Organic-inorganic Hybrid System Research Articles

Advances in Shell and Core Engineering of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Enhanced Applications.

ConspectusCarbon dots (CDs), as a novel type of fluorescent nanocarbon material, attract widespread attention in nanomedicine, optoelectronic devices, and energy conversion/storage due to their excellent optical properties, low toxicity, and high stability. They can be classified as graphene quantum dots, carbon quantum dots, and carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). Among these, CPDs exhibit tunable structures and components that allow fine-tuning of their optoelectronic properties, making them one of the most popular types of CDs in recent years. However, the structural complexity of CPDs stimulates deep exploration of the relationship between their unique structure and luminescent performance. As an organic-inorganic hybrid system, the diversity of self-limited quantum state carbon cores and polymer-hybrid shell layers makes understanding the underlying mechanisms and structure-property relationships in CPDs a very challenging task. In this context, elucidating the structural composition of CPDs and the factors that affect their optical properties is vital if the enormous potential of CPDs is to be realized. Achieving controllable structures with predefined optical properties via the adoption of specific functionalization strategies is the prized goal of current researchers in the field.In this Account, we describe the efforts made by our group in the synthesis, mechanism analysis, structural regulation, and functional applications of CPDs, with particular emphasis on the design of CPDs core-shell structures with tailored optoelectronic properties for applications in the fields of optoelectronics and energy. Specifically, through the rational selection of precursors, optimization of reaction conditions, and postmodification strategies for CPDs, we have demonstrated that it is possible to regulate both the carbon core and polymer shell layers, thereby achieving full-spectrum emission, high quantum yield, persistent luminescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and laser action in CPDs. Furthermore, we have established structure-performance relationship in CPDs and proposed a universal strategy for synergistic interactions between hybrid carbon-based cores and surface micronanostructures. In addition, we unveiled a novel luminescence mechanism in cross-linked CPDs, specifically "cross-linking synergistically inducing quantum-state luminescence", which addresses the challenge of efficient circularly polarized luminescence in the liquid and solid phases of CPDs. Subsequently, strong cross-linking, dual-rigidity, and ordering preparation methods were introduced, thereby pioneering tunable laser emission from blue to near-infrared wavelengths. Additionally, we developed a new strategy of "confined composite nanocrystals of CPDs", leading to various high-performance hydrogen evolution catalysts for water electrolysis. The CPDs developed by this strategy not only possessed excellent optical properties but also enabled high efficiencies in field of energy conversion, thus maximizing the utilization of CPDs. Finally, we discuss important new trends in CPD research and development. Overall, this Account summarizes the latest advancements in CPDs in recent years, providing case-studies that enable deep understanding of structure-property-performance relationships and regulation strategies in CPDs, guiding the future expansion and application of CPDs.

Control over phase structures’ evolution within the novel organic–inorganic hybrid system for achieving a comprehensive thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties

Significant challenges persist in developing high-performance, wave-transparent capable of operating above 500 ℃ using organic–inorganic hybrid materials. This study introduced a novel, highly reactive terminal carborane monomer, 4-(3-carborylphenyl) phthalonitrile (CB-Ph), to create a cross-linked network structure and inorganic phase. By integrating this with the conventional high-performance poly (phthalazine ether nitrate ketone) (PPENK), a novel organic–inorganic hybrid system was successfully constructed. Simultaneously, the modifications in the inorganic layer and phase structure of the material with increasing CB-Ph content were examined through nanoindentation and SEM analysis systems, establishing a structural foundation for optimizing the balance between thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and dielectric properties (balance of T-M−D). The thermal performance testing results indicates that the hybrid materials achieved high glass transition temperatures (Tg exceeding 500 ℃). This enhancement is attributable to the synergistic effects of cyanide side group micro-crosslinking and the phthalonitrile crosslinking network, which collectively restricted the movement of chain segments. The P-CB50 resin (PPENK+50 wt% CB-Ph), with its distinctive transition phase structure, boasts the most outstanding comprehensive performance. In terms of thermal stability, it not only features a Tg surpassing 500 ℃ In terms of thermal stability, it not only has a Tg exceeding 500 °C, but also loses only 5 % weight at 599.3° C in a nitrogen atmosphere (Td5%–N2 = 599.3 °C). Mechanical testing reveals that the flexural strength of the P-CB50 composite reaches an impressive 384.3 MPa, while the impact strength attains a significant 109.4 KJ/m2. Even at temperatures as high as 500 ℃, the dielectric constant of the P-CB50 composite material remains below 4, underscoring its superior high temperature wave-transparent properties. These results have firmly established a correlation between the phase structure of the hybrid system and the comprehensive performance of T-M−D, thereby laying a solid foundation for the development of high-temperature resistant and wave-transparent materials with enhanced overall performance.

Stable colour conversion layer with enhanced conversion efficiency by incorporating nanoparticles for micro-LED display application

Due to their promising optical performance, micro-light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) based on colour conversion layer (CCL) have garnered significant attention as the next-generation display technology. However, fabricating CCL with excellent conversion efficiency (CE) with minimal blue light leakage for miniaturized sub-pixel designing is still in its infancy. Herein, we have demonstrated CCL of a thickness (<3.5 μm) based on an organic-inorganic hybrid system incorporated with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) with high CE. The inclusion of the NPs enhances the absorption of blue light within the CCL. We further combined the CCL with a colour purification filter to mitigate blue light leakage, which recycles blue light and suppresses blue light loss, resulting in improved CE. Specifically, we achieved a CE of 83.80 % for the green CCL and 66.97 % for the red CCL. Subsequently, full-colour arrays with a pixel size of 4 μm × 4 μm were successfully patterned and fabricated based on reduced thickness and improved optical performance using NP-doped CCL. This paves the way for cost-effective higher-resolution micro-LED displays for various applications.

Induced Aggregation, Solvent Regulation, and Supracluster Assembly of Aluminum Oxo Clusters.

ConspectusRecent years have witnessed the development of cluster materials as they are atomically precise molecules with uniform size and solution-processability, which are unattainable with traditional nanoparticles or framework materials. The motivation for studying Al(III) chemistry is not only to understand the aggregation process of aluminum in the environment but also to develop novel low-cost materials given its natural abundance. However, the Al-related clusters are underdeveloped compared to the coinage metals, lanthanides, and transition metals. The challenge in isolating crystalline compounds is the lack of an effective method to realize the controllable hydrolysis of Al(III) ions. Compared with the traditional hydrolysis of inorganic Al(III) salts in highly alkaline solutions and hydrolysis of aluminum trialkyl compounds conducted carefully in an inert operating environment, we herein developed an effective way to control the hydrolysis of aluminum isopropanol through an alcoxalation reaction. By solvothermal/low melting point solid melting synthesis and using "ligand aggregation, solvent regulation, and supracluster assembly" strategies, our laboratory has established an organic-inorganic hybrid system of aluminum oxo clusters (AlOCs). The employment of organic ligands promotes the aggregation and slows the hydrolysis of Al(III) ions, which in turn improves the crystallization process. The regulation of the structure types can be achieved through the selection of ligands and the supporting solvents. Compared with the traditional condensed polyoxoaluminates, we successfully isolated a broad range of porous AlOCs, including aluminum molecular rings and Archimedes aluminum oxo cages. By studying ring expansion, structural transformation, and intermolecular supramolecular assembly, we demonstrate unique and unprecedented structural controllability and assembly behavior in cluster science. The advancement of this universal synthetic method is to realize materials customization through modularly oriented supracluster assembly. In this Account, we will provide a clear-cut definition and terminology of "ligand aggregation, solvent regulation, and supracluster assembly". Then we will discuss the discovery in this area by using a strategy, such as aluminum molecular ring, ring size expansion, ring supracluster assembly, etc. Furthermore, given the internal and external pore structures, as well as the solubility and modifiability of the AlOCs, we will demonstrate their potential applications in both the solid and liquid phases, such as iodine capture, the optical limiting responses, and dopant in polymer dielectrics. The strategy herein can be applied to extensive cluster science and promote the research of main group element chemistry. The new synthetic method, fascinating clusters, and unprecedented assembly behaviors we have discovered will advance Al(III) chemistry and will also lay the foundation for functional applications.

Fabrication of multifunctional bio-macromolecule organic-inorganic hybrid system for protein silk: Photochromic, UV protection, fire-proof and super durability

Nowadays, high value-added and multifunctional textiles have attracted widespread attention due to the changing demands of modern life. This study focused on the fabrication of silk with photochromism, flame retardancy, UV resistance and durability using riboflavin sodium phosphate (RSP) and various metal ions (Fe2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Ti4+). Attractively, the photochromic performance was one of the most distinctive features of the modified silk, and the yellow silk fabric turned into fluorescent green under UV lamp. After a detailed comparison, it was determined that RSP/Fe3+ hybrid system was most effective in improving anti-UV performance of the silk with a high UPF of 25.8, achieving a “Good” level of UV protection. Specifically, it achieved a B1 fire protection with a low damaged-length of 9.4 cm and a high LOI of 28.3 %. Additionally, the modified silk showed the lowest smoke density, reducing by approximately 84.1 % versus that of pristine silk. Moreover, the modified silk was able to meet the B1 classification and the “Good” UV protection requirements even after 75 washing cycles, making it more durable than most functional textiles reported. The further analysis indicated that RSP and metal ions can synergistically enhance the condensed-phase action, thereby improving the fire resistance of silk.

Chirality induced spin selectivity in chiral hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites.

Chiral materials exhibit many interesting physical properties including circular dichroism, circularly polarized photoluminescence, and spin selectivity. Since its discovery, chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) has been demonstrated in many chiral material systems, which indicates promising applications in spintronic devices. Thus, searching for compounds that possess both sizable chirality and excellent spin transport properties is in order. Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have attracted intensive research interest due to their long carrier lifetime, high carrier mobility, chemically tunable electronic properties, and long spin lifetime, which make this emerging class of semiconductors promising candidate for spintronics. Moreover, hybrid perovskites integrate inorganic octahedral framework and organic ligands, which may introduce chirality into the materials, especially in quasi-two-dimensional structures. Recently, CISS has been observed in 2D chiral hybrid perovskites, showing the spin filtering effect. Studies of CISS in chiral hybrid perovskites not only help deepen our understanding of CISS mechanism but also shed new light on designing novel spintronic devices. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art studies of CISS effect in 2D chiral hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites system. We also discuss the remaining challenges and research opportunities of employing CISS in next-generation spintronic devices.

A strong soybean meal adhesive enhanced by aluminum hydroxide nanoparticles via a low-cost and simple organic-inorganic hybrid strategy

Soybean meal (SM), as a byproduct of bean oil production, used to develop formaldehyde-free bio-adhesives to solve the formaldehyde release problem in the wood industry is very meaningful. However, the low water resistance and weak adhesion stability of SM-based adhesives limited their application and development. In this study, inspired by nacre and mussel byssus, a novel organic-inorganic hybrid system was formed by introducing Al(OH)3 nanoparticles into SM adhesive. Al(OH)3 nanoparticles interacted with SM to form dense noncovalent crosslinking network based on hydrogen and coordination bonds, enhancing the adhesion performance and water resistance of SM adhesive. The dry and wet shear strength of the SM/Al adhesive were improved to 1.75 MPa and 1.25 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the hydrogen and coordination bonds served as sacrificial bonds, which promoted dissipating energy and caused the toughness of SM/Al adhesive to improve by 133.3% to 11.2 MJ/m3. In addition, the dehydration process of Al(OH)3 nanoparticles reduced the heat release of the adhesive combustion and improved adhesive flame retardancy. Therefore, the SM/Al adhesive showed a comprehensive improvement in adhesion strength, toughness, water resistance, and flame retardancy performances. This work provides a novel strategy for preparing strong, eco-friendly, multiple performances and low cost SM adhesives.

Dimensionally stable, flame‐retardant, and leach‐resistant furfurylated wood prepared by incorporating ammonium polyphosphate and nano‐silica

AbstractFast‐growing plantation typically has some undesirable inherent qualities that restrict their use as engineering materials, such as dimensional instability, poor mechanical strength, and flammability (Sangregorio et al., Green Chem, 2020, 22, 2786–2798; Zhang et al., Fire Saf J, 2021, 121, 103297). In this study, a simple and environmentally friendly method was applied to improve low‐quality poplar wood by building an organic–inorganic hybrid system with a combination of biomass‐derived furfuryl alcohol (FA), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and nano‐silica (nano‐SiO2). Different amounts of APP and nano‐SiO2 were mixed with a FA water solution, impregnated into the poplar wood followed by curing at 103°C to induce in situ polymerization of furfurylated wood (FW). The results showed that the FW/APP/SiO2 had strong self‐extinguishing properties, and passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value as high as 49.5%. Results from cone calorimetry and thermogravimetry suggested that APP and nano‐SiO2 could have a synergistic effect, which successfully inhibited heat transfer and suppressed the smoke emission during its combustion by promoting char formation. Scanning electron microscopy shows that FA, APP, and nano‐SiO2 can basically penetrate into the cell wall and modify the wood fundamentally. FW/APP/SiO2 also enhanced the phosphorus fixation in the wood and greatly reduced its leaching into water, indicating it has long‐term fire resistance in service.

Facile construction of organic–inorganic hybrid flame-retardant system based on fully biomass: Improving the fire safety and mechanical property of epoxy resin

As the contradiction intensifies both the increasing consumption of petroleum resources and environmental protection, the exploitation and utilization of biological resources have reached an unprecedented height. Hence, an organic–inorganic hybrid system, called ammonia phytate modified oyster waste nanosheets (TOSP@PAA), was constructed via mechanochemical strategies and used for flame-retardant EP. The characterization revealed that TOSP@PAA showed a specific layer crosslinking structure by the NH3+OP bond. The calcination experiment revealed that TOSP@PAA possessed excellent self-charring performance and formed a highly intumescent char residue layer at high temperatures. In addition, the combustion tests indicated that EP with TOSP@PAA showed noticeable fire safety (e.g., ∼74.0 % and 60.2 % decline in peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) at only 8 wt% content) and excellent heat insulation properties. Remarkably, EP with TOSP@PAA exhibited good mechanical properties with remarkable improvement in flexural properties. The work provides new sights on the facile preparation of environmentally friendly flame retardants and explores a new way to strengthen the fire safety and mechanical property of EP.

Ultrafine Nickel Sulfide-Based Bipolar Resistive Switching Device as Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Application

Biologically inspired systems, particularly those that mimic the nervous system of living beings, are becoming more demanded due to their ability to solve ill-posed problems such as pattern recognition or communication with the external environment. Memristors are essential components to replicate high-density networks of biological synapses that control the effectiveness of communication among neurons and implement learning capability because of their tunable conductance. In this study, an organic–inorganic hybrid system of hexamethylenediamine-stabilized ultrafine nickel sulfide particles was synthesized by employing a complexation-mediated route. Here, we propose a nickel sulfide-based memristor as an artificial synapse for neuromorphic application. The current–voltage behavior of the device exhibited bipolar resistive switching with a stable ON and OFF state with an ON/OFF ratio value of 2.5 × 101. The high-conductance state of the device showed the Ohmic conduction mechanism, and the low-conductance state of the device exhibited the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling mechanism. Using identical and nonidentical pulses, the synaptic plasticity behavior of the device was investigated, which revealed the inverse-symmetric and mirror-symmetric patterns, respectively. The device mimicked the spike-time-dependent plasticity properties for Hebbian learning with a conductance value change from −86 to 91%. We also designed the spiking neural network, consisting of 18 synapses and 11 integrated firing neurons, based on the winner-take-all strategy for unsupervised feature learning.

Low power LED assisted effective photodegradation of cationic and anionic dyes by zinc phthalocyanine based 2D polyamide sensitized CuO photocatalyst

The present investigation details the synthesis and photocatalytic performance of an organic-inorganic hybrid system involving phthalocyanine-based 2D polyamide sensitized CuO photocatalyst in the presence of low-power LED visible light. Zinc phthalocyanine-based 2D polyamide (2D-ZnPcPA), CuO nanomaterial and their nanocomposites (2D-ZnPcPA@CuO) were successfully synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the structure, size, morphology and optical properties. To examine the photodegradation capability of newly synthesized photocatalysts in the presence of the low-power white LED (16 W) as a source of visible light, cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic congo red (CR) dyes were employed as modular pollutants. The impact of different parameters on photocatalytic activity such as photocatalyst dosage, contact time, pH of dye solution and photocatalyst re-usage, is examined. The results indicate that photosensitizing CuO with 2D-ZnPcPA improved photocatalytic performance for the photodegradation of MB and CR dyes substantially. The removal effectiveness of MB and CR under optimised conditions was determined to be greater than 96 and 93% in 90 minutes respectively.

Organic molecule functionalized lead sulfide hybrid system for energy storage and field dependent polarization performances

A wet chemical route is reported for synthesising organic molecule stabilized lead sulfide nanoparticles. The dielectric capacitance, energy storage performances and field-driven polarization of the organic–inorganic hybrid system are investigated in the form of a device under varying temperature and frequency conditions. The structural analysis confirmed the formation of the monoclinic phase of lead sulfide within the organic network. The band structure of lead sulfide was obtained by density functional theory calculation that supported the semiconductor nature of the material with a direct band gap of 2.27 eV. The dielectric performance of the lead sulfide originated due to the dipolar and the space charge polarization. The energy storage ability of the material was investigated under DC-bias conditions, and the device exhibited the power density values 30 W/g and 340 W/g at 100 Hz and 10 kHz, respectively. The electric field-induced polarization study exhibited a fatigue-free behaviour of the device for 103 cycles with a stable dielectric strength. The study revealed that the lead sulfide-based system has potential in energy storage applications.

Biomimetic development of a strong, mildew-resistant soy protein adhesive via mineral–organic system and phenol-amine synergy

Plant-derived protein adhesives have attracted extensive research interest in recent years as effective alternatives to nonrenewable and nonbiodegradable formaldehyde-based adhesives. However, owing to their insufficient bonding strength and poor mildew resistance, it has been challenging for biopolymer adhesives to achieve strong and durable adhesion performance. Inspired by insect cuticles , we report a green and versatile strategy for the fabrication of a strong, mildew-resistant, antibacterial soy protein (SP)-based adhesive via phenol-amine synergy and biomineralization reinforcement. Gallic acid (GA), as a phenolic glue molecule, was co-assembled with hydroxyapatite (HAP) through Ca 2+ –phenolic coordination bonds to prepare GA-functionalized HAP (GA@HAP) nanoparticles. Moreover, ε -polylysine (PL) with abundant amino groups was used for grafting to the phenolic GA@HAP nanoparticles through a Schiff base reaction. Owing to multiple cross-linking and the inorganic–organic hybrid system, the wet shear strength of the SP/PL/GA@HAP adhesive increased considerably to 1.09 MPa, 127% higher than the unmodified SP adhesive. The cationic PL polymer endowed the protein adhesive with desirable antifungal and antibacterial properties , synergistically with the phenolic components in GA@HAP. In addition, the resultant adhesive exhibited enhanced flame retardation, thermal stability, and water resistance. This simple and versatile strategy could lead to advances in the development of high-performance biopolymer materials for biological and engineering applications including adhesives, hydrogels, and films. • A mineral–organic hybrid network was constructed in a biopolymer system. • Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were functionalized with phenolic glue molecules. • Multifunctional soy protein adhesive was fabricated via phenol-amine chemistry. • The wet shear strength of the prepared adhesive was significantly improved by 127%. • Biopolymer adhesive showed enhanced anti-mildew and antibacterial properties.

A wide solar spectrum utilization and fast charge carrier transport upon variable GaAs interlayer thickness in ZnPc/GaAs/ZnPc hybrid thin-film structures

The effects of inorganic layer thickness on the photophysical properties of the organic layer in an organic-inorganic hybrid system were investigated in this paper. Photosensitive Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and GaAs layers were alternatively stacked through simple physical vapor deposition, and the impact of GaAs layer thickness was explored through structural, optical, and electrical characterization techniques. The strain-induced quantum size effect was evident in the hybrid structure, and it was confirmed in Raman analysis with broad vibration peaks of the GaAs phase, which resulted in a decrease in the GaAs thickness < Bohr radius (RB). In addition, a complementary absorption edge was obtained at 295 nm along with ZnPc absorption features, but GaAs failed to contribute to spectral absorption with its thickness > RB. The decreased photoluminescence intensity and fluorescence decay time of ZnPc after incorporation of GaAs imply that charge transfer from ZnPc to GaAs occurs quickly. The transient photocurrent measurement demonstrates that the current density of hybrid film with GaAs thickness < Bohr radius was significantly increased. As expected, the GaAs with thickness above the Bohr radius is ineffective for improving the photocurrent. Impedance spectroscopy analysis was applied to explore the electrical transport behavior in the hybrid system using a two-electrode system. An ultra-thin GaAs layer noticeably promoted mass transfer at the ZnPc-GaAs interface and increased the conductivity of the hybrid system with the least charge transfer resistance.

Gated Organonanoclays for Large Biomolecules: Controlled Release Triggered by Surfactant Stimulus

The low toxicity and high adsorption capacities of clay minerals make them attractive for controlled delivery applications. However, the number of controlled-release studies in the literature using clay minerals is still scarce. In this work, three different clays from the smectite group (Kunipia F, montmorillonite; Sumecton SA, saponite; and Sumecton SWN, hectorite) were successfully loaded with rhodamine B dye and functionalized with oleic acid as a gatekeeper to produce organonanoclays for active and controlled payload-release. Moreover, hematin and cyanocobalamin have also been encapsulated in hectorite gated clay. These organonanoclays were able to confine the entrapped cargos in an aqueous environment, and effectively release them in the presence of surfactants (as bile salts). A controlled delivery of 49 ± 6 μg hematin/mg solid and 32.7 ± 1.5 μg cyanocobalamin/mg solid was reached. The cargo release profiles of all of the organonanoclays were adjusted to three different release-kinetic models, demonstrating the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with release dependence on (i) the organic–inorganic hybrid system, and (ii) the nature of loaded molecules and their interaction with the support. Furthermore, in vitro cell viability assays were carried out with Caco-2 cells, demonstrating that the organonanoclays are well tolerated by cells at particle concentrations of ca. 50 μg/mL.

Improvement in the Environmental Stability of Haloalkane Dehalogenase with Self-Assembly Directed Nano-Hybrid with Iron Phosphate

Haloalkane dehalogenase (DhaA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of halogenated compounds through the cleavage of carbon halogen bonds. However, the low activity, poor environmental stability, and difficult recycling of free DhaA greatly increases the economic cost of practical application. Inspired by the organic–inorganic hybrid system, an iron-based hybrid nanocomposite biocatalyst FeHN@DhaA is successfully constructed to enhance its environmental tolerability. A series of characterization methods demonstrate that the synthesized enzyme–metal iron complexes exhibit granular nanostructures with good crystallinity. Under optimized conditions, the activity recovery and the effective encapsulation yield of FeHN@DhaA are 138.54% and 87.21%, respectively. Moreover, it not only exhibits excellent immobilized enzymatic properties but also reveals better tolerance to extreme acid, and is alkali compared with the free DhaA. In addition, the immobilized enzyme FeHN@DhaA can be easily recovered and has a satisfactory reusability, retaining 57.8% of relative activity after five reaction cycles. The results of this study might present an alternative immobilized DhaA-based clean biotechnology for the decontamination of organochlorine pollutants.

3D Printed Skin-Interfaced UV-Visible Hybrid Photodetectors.

Photodetectors that are intimately interfaced with human skin and measure real‐time optical irradiance are appealing in the medical profiling of photosensitive diseases. Developing compliant devices for this purpose requires the fabrication of photodetectors with ultraviolet (UV)‐enhanced broadband photoresponse and high mechanical flexibility, to ensure precise irradiance measurements across the spectral band critical to dermatological health when directly applied onto curved skin surfaces. Here, a fully 3D printed flexible UV‐visible photodetector array is reported that incorporates a hybrid organic‐inorganic material system and is integrated with a custom‐built portable console to continuously monitor broadband irradiance in‐situ. The active materials are formulated by doping polymeric photoactive materials with zinc oxide nanoparticles in order to improve the UV photoresponse and trigger a photomultiplication (PM) effect. The ability of a stand‐alone skin‐interfaced light intensity monitoring system to detect natural irradiance within the wavelength range of 310–650 nm for nearly 24 h is demonstrated.

Oyster-inspired organic-inorganic hybrid system to improve cold-pressing adhesion, flame retardancy, and mildew resistance of soybean meal adhesive

Soy protein adhesives have aroused widespread interest as a replacement for traditional formaldehyde synthetic resins in the wood industry. However, how to improve the poor cold-pressing adhesion to the industrial level while retaining decent integrated performances is a bottleneck of soy protein adhesives for practical applications. Inspired by the strong wet adhesion of marine oysters, we propose a novel strategy for developing excellent adhesion performance soybean meal (SM) adhesive based on an organic-inorganic hybrid system. The introduction of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hydroxyapatite-tannin acid (HT) nanohybrids construct a densely-crosslinked coacervate network through non-covalent interactions to enhance the adhesion and cohesion of the adhesives, which penetrated the wood interfacial water layer. Compared with the pristine SM adhesive, the cold-pressing bonding strength of the novel adhesive increased from 167.3 kPa to 557.0 kPa. The adhesive possessed excellent toughness of 4.99 MJ/m3 because the multiple non-covalent bonds provided sacrificial interactions that dissipated the fracture energy. Moreover, due to the synergistic effect of the inorganic components and phenolic components, the adhesive also displayed good flame resistance and mildew resistance, which stored for 15 days without mildew formation and showed self-extinguishing behavior during combustion tests. This work demonstrates a novel and effective method for developing other wood adhesives with high performance.

Electric field induced polarization and electrochemical sensing performance of nickel-based organic–inorganic hybrid system

Electric field induced polarization and electrochemical sensing performance of nickel-based organic–inorganic hybrid system

Metal-Organic-Framework-Decorated Carbon Nanofibers with Enhanced Gas Sensitivity When Incorporated into an Organic Semiconductor-Based Gas Sensor.

Because of their high porosity, metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have attracted much attention for use in gas-sensing applications. However, problems with the processability of MOFs for use in reliable gas-sensing electronics remain unsolved. Herein, combination of the strong gas-adsorbing properties of MOF nanomaterials and organic thin-film transistor-type chemical sensors is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The hybrid blend system with inorganic MOF nanomaterials and organic semiconductors likely exhibits thermodynamic instability because of each phase's self-aggregation, which is difficult to settle without surface functionalization. We propose a novel method to produce an inorganic-organic hybrid sensor by introducing carbon nanofibers as a scaffold. We demonstrate that the carbon nanofibers perform dual functions: enabling the attachment of MOF nanoparticles at the fiber surface, which stabilizes the nanoparticle-embedded polymer layer, and maintaining reliable conductivity for improved gas-sensing performance. On the basis of our characterization of their nanomorphology and nanocrystal structure, the MOF nanoparticles and carbon nanofibers are shown to render a hybrid core-shell structure in the conjugated polymer matrix. This organic-inorganic hybrid system was incorporated into a field-effect transistor device to detect hazardous NO2 gas analytes, operating in real-time with high responsivity. The prototype chemical sensor holds enormous promise for other chemical sensors.