Microscopy Measurements Research Articles

Ultra-broadband detection by photovoltaic and thermoelectric coupling based on large-scale single-crystalline SnSe thin film

Recently, the layered tin selenide (SnSe) has attracted intense attention from the researchers due to its distinguished thermoelectric properties, thus giving this compound quite a promising potential application for photothermoelectric detectors. However, the low-cost epitaxial growth method toward a millimeter scale single phase SnSe thin film is still rarely reported, thus limiting its fabrications in arraying photoelectric sensors. Here, we synthesized a large-scale SnSe thin film on the SrTiO3 substrate by using the crack of PbS thin film-assisted nucleation in the chemical vapor deposition, achieving a homogeneous single-crystal SnSe thin film with a centimeter scale, as revealed by the x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope measurement. In addition, a two-terminal device is fabricated to study the photoelectric properties of this film. Surprisingly, this SnSe detector shows a synergetic photovoltaic and thermoelectric effect, achieving an ultrabroad band detection ranging from visible (405 nm) to mid-infrared (10.0 μm) at room temperature. Significantly, this detector also shows an impressive performance with an optimized response time of 2.81 ms (at 4.0 μm), a responsivity of 290.9 V W−1 (at 4.0 μm), and a detectivity of 5.5×108 Jones (at 4.0 μm). The above results addressed the bottleneck in SnSe film synthesis, and accelerated its applications in future high-performance photoelectronic devices.

Flower-like layered ZnO nanoflakes for cost-effective visible light-assisted photodynamic oxidation of tetracycline and bacterial disinfection

The conventional precipitation method was employed to synthesize the flower-like layered ZnO nano-flakes, characterized, and their photocatalytic potential was investigated for control of tetracycline antibiotics and high-strength pathogenic bacteria in wastewater effluent. Scanning electron microscope measurements confirm the formation of flower-like nano-flakes. Under white light, the catalytic efficiency of the ZnO nano-flakes is higher compared to blue light for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, the inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and total coliforms. Under white light irradiation with the intensity of 80 mW/cm2, the ZnO nano-flakes showed the highest tetracycline degradation efficacy of 86 % within 120 min and complete inactivation of bacteria within 90 min without any additional oxygen sources. Scavenging experiments have clarified the photocatalytic mechanism of the degradation of tetracycline. The used catalyst was simply recovered by centrifugation (5 min) and could be reused without significant loss of photocatalytic activity. The remarkable efficiency and stability of the ZnO nano-flakes in this study mark a distinct approach to the development of heterogeneous photocatalysts for pollutant degradation. To evaluate the feasibility of a photocatalytic process for achieving consistent disinfection, microbial inactivation experiments were conducted using a batch-scale photocatalytic reactor with blue and white LEDs. The study targeted high-strength multidrug-resistant bacteria, including E. coli (Gram-negative) and S. aureus (Gram-positive), as well as total coliform in secondary effluent. This research clarifies the practical potential of ZnO nano-flakes for cost-effective photocatalytic oxidation treatment of wastewater pollutants.

Automated, Microscopic Measurement of Fibrinaloid Microclots and Their Degradation by Nattokinase, the Main Natto Protease

Nattokinase, from the Japanese fermented food natto, is a protease with fibrinolytic activity that can thus degrade conventional blood clots. In some cases, however, including in Long COVID, fibrinogen can polymerise into an anomalous amyloid form to create clots that are resistant to normal fibrinolysis and that we refer to as fibrinaloid microclots. These can be detected with the fluorogenic stain thioflavin T. We describe an automated microscopic technique for the quantification of fibrinaloid microclot formation, which also allows the kinetics of their formation and aggregation to be recorded. We also here show that recombinant nattokinase is effective at degrading the fibrinaloid microclots in vitro. Flow conditions, mimicked by shaking, increase the size of the clots via aggregation. Overall, this work adds to the otherwise largely anecdotal evidence, that we review, that nattokinase might be anticipated to have value as part of therapeutic treatments for individuals with Long COVID and related disorders that involve fibrinaloid microclots.

Cooperative Use of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Thiols on a Silver Surface: A Synergetic Approach to Surface Modification.

Surface modification through the formation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) can effectively engineer the physicochemical properties of the surface/material. However, the precise design of multifunctional SAMs at the molecular level is still a major challenge. Here, we jointly use N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and thiols to form multifunctional hetero-SAM systems that demonstrate excellent chemical stability, electrical conductivity, and, in silico, catalytic activity. This synergistic effect is facilitated by the high surface mobility and electron-rich nature of NHCs, combined with the strong binding strength of thiols. Scanning tunneling microscopy, electrical conductivity, and scanning electron microscope measurements, as well as density functional theory calculations, were employed to explore the synergistic interactions in the supramolecular SAMs. The van der Waals integration of ballbot-type NHCs and thiols enables the SAMs to exhibit both superior surface anticorrosion properties (attributing to the shift in the d-band center) and low surface resistance originating from the band alignment. Moreover, we find that the deposition sequence of flat-lying NHCs and thiols results in SAMs with different configurations, which can further tune the mechanistic pathway in silico in the acetylene hydrogenation process. Our results provide essential molecular insights into the local electronic control of the new SAM/metal interface and the high stability of the emergent multifunctionality (NHC/thiol)-SAMs forming self-assembled lamellae structures in the nanometer regime.

Significant enhancement in the conductivity of highly transparent PEDOT:PSS thin film through maleic acid treatment

Abstract The conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS, a conducting polymer) thin film is enhanced by simply maleic acid treatment. Here, we have investigated the conductivity enhancement with the variation of maleic acid concentration. The conductivity enhances up to 1.0 M maleic acid concentration and decreases afterward. The optimum conductivity is obtained as 9.35 S cm–1, which is nearly 263 times more compared to the pristine PEDOT:PSS film. The conductivity of the film also depends upon the treating temperature. Therefore, the effect of different treating temperatures on the conductivity enhancement is studied, and the optimum temperature is found to be 140°C. Maleic acid-treated PEDOT:PSS films also exhibit high transmittances, i.e., ≈ 90 – 84 % in the visible region. The mechanism related to the conductivity enhancement and other related information are collected through different spectroscopic and microscopic measurements. Besides, frequency-dependant impedance and electrochemical activity of maleic acid-treated PEDOT:PSS films are also performed. The interaction of maleic acid with PEDOT:PSS promotes the reduction of ionic interaction between PEDOT and PSS chains, resulting in the phase separation between PEDOT and PSS. As a result, the PSS– turn into neutral PSSH and is rinsed away by water, which supports the morphological change and the conductivity enhancement due to the conformational change of coil-like PEDOTs to elongated and better-connected PEDOT chains.

Fabrication and optimization of parameters of high-performance polyamide thin film composite membranes for desalination

Abstract Herein, we report the synthesis of polyamide thin film composite (PA-TFC) membranes through interfacial polymerization (IP) using an aqueous solution of diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) and terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) in n-hexane, onto polysulfone (PSF) surface. The synthesized membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurement. To optimize the conditions for achieving a better membrane function, desalination (%) and permeate flow rate (L/m2.h.bar) were evaluated as a function of synthesis conditions. The membrane efficiency for salt rejection was evaluated against NaCl using a bench-top cross-flow filtration assembly where the membrane showed up to 73.13% salt rejections of NaCl. While, the salt rejection of Na2SO4 and MgSO4 were showed up to 84.92% and 82.94%. The promising synthesized membranes exhibited a permeate flux of 41.7 L/m2.hr.bar. The contact angle analysis revealed that the synthesized PA-TFC membranes are hydrophilic as the value of contact angle measured as 109°-100°. The synthesized membrane offered facile and effective access for the synthesis of high-performance PA-TFC membranes.

Analysis of 3D Printed Dielectric Resonator Antenna Arrays for Millimeter-Wave 5G Applications

This paper explores the potential use of fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology for manufacturing microwave and millimeter-wave dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) for 5G and beyond communication systems. DRAs operating at microwave and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands were simulated, fabricated, and analyzed in terms of manufacturing quality and radio frequency (RF) performance. Samples were manufactured using a 3D printer and PREPERM® ABS1000 filament, which offers a stable dielectric constant (εr = 10 ± 0.35) and low losses (tan δ = 0.003) over wide frequency and temperature ranges. Surface profile tests and microscope measurements revealed discrepancies in the dimensions in the xy-plane and along the z-axis, consistent with the observed shift in resonant frequency. Despite these variations, reasonably good agreement between RF-simulated and measured results was achieved, and the DRA array successfully covered the intended mmWave band. However, challenges in achieving high precision may restrict applications at higher mmWave bands. Nevertheless, compared with conventional methods, FDM techniques offer a highly accessible and flexible solution with a wide range of materials for home and micro-manufacturing of mmWave DRAs for modern 5G systems.

Optimization of MBE-grown GaSb buffer on GaAs substrates for infrared detectors

The aim of this work was to improve the quality of the GaSb buffer layers on GaAs substrates using the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technology. The high quality of the GaSb buffer layers is one of the most important elements enabling the synthesis of good quality of type II superlattices (T2SL) structures for infrared applications. The main challenges in this regard are: compensation of the difference in lattice constants between GaAs and GaSb and obtaining the highest achievable surface quality of the final GaSb layer. In the literature, many authors describe different techniques to obtain the best quality of a GaSb buffer layer. In this work, we present the results of HRXRD, AFM, TOF-SIMS, SEM, and Nomarski optical microscope measurements obtained for 2 μm thick GaSb buffer layers. The GaSb layers are made according to different techniques and these results are compared with a GaSb buffer construction technique according to our own technology. During the processes, we also obtained an unintentional structure of one of the buffer layers, which allowed us to obtain very good results in terms of surface structure and crystallographic quality where FWHM in ωRC scan was equal to 138 arcsec and RMS 0.20 nm proving that there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.

MoS2/porous carbon nanofiber heterostructures for efficient evaporation-driven generators.

Evaporation power generators (EPGs) based on natural water evaporation can directly convert heat energy from the surrounding environment into electrical energy. However, EPGs are difficult to commercialize due to the low charge generation and transport efficiency of single material systems, resulting in unsatisfactory open-circuit voltages and short-circuit currents. Here, we step by step prepared MoS2/porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) heterogeneous systems by electrospinning and hydrothermal methods. Electron microscope measurements proven the uniform coating of high-crystalline quality MoS2 nanosheets on PCNF fabrics, and the uneven concave-convex surface increased the specific surface area. MoS2 covered PCNF fabrics retained good hydrophilicity, which was suitable for absorbing water and keeping the surface wet during long-term evaporation. Moreover, layered MoS2 with rich surface charge improved the charge transfer of the MoS2/PCNF fabrics. As a result, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the EPGs prepared with MoS2/PCNF fabrics were improved to 0.25 V and 75 μA, respectively, compared with those based on PCNF fabrics, which demonstrated that the MoS2 coatings improved the interaction area with water and the charge transfer effect of the EPGs. This heterogeneous combination strategy provides ideas for the preparation of high-performance EPG materials.&#xD.

Influence of exfoliation method of graphene on physical properties of graphene/High Density Polyethylene nanocomposites: Semiconductor‐like electrical conductivity, glass transition, and melting temperature

AbstractDespite the wide range of applications of polyethylene (PE), many efforts are being made to improve its properties with carbon allotropes such as graphene. The addition of graphene can improve the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of this polymer. Through the present study, the effects of exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (XGNPs) and few‐layer graphene (FLG) on the electrical conductivity and thermal properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. XGNPs were synthesized by ultrasonication of graphite nanoplatelets, and FLG was synthesized by shear exfoliation of flake graphite. Finally, HDPE powder particles were coated with dispersed XGNPs and FLG. Then XGNPs/HDPE nanocomposites and FLG/HDPE nanocomposites were fabricated by compression molding. The morphology, structural, electrical, and thermal properties of the graphite, graphene, PE, and nanocomposites were observed and comparatively studied by transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements. The graphene's D, G, and 2D bands were revealed by Raman spectroscopy of nanocomposites and verified the existence of the graphene in the polymer matrix. XRD revealed that the graphene did not affect the original crystalline structure of the HDPE matrix, and the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the nanocomposite was obtained without the formation of any functional groups. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites were comparatively studied. After adding XGNPs (7 wt%), volumetric electrical conductivity in a sample reached from 10−16 to 10−3 S/m. The highest volumetric conductivity, 1.1 × 10−2 S/m, that is, semiconductor‐like conductivity, was achieved after adding 7 wt% of FLG. The glass transition temperatures (Tg), melting temperatures (Tm), and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and TGA, respectively, and it was concluded that Tg and Tm increase by adding the graphene. This study shows that shear exfoliation of graphene is the best and the most facile method to prepare mass‐scale graphene for the production of graphene/polyolefin nanocomposites.Highlights Two types of graphene were produced by using sonication and shear‐exfoliation. HDPE powders were coated with two types of graphene and then hot pressed. The method of (G) preparation is crucialparameter on electrical conductivity. In the sample containing 7 wt% (XGNPs), the highest conductivity is 10−3 S/m. In the sample containing 7 wt% (FLG), the highest conductivity is 10−2 S/m.

Effects of Electrospinning Parameters on the Morphology of Electrospun Fibers

Hydrophobic electrospun membranes have a lot of applications in different fields. It is very difficult to increase the hydrophobicity of membranes for a specific application. This study investigates the effects of various electrospinning parameters on the morphology and hydrophobicity of polystyrene (PS) electrospun membranes. Polystyrene fibers were used as a reference for the study. Different parameters such as polymer concentrations, diameter of needles, and applied voltage were tested to study the influence on the hydrophobicity of electrospun fibers. Polystyrene fibers were electrospun at different concentrations from 5 to 20 wt.%, needles with a diameter from 0.5 to 3 mm were used, and voltage was applied between 8.06–16.05 kV. The surface morphology of polystyrene fibers and hydrophobicity were studied with a scanning electronic microscope and contact angle measurements. Based on the results of the study, higher polymer concentrations and voltages produce thinner fibers and more hydrophobic membranes. The results of this paper can be applied to the fabrication of different characteristic membranes for specific applications like water conservation, purification, and other fields.

Memory Effects Explain the Fractional Viscosity Dependence of Rates Associated with Internal Friction: Simple Models and Applications to Butane Dihedral Rotation.

Barrier-crossing rates of biophysical processes, ranging from simple conformational changes to protein folding, often deviate from the Kramers prediction of an inverse viscosity dependence. In many recent studies, this has been attributed to the presence of internal friction within the system. Previously, we showed that memory-dependent friction arising from the nonequilibrium solvation of a single particle crossing a smooth one-dimensional barrier can also cause such a deviation and be misinterpreted as internal friction. Here we introduce a simple diatom model and show that even in the absence of explicit solvent, internal memory effects arise due to coupling of the reaction coordinate motion with frictionally orthogonal degrees of freedom. This results in a fractional viscosity dependence and a deviation from Kramers' theory, typically attributed to the presence of internal friction. This model therefore mimics several biological processes where a local conformational change of a biomolecule is often influenced by its surroundings. This gives rise to an apparent "internal friction" commonly measured in terms of empirical fitting parameters α and σ. We propose a microscopic measure of this internal friction using Grote-Hynes theory which employs memory-dependent friction. We use butane to demonstrate the effect of coupling strength on the internal friction in realistic systems. This model therefore can serve the purpose of understanding internal friction in biological systems in terms of such coupling.

Magnetic structure and colossal dielectric properties in Ga3+ substituted Zn2Y hexaferrites by chemical co-precipitation method

Y-type Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2Fe12-xGaxO22 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) hexaferrites are prepared through modified chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that these samples are single-phase and the space group is R3‾m. The field-emission scanning electronic microscope (FE-SEM) measurements indicate that the grains are hexagonal-plate with a diameter of 2–5 μm. In the M-T diagrams, various magnetic structures are modulated, including proper-screw, longitudinal conical (LC), mixed conical (MC), and collinear ferrimagnetic (collinear FIM). In this series of samples, the values of dielectric constant (ε′) achieve an order increase from 102 to 104. For the best x = 0.8 sample, the ε′ is as high as 1804.76 at 1 MHz and 300 K. In conclusion, Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2Fe12-xGaxO22 with controllable magnetic structures and colossal dielectric constant are potential materials for miniaturization of modern electronic devices.

Applications of deep learning-based denoising methodologies for scanning electron microscope images

Abstract In this paper, we use five types of deep-learning algorithms for denoising scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement data. Denoising of SEM images is an important task since the images often suffer from noise, which can make it difficult to accurately interpret the data. We also investigate realistic SEM denoising characteristics using a variety of metrics to assess the quality of denoised images. Overall, we find that the trained generative models provide superior denoising performance and that it is crucial to objectively quantify the performance, just like in the scanning process itself. It is anticipated that the deep-learning based technique can accelerate image measurements, which can be utilized for very fast analytical investigations. We also demonstrate that the success of a generative model may depend on the appropriate assessment of noise characteristics in the specific image data analysis of interest. Moreover, it is addressed that denoising performance can be properly evaluated when a relevant metrics that aligns well with human visual systems.

Eutectogel based on multi-functional deep eutectic solvent for acne infection treatment

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a new type of green and easily designable solvent, showed great potential applications in various fields. In this work, a novel deep eutectic solvent based on active pharmaceutical ingredient matrine and lauric acid was developed. The structure, thermal stability, and cytotoxicity were investigated by various technologies. The prepared DES displayed excellent ability on enhancing the solubility of curcumin, and the curcuim showed high stability in DES. Moreover, DES as well as curcumin-contained DES possessed good antioxidant and anti-P. acne activity. More importantly, the prepared DES can act as a gelator to form eutectogel in water, which was confirmed from the rheological behavior and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurement. The curcumin-contained eutectogel displayed good injectable and permeation ability. Therefore, the prepared multi-functional DES (i.e. antioxidant, antibacterial agent, solvent and stabilizer of curcumin, and gelator) provides a new strategy to construct transdermal delivery system that displays potential application on treatment of acne infection.

Innovative Microencapsulation of Polymyxin B for Enhanced Antimicrobial Efficacy via Coated Spray Drying.

This study aims to develop an innovative microencapsulation method for coated Polymyxin B, utilizing various polysaccharides such as hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin, alginate, and chitosan, implemented through a three-fluid nozzle (3FN) spray drying process. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that formulations with a high ratio of sugar cage, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), and sodium alginate (coded as ALGHCDHPLPM) resulted in a notable 16-fold increase in Polymyxin B recovery compared to chitosan microparticles. Morphological assessments using fluorescence labeling confirmed successful microparticle formation with core/shell structures. Alginate-based formulations exhibited distinct layers, while chitosan formulations showed uniform fluorescence throughout the microparticles. Focused beam reflectance and histograms from fluorescence microscopic measurements provided insights into physical size analysis, indicating consistent sizes of 6.8 ± 1.2 μm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra unveiled hydrogen bonding between Polymyxin B and other components within the microparticle structures. The drug release study showed sodium alginate's sustained release capability, reaching 26 ± 3% compared to 94 ± 3% from the free solution at the 24 h time point. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of the prepared microparticles against two Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were investigated. The influence of various key excipients on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values was evaluated. Results demonstrated effective bactericidal effects of ALGHCDHPLPM against both E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the antibiofilm assay highlighted the potential efficacy of ALGHCDHPLPM against the biofilm viability of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with concentrations ranging from 3.9 to 500 μg/m. This signifies a significant advancement in antimicrobial drug delivery systems, promising improved precision and efficacy in combating bacterial infections.

Estimation of local variation in Young's modulus over a gold nanocontact using microscopic nanomechanical measurement method.

Nanoscale materials tend to have a single crystal domain, leading to not only size dependence but also orientation dependence of their mechanical properties. Recently, we developed a microscopic nanomechanical measurement method (MNMM), which enabled us to obtain equivalent spring constants (force gradients) of nanocontacts while observing their atomic structures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Therein, we evaluated Young's modulus based on a model that a newly introduced layer at the thinnest section of a nanocontact determined the change in the measured equivalent spring constant, and discussed their size dependence. However, this model is not general for other nanomaterials that do not exhibit the introduction of a new atomic layer while stretching. In this study, using MNMM, we propose a new analytical method to directly retrieve the local Young's modulus of nanomaterials by measuring initial lattice spacing and its displacement of a local region in the TEM image during the stretching of the nanocontact. This reveals the size dependence of local Young's modulus at various positions of the nanocontact at once. As a result, our estimated Young's modulus for a gold [111] nanocontact showed a size dependence similar to the one previously reported. This indicates that this analytical method benefits in revealing the mechanical properties of not only nanomaterials but also structurally heterogeneous materials such as high-entropy alloys.&#xD.

Macroanatomy, Histomorphometry, and Androgen Receptor Expression in the Epididymis of Kacang Goats Aged 4, 8, and 12 Months

The epididymis is a crucial component of the goat's reproductive structure. The epididymis is responsible for the transportation, concentration, and maturation of sperm. This study aimed to examine the differences in the structure of macro and microanatomy, tissue composition, and the existence of androgen receptors in the epididymis of Kacang goats aged 4, 8, and 12 months. The assessment of macroscopic organ growth was done immediately after sampling, whereas microscopic measurements were carried out following histological preparations using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures. The results on the macroscopic anatomy of the epididymis indicated a significant association between age with the width of the caput dexter and sinister and the circumference of the right cauda. However, no significant relationship was found between age with the corpus length and the left cauda's circumference. Significant variations were observed in the diameter and concentration of the agglutinated spermatozoa in the lumen during histomorphometry of the epididymis in three age groups of Kacang goats. There were no statistically significant variations in the expression of androgen receptors among the three age groups. This study showed that the correlation coefficient test reveals a positive relationship between age and the caput width and corpus length dimensions, indicating that these measurements tend to grow as age increases. On the other hand, the diameter of the agglutinated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen exhibits significant variations between the ages of 4 months, with the ages of 8 months and 12 months, suggesting that the sperm becomes fully matured by the age of 8 months.

Synthesis of Doped g‐C3N4 Photonic Crystals for Enhanced Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production from Catalytic Water‐Splitting

Dopants are frequently used to improve graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) photoactivity. As a doping source, phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) can activate doping sites inside the gCN lattice, resulting in 2D Mo:P‐gCN porous material. However, the gradual loading of the PMA fraction has no systematic improvement in the Mo:P‐gCN photoactivity. For improving the optoelectronic properties of Mo:P‐gCN, its textural geometry is a controllable parameter that can provide enhanced photonic properties, achievable by shaping its morphology through a crystalline template structure, namely, photonic crystals (PCs). Herein, a doped PC material is made of Mo:P‐gCN and PCs and labeled as Mo:P‐gCN/PCs. The impact of PCs is highlighted in the structural, electronic, and optical performances of Mo:P‐gCN. A well‐defined 3D crystalline network is evidenced by microscopic measurements (scanning electron microscopy, AFM, focused ion beam). Mo:P‐gCN/PCs shows a hydrogen production rate (750 μmol g−1 h−1) one time higher than Mo:P‐gCN and 6 times higher than pure gCN. The synthesis strategy proposed in this work leads simultaneously to the Mo:P codoping effect provided by PMA and the slow photon effect due to the PC structure, offering a novel strategy to improve the gCN photoactivity by simultaneously applying polyoxometalates as modifiers and polystyrene opals as templates.

Novel hybrid interference and atomic force microscopy

Abstract A novel hybrid microscope which combines an interference microscopic (IM) and an atomic force microscopic (AFM) measurement mode is introduced. It is realised by adding an AFM probe to an IM, where the AFM probe can be mechanically switched in or out of the beam path of the IM. When the AFM cantilever is out of the beam path, the system works in the IM measurement mode for noncontact and fast optical measurements. When the AFM cantilever is in the beam path, it works in the AFM measurement mode, where the AFM tip interacts with sample surfaces for measurements. The deformation of the AFM cantilever induced by the tip-sample interaction force is detected from interference fringes, which are formed by the interference of the light beam reflected from the backside of the AFM cantilever and a reference beam in the IM. This novel design has a high-level synergy of AFM and IM technologies and provides several promising application potentials. For instance, it can bring high-resolution AFM measurements whenever and wherever needed in IM measurements, thus, to complement the lateral resolution limits of IM; The AFM measurement mode can provide measurement results with higher topography fidelity, thus, to offer in-situ reference areal surface metrology for IM measurements. In the paper, design concept, realisation of a prototype instrument, and experimental results illustrating the performance of the prototype instrument are detailed.