Multilayer 3D Research Articles

Exploring chiral and achiral properties of novel multilayer 3D polymers: synthesis and characterization.

This study reports the novel synthesis of multilayered 3D polymers via the 1,3,5-position coupling of 1,3,5-tris(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzene with 1,8-dibronaphthalene, a previously unreported method. The resulting polymers exhibit both achiral and chiral characteristics, offering a unique platform for structural and functional exploration. Comprehensive characterization using gel permeation chromatography, UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, circular dichroism, and scanning electron microscopy revealed intriguing optical properties and morphological features, promoting potential applications in photonics, sensors, and materials science.

Aggregation-induced emission in novel multilayered 3D polymers: development of a fluorescent probe for selective metal ion detection.

This study presents the characterization of a novel multilayered three-dimensional (3D) polymer exhibiting aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties when excited at a low wavelength of 280 nm. Utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the polymer displays a marked enhancement in luminescence upon aggregation, a characteristic behavior that distinguishes AIE-active materials from conventional fluorophores. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of this multilayered 3D polymer as a fluorescent probe for the selective detection of specified metal ions. By incorporating chelating functional groups into the polymer matrix, we facilitate specific interactions with target metal ions, leading to significant fluorescence intensity changes that correlate with ion concentration. According to their cyclic voltammetry characteristics, the polymers have potential applications in cutting-edge electrical and optoelectronic systems. Our findings indicate that this multilayered 3D polymer serves as an effective fluorescent sensor and offers tunable optical properties, paving the way for innovative applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. The results underscore the utility of AIE-active polymers in developing advanced materials for sensitive and selective detection of metal ions, contributing to the growing field of smart sensing technologies.

Unconventional nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials

We present the first investigation of unusual nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials. Contrary to expectations, our study shows that these nonlinear effects are not merely extensions of their monolayer counterparts. Instead, we find that stacking order and pairwise interactions between neighboring layers, mediated by Berry curvatures, play a pivotal role in shaping their collective nonlinear optical response. By combining large-scale Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT) simulations with model Hamiltonian analyses, we demonstrate a remarkable second-harmonic transverse response in hexagonal boron nitride four-layers, even in cases where the total Berry curvature cancels out. Furthermore, our symmetry analysis of the layered structures provides a simplified framework for predicting nonlinear responses in multilayer materials in general. Our investigation challenges the prevailing understanding of nonlinear optical responses in layered materials and opens new avenues for the design and development of advanced materials with tailored optical properties.

Templated self-organization of polymer-tethered gold nanoparticles into freestanding superlattices at the liquid-air interface.

Programmable organization of uniform organic/inorganic functional building blocks into large-scale ordered superlattices has attracted considerable attention since the bottom-up self-organization strategy opens up a robust and universal route for designing novel and multifunctional materials with advanced applications in memory storage devices, catalysis, photonic crystals, and biotherapy. Despite making great efforts in the construction of superlattice materials, there still remains a challenge in the preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid superlattices with tunable dimensions and exotic configurations. Here, we report the spontaneous self-organization of polystyrene-tethered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@PS) into freestanding organic/inorganic hybrid superlattices templated at the diethylene glycol-air interface. The resulting multilayer 3D superlattices exhibit hexagonally honeycomb and periodically tetrahedral lattices after the evaporation of AuNPs@PS building blocks at the liquid-air interface. Notably, a particular Moiré pattern originating from the twisted stacking of the adjacent layers is observed when the twist angle is 30°, leading to the exquisite quasi-crystalline packing with 12-fold rotational symmetry. In addition, the interparticle distance and gap within the 2D superlattice can be precisely regulated by adjusting the length of polymer segments, thereby generating distinctive 3D graphene-skeleton configurations in the freestanding superlattice. This finding presents a highly efficient and versatile way to artificially produce multifunctional organic/inorganic hybrid superlattice materials with adjustable dimensions and internal configurations.

Prussian Blue and Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Embedded Hollow Fiber Gradient Polysulfone Membrane for Uric Acid Biosensor Application

ABSTRACTTraditional biosensors have drawbacks such as temperature sensitivity and cross‐reactivity. An innovative UA biosensor was developed. It combined Prussian Blue, carbon nanotubes, PVP with uricase oxidase in a polysulfone hollow fiber gradient membrane, forming a multilayer 3D structure. The optimal pH and temperature for the biosensor were determined to be 8.0 and 37°C, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the nanoparticles significantly reduced the working electrode's impedance, enhancing electron transfer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to study the electrochemical behavior of UA oxidation. A distinct oxidation peak for UA was observed at 0.7 V. The sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 0.33 × 10−6 A/mM, a linear working range from 1.2 to 12 mM, and a detection limit of 0.424 mM. The porous structure of the membrane and the nanoparticles' synergistic effect contributed to high sensor stability. After continuous use for a week, the sensor maintained approximately 90% of its initial performance. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of our method in developing highly sensitive and stable biosensors for UA detection, providing a promising solution for accurate and reliable uric acid level monitoring.

Probing Out-Of-Plane Charge Transport in Organic Semiconductors Using Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy.

High contact resistance remains the primary obstacle that hinders further advancements of organic semiconductors (OSCs) in electronic circuits. While significant effort has been directed toward lowering the energy barrier at OSC/metal contact interfaces, approaches toward reducing another major contributor to overall contact resistance - the bulk resistance - have been limited to minimizing the thickness of OSC films. However, the out-of-plane conductivity of OSCs, a critical aspect of bulk resistance, has largely remained unaddressed. In this study, multi-layered 2D crystalline, solution-processed films of the high-mobility molecular semiconductor 2,9-dioctylnaphtho[2,3-b] naphtha[2',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene (C8-DNTT-C8) are investigated using conductive-probe atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) to evaluate out-of-plane charge transport. The findings reveal a linear increase in out-of-plane resistance with the number of molecular layers in the film, which is modeled using an equivalent circuit model with multiple tunneling barriers connected in series. Building upon these results, a vertical transfer length method (V-TLM) is developed, allowing one to determine the out-of-plane resistivity of OSC and providing insights into charge transport properties at a single molecule length scale. The V-TLM approach highlights the potential of C-AFM for investigating out-of-plane charge transport in OSC thin films and holds promise for accelerating the screening of molecules for high-performance electronic devices.

Diether‐Based Chiral Multilayered 3D Polymers and Oligomers: Unveiling AIE and AIP Phenomena

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis of a novel chiral multilayer 3D polymer based on a diether structure is reported. This architecture not only imparts chirality but also facilitates the study of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and aggregation‐induced polarization (AIP). Using various polymerization techniques, multilayered chiral structures are constructed that exhibit significant AIE, marked by increased luminescence upon aggregation, and notable AIP behavior, indicating enhanced optical activity. Comprehensive characterization through spectroscopy and microscopy elucidates the mechanisms behind these phenomena. These findings highlight the potential of diether‐based chiral multilayer 3D polymers for advanced optoelectronic and sensor applications, paving the way for multifunctional materials.

A light-responsive multilayered 3D porous Ga2O3 hydrogel for photocatalytic antibacterial therapy promoting healing of MDR S. aureus-infected wounds

A light-responsive multilayered 3D porous Ga2O3 hydrogel for photocatalytic antibacterial therapy promoting healing of MDR S. aureus-infected wounds

Exploration of Alkyne-Based Multilayered 3D Polymers and Oligomers: Subtle Aggregation-Induced Emission, Chromium(VI) Ion Detection, and Chiral Properties Characterization.

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of alkyne-based multilayered three-dimensional (3D) polymers, which exhibit a subtle aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon. The polymers demonstrate significant potential as fluorescent probes for the selective detection of chromium (VI) ions (Cr6⁺), showcasing their utility in environmental sensing applications. Additionally, the circular dichroism (CD) spectra reveal a pronounced cotton effect, indicative of chiral properties, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scatting (DLS) analysis reveal a distinctive rock-like surface morphology and Cr6+ sensitive anti-aggregation. These findings highlight the multifunctional capabilities of alkyne-based multilayered 3D polymers, suggesting their applicability in both fluorescence-based sensing and materials science. The insights gained from this research contribute to the development of advanced materials with tailored optical properties for environmental monitoring and other practical applications.

Pillared Graphene Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Storage

The global electrochemical energy storage market ranging from electric vehicles and personal electronics to physical grid storage and defense applications demands the development of new classes of materials for fabricating high performance batteries and supercapacitors. I will begin by describing innovative approaches for the design and synthesis of nanostructured carbon materials towards enhanced reversible capacity; superior rate performance and cycling stability; and superior gravimetric capacitance. A novel 3D architecture called a pillared graphene nanostructure (PGN) is a combination of two allotropes of carbon, including graphene and carbon nanotubes possessing ultra large surface area, tunability, mechanical durability and high conductivity can be grown on a variety of substrates, which are appealing to diverse energy storage systems. Another type of 3D superporous carbonaceous architecture called chrysanthemum nanofibers can be grown in roll-to-roll form on commercial nickel foams. Integration of nanostructured pseudocapacitive metal oxides to such 3D templates can provide superior electrochemical performance in supercapacitor applications. PGN templates can also be transformed into cone-shaped clusters decorated with amorphous silicon for advanced lithium ion (Li-ion) battery anodes. Single and multilayer stacked 3D carbonaceous architectures could also be envisioned for further future applications in hydrogen storage. I will also describe recent advancements in upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into active nano-carbon electrode materials for energy storage. For PET plastic-waste, materials are dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane, followed by carbonization under an argon/hydrogen atmosphere. Electrodes derived from PET are employed in supercapacitors and Li-ion battery anodes. Our studies pave the way for scaled up manufacturing of energy storage devices with enhanced energy density and power density.

Multivariate Brain Tumor Detection in 3D-MRI Images Using Optimised Segmentation and Unified Classification Model.

3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3D-MRI) analysis of brain tumours is an important tool for gathering information needed for diagnosis and disease therapy planning. However, during the brain tumor segmentation process existing techniques have segmentation error while identifying tumor location and extended tumor regions due to improper extraction of initial contour points and overlapping tissue intensity distributions. Hence a novel Duo-step optimised Pyramidal SegNet has been proposed in which multiscale contrast convolutional attention module improve contrast and the tumor edge has been extracted based on location and tumor extension using Duo-step darning needle optimisation that set initial contour points and pyramidal level set segmentation with ancillary Sobel edge operator extract the tumour region from all 2D MRI image slices without having overlapped tissue intensity distributions thereby effectively minimises segmentation error. Furthermore, during the classification of segmented tumor region based on its type, irregular planimetric volume and low interrater concordance of multivariate brain tumors reduce the detection rate due to neglecting the extraction of contextual and symmetric features. Hence 3D brain Unified NN has been proposed in which adaptive multi-layer deep unified encoder module extract 3D contextual and symmetric features by measuring the difference from the observed region and contralateral region and the multivariate brain tumors are classified with boosted Sparse Categorical Cross entropy loss calculation to demonstrate high detection rate. The results obtained for the BraTS2020 and Brain Tumor Detection 2020 data sets showed that the proposed model outperforms existing techniques with excellent precision of 97%, 97.5%, recall of 99%, 97.8%, and accuracy of 95.7%, 98.4%, respectively.

3D Crystal Construction by Single-Crystal 2D Material Supercell Multiplying.

2D stacking presents a promising avenue for creating periodic superstructures that unveil novel physical phenomena. While extensive research has focused on lateral 2D material superstructures formed through composition modulation and twisted moiré structures, the exploration of vertical periodicity in 2D material superstructures remains limited. Although weak van der Waals interfaces enable layer-by-layer vertical stacking, traditional methods struggle to control in-plane crystal orientation over large areas, and the vertical dimension is constrained by unscalable, low-throughput processes, preventing the achievement of global order structures. In this study, a supercell multiplying approach is introduced that enables high-throughput construction of 3D superstructures on a macroscopic scale, utilizing artificially stacked single-crystalline 2D multilayers as foundational repeating units. By employing wafer-scale single-crystalline 2D materials and referencing the crystal orientation of substrates, the method ensures precise alignment of crystal orientation within and across each supercell, thereby achieving controllable periodicity along all three axes. A centimeter-scale 3R-MoS₂ crystal is successfully constructed, comprising over 200 monolayers of single-crystalline MoS₂, through a bottom-up stacking process. Additionally, the approach accommodates the integration of amorphous oxide, enabling the assembly of 3D non-linear optical crystals with quasi-phase matching. This method paves the way for the bottom-up construction of macroscopic artificial 3D crystals with atomic plane precision, enabling tailored optical, electrical, and thermal properties and advancing the development of novel artificial materials and high-performance applications.

Coordination of Ultralow Permittivity and Higher Thermal Conductivity of Polyimide Induced by Unique Interfacial Self‐Assembly Behavior

AbstractUpgrading the available dielectric materials is the most effective approach to solve the poor quality of signal transmission and heat buildup caused by high density integration. In this work, a design strategy for multilayer 3D porous composite networks is proposed, relying on the self‐assembly effect of “crystal‐like phase” to achieve the synergistic optimization of low permittivity and high thermal conductivity of polyimide. The obtained three‐layer porous polyimide composite film (PSLS) features an ultralow permittivity of 1.89, an in‐plane thermal conductivity as high as 13.58 W m−1 K−1, and maintains well electrical insulating property. Inspiringly, the first digital thermoacoustic generator with wide frequency response has been designed based on PSLS film. It achieves sound pressure levels up to 60.1 dB in the 20–100 kHz range and integrates the efficient sound generation of an ultrasonic generator with real‐time display. This work will provide a novel concept material for the smart electronics and electrical fields.

A Bottom-Up Approach to Assemble Cell-Laden Biomineralized Nanofiber Mats into 3D Multilayer Periosteum Mimics for Bone Regeneration.

The creation of complex multilayer periosteal graft structures is challenging. This study introduced a novel bottom-up approach to assemble cell-laden nanofiber mats into a three-dimensional (3D) multilayer periosteum mimic, successfully replicating the hierarchical complexity of the natural periosteum. These nanofiber mats, which were fabricated by electrospinning, surface modification, and stimulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, are composed of nanoscale polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers coated with a mineralized collagen layer along the fiber orientation. They closely resembled the natural periosteal matrix, thereby promoting osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) in vitro. The biomimetic periosteum, constructed via layer-by-layer assembly, offered advantages such as a multilayer nanofibrous structure, controlled cell distribution, a reservoir for osteoprogenitors, and enhanced pro-osteogenic potential. The rat calvarial bone defect model confirmed its potent bone repair capacity. This study presents an efficient approach to construct tissue-engineered periosteum mimics, holding promise for serving as periosteal grafts in orthopedic applications.

EXPRESSO: a multi-omics database to explore multi-layered 3D genomic organization.

The three-dimensional (3D) organization of the human genome plays a crucial role in gene regulation. EXPloration of Regulatory Epigenome with Spatial and Sequence Observations (EXPRESSO) is a novel multi-omics database for exploration and visualization of multi-layered 3D genomic features across 46 different human tissues. Integrating 1360 3D genomic datasets (Hi-C, HiChIP, ChIA-PET) and 842 1D genomic and transcriptomic datasets (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq) from the same biosample, EXPRESSO provides a comprehensive resource for studying the interplay between 3D genome architecture and transcription regulation. This database offers diverse 3D genomic feature types (compartments, contact matrix, contact domains, stripes as diagonal lines extending from a genomic locus in contact matrix, chromatin loops, etc.) and user-friendly interface for both data exploration and download. Other key features include REpresentational State Transfer application programming interfaces for programmatic access, advanced visualization tools for 3D genomic features and web-based applications that correlate 3D genomic features with gene expression and epigenomic modifications. By providing extensive datasets and tools, EXPRESSO aims to deepen our understanding of 3D genomic architecture and its implications for human health and disease, serving as a vital resource for the research community. EXPRESSO is freely available at https://expresso.sustech.edu.cn.

Double-crosslinked dECM bioink to print a self-sustaining 3D multi-layered aortic-like construct

Double-crosslinked dECM bioink to print a self-sustaining 3D multi-layered aortic-like construct

β-Ca3(PO4)2- Ca9.95Li1.05(PO4)7 lamellar microstructure by chemical etching: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro bioactivity

β-Ca3(PO4)2- Ca9.95Li1.05(PO4)7 lamellar microstructure by chemical etching: Synthesis, characterization and in vitro bioactivity

Strain distribution analysis in multilayered 3D printed beam during 3-point bending process

Strain distribution analysis in multilayered 3D printed beam during 3-point bending process

Van der Waals Multilayered Films: Wafer‐Scale Synthesis and Applications in Electronics and Optoelectronics

Abstract2D materials possess significant potential across various applications, with physical and chemical properties that can be effectively modulated by their thickness, enabling tailored optimization for specific uses. For instance, 2D monolayers are ideal for transparent and flexible electronics, while 2D multilayers are more suitable for solar cells and high‐speed devices. Although scalable methods for synthesizing large‐area 2D materials and their applications have been developed, most research has focused on monolayers, with comparatively limited efforts directed toward multilayers. This review provides an overview of the emerging field of 2D multilayers, revisiting the analysis of layer‐dependent properties to determine the optimal material thickness for various applications. It introduces representative techniques for synthesizing 2D multilayer films and presents applications where multilayer structures demonstrate superior performance compared to monolayers, particularly in electronics and optoelectronics. The review advocates for the development of synthesis and integration methods for 2D multilayers, calling for a shift in research focus toward these materials to enhance their technological impact and unlock new industrial applications.

Improving Thermosensitive Bioink Scaffold Fabrication with a Temperature-Regulated Printhead in Robot-Assisted In Situ Bioprinting System.

In situ bioprinting enables precise 3D printing inside the human body using modified bioprinters with thermosensitive bioinks such as gelatin methacrylate (GelMA). However, these devices lack refined temperature-regulated mechanisms essential for ensuring bioink viscosity, as compared to traditional bio-3D printers. Addressing this challenge, this study presents a temperature-regulated printhead designed to improve the fabrication of thermosensitive bioink scaffolds in in situ bioprinting, integrated into a UR5 robotic arm. Featuring a closed-loop system, it achieves a temperature steady error of 1 °C and a response time of approximately 1 min. The effectiveness of the printer was validated by bioprinting multilayer lattice 3D bioscaffolds. Comparisons were made with or without temperature control using different concentrations of GelMA + LAP. The deformation of the bioscaffolds under both conditions was analyzed, and cell culture tests were conducted to verify viability. Additionally, the rheology and mechanical properties of GelMA were tested. A final preliminary in situ bioprinting experiment was conducted on a model of a damaged femur to demonstrate practical application. The fabrication of this printhead is entirely open source, facilitating easy modifications to accommodate various robotic arms. We encourage readers to advance this prototype for application in increasingly complex in situ bioprinting situations, especially those utilizing thermosensitive bioinks.