricants and reduce friction and wear by generating a sacrificial layer and establishing hydration lubrication. Yet the structure-function relationship of mucin adhesion and lubrication remains elusive. We study the adhesion behavior of mucin using atomic force microscopy-based single molecule force spectroscopy with covalently attached, lab-purified salivary MUC5B and gastric MUC5AC. We can resolve the structural motifs mediating adhesion on chemically distinct substrates, such as highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and steel. We report on force-induced partial unfolding of the von Willebrand factor type D like domains and deliver their unfolding rates and free energy barriers. These domains serve to dissipate energy during the desorption process of mucins. Partial mucin unfolding might significantly contribute to the stability of a sacrificial mucin layer during shearing processes, enhancing the lubrication potential of mucin solutions.

Impact of Anticyclonic Mesoscale Eddies on the Vertical Structures of Marine Heatwaves in the South China Sea

Under global warming, the South China Sea (SCS) is experiencing increasingly severe marine heatwaves (MHWs), with impacts on marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and marine pastures becoming more evident. The numerous anticyclonic eddies (AEs) distributed in the SCS are important drivers of MHW generation and development, yet their impacts on MHWs are still not fully understood. In this study, the vertical structures of various types of MHWs inside the AEs and in the background field were mapped and compared, and we found that AEs of varying amplitudes have distinct impacts on the vertical structures of MHWs. MHWs inside the AEs can be divided into two categories: subsurface-reversed MHWs and subsurface-intensified MHWs. The former is manifested as anomalous cooling in the subsurface, driven by the uplift of thermocline due to the inhibition of downward mixing. The latter is characterized by anomalous warming in the subsurface, resulting from strong vertical warm-water subsidence induced by large-amplitude AEs. This process may penetrate the thermocline and produce maximum warming anomalies in the layer beneath the region of greatest temperature gradient change. Our research reveals characteristics of various vertical structures of MHWs in the SCS, attributing their differences to the stable water layer’s different response to varying intensities of vertical heat conduction, and deepening people’s understanding of the impact of AEs in the SCS on the vertical structure of MHWs.

Dynamic-Wetting Liquid Metal Thin Layer Induced via Surface Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups.

Enhancing the wettability of liquid metals (LMs) to address their high surface tensions is crucial for practical applications. However, controlling LMs wetting on various substrates and understanding the underlying mechanisms are challenging. Here, we present a facile dynamic-wetting strategy to modulate eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) wettability via chemical surface modification, spontaneously forming a stable and thin (∼18 μm) EGaIn layer. Polymer substrates exhibiting varying EGaIn wetting behaviors can be categorized by their sliding angles and adhesion force. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrate that the dynamic-wetting process occurs only on surfaces with sufficient oxygen-containing functional groups (content ≥18%) and confirm coordination interactions between the EGaIn oxide layer and surface functional groups. Furthermore, in EGaIn thermal management systems, the heat transfer rate in the wetting group is increased by up to 20% compared to that of the nonwetting group. This work will hasten the application of LMs in flexible circuits and thermal management.