Oxide Matrix Research Articles

Choose Your Dopant─Ultrananotitania Directing Photocatalytic Electron Destination.

Anatase titania photocatalysts are the subject of thousands of papers annually. Since the photoefficiency is low, doping TiO2 photocatalysts with various elements is a widely employed technique to enhance performance. However, studies involving different catalyst sizes, morphologies, or dopants often yield varied or even contradictory conclusions. Herein, we report a versatile platform based on ultranano, <2 nm, particles, that minimizes defects, produces uniform morphology, and enables systematic investigation of dopant control of product formation. Charge-carrier destination is determined by the redox couple in the oxide matrix; a couple that is measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Versatility is demonstrated via doping with all fourth-period transition elements (except Sc). For oxidation reactions, two distinct reaction pathways are identified; the balance between the pathways is regulated by the reduction potential of the dopant in the matrix. The prospect for directing charge transfer significantly expands potential applications for titania.

Effect of matrix microstructure on micro- and macro- mechanical properties of 2.5D woven oxide fiber reinforced oxide matrix composites

A comprehensive learning of the mechanical behavior change mechanism of oxide/oxide composites is of great significance as a guide for their industrial applications. This study focused on examining how matrix microstructure impacted the micro- and macro- mechanical properties of the composites mainly by nanoindentation tests, macro-mechanical tests and x-ray computed tomography. The results showed that the sintering phenomenon of matrix sintered at 1200 ºC was more obvious, and there were visible transverse and longitudinal cracks. The in-situ modulus of matrix and interfacial shear modulus of the composite increased by 61.1% and 36.4%, respectively, with the increase of matrix sintering densification. Combined with these micro-mechanical parameters of the composites, the He-Hutchinson model predicted the same crack propagation modes as those obtained from fracture toughness tests. Moreover, more matrix cracks directly led to a 45.4% reduction in the flexural strength of the composites sintered at 1200 ºC compared to that sintered at 1100 ºC. In addition, a comparison analysis was conducted on the evolution of microstructure, micro- and macro- mechanical properties of 2.5D and 2D composites with the same preparation parameters.

Triple-oxygen isotopes of stony micrometeorites by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS): Olivine, basaltic glass and iron oxide matrix effects for sensitive high-mass resolution ion microprobe-stable isotope (SHRIMP-SI).

Micrometeorites are extraterrestrial particles smaller than ~2mm in diameter, most of which melted during atmospheric entry and crystallised or quenched to form 'cosmic spherules'. Their parentage among meteorite groups can be inferred from triple-oxygen isotope compositions, for example, by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). This method uses sample efficiently, preserving spherules for other investigations. While SIMS precisions are improving steadily, application requires assumptions about instrumental mass fractionation, which is controlled by sample chemistry and mineralogy (matrix effects). We have developed a generic SIMS method using sensitive high-mass resolution ion micro probe-stable isotope (SHRIMP-SI) that can be applied to finely crystalline igneous textures as in cosmic spherules. We correct for oxygen isotope matrix effects using the bulk chemistry of samples obtained by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and model bulk chemical compositions as three-component mixtures of olivine, basaltic glass and Fe-oxide (magnetite), finding a unique matrix correction for each target. Our first results for cosmic spherules from East Antarctica compare favourably with established micrometeorite groups defined by precise and accurate but consumptive bulk oxygen isotope methods. The Fe-oxide content of each spherule is the main control on magnitude of oxygen isotope ratio bias, with effects on δ18O up to ~6‰. Our main peak in compositions closely coincides with so-called 'Group 1' objects identified by consumptive methods. The magnitude of SIMS matrix effects we find is similar to the previous intraspherule variations, which are now the limiting factor in understanding their compositions. The matrix effect for each spherule should be assessed quantitatively and individually, especially addressing Fe-oxide content. We expect micrometeorite triple-oxygen isotope compositions obtained by SIMS to converge on the main clusters (Groups 1 to 4) after correction firstly for magnetite content and secondarily for other phases (e.g., basaltic glass) in each target.

Novel synthesis of CuHCF/B-rGO composites for oxygen evolution reaction activity

In this work, we have focused on the preparation of copper hexacyanoferrate/boron doped rGO composites (abbreviated as CuHCF/B-rGO) by employing simple co-precipitation technique subsequently processed with ultrasonication method. The XRD spectra confirmed the existence of the cubic structure of copper hexacyanoferrate with high crystalline peaks. The prepared nanocomposite morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confirmed CuHCF nanoparticles formation with flake-like and wrinkled sheets. Pure CuHCF nanostructures revealed good OER action at 430 mV to obtain 10 mA/cm2. The obtained CuHCF product OER activity can be further upgraded by incorporating the electrically conductive boron doped reduced graphene oxide matrix into CuHCF nanostructures, for the reason that the overpotential of the CuHCF/B-rGO was reduced to 380 mV to attain 10 mA/cm2 with 88 mV/dec Tafel slope value. The doping of heteroatom considerably improves charge-transfer resistance of metal hexacyanoferrate, giving a small resistance value of 2.97 Ω, which was lower than that of CuHCF (5.57 Ω) and CuHCF/rGO (4.31 Ω). Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the CuHCF/B-rGO was stable at prolonged hours with a small decay of 12.5%. Therefore, this work offers new approach to stimulate the catalytic performance of metal hexcyanoferrate by highly conductive carbon-based materials for water splitting performance.

Investigation into the swelling and dissolution behaviour of Polymer-Excipient blends of PEO Utilising dissolution imaging

The use of dissolution imaging in analysing the behaviourof hydrophilic matrices and various types of excipients is examined in this study.The main aim was to investigate how different ratios of excipients with different solubility properties, such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and dicalcium phosphate impact on the swelling properties and propranolol hydrochloride (PPN) release characteristics of polyethylene oxide matrix compacts. The surface properties of the compacts were investigated using a focus variation microscope after which dissolution studies were conducted to determine compact swelling and drug release properties. Smr2, a surface parameter representing the percentage of deeper valley structures on the surface, was used to calculate the proportion of the compact surface available for retaining lubrication (dissolution media in this case). Smr2 values of 83 and 84 were measured for the 1:1 and 1:3 PEO lactose compacts, respectively. This parameter utilised in this experiment gives an indication of the compact surface available for the initial hydration process and suggests a higher rate of hydration for the 1:1 and 1:3 PEO lactose compacts. The swelling studies revealed that a higher PEO ratio (3:1) resulted in more extensive gel layer formation as compared to the 1:3 compacts. All PEO:excipient compacts exhibited faster drug release than the compacts comprising PEO as the sole excipient. The quantity of PEO present was thus crucial in influencing the capacity of the matrix to control the release of PPN. This study underscores the potential for modifying drug release by altering the quantity of the matrix gel-former (PEO in this case) as well as the type or ratio of excipient used. The study also highlights the novelty of using UV dissolution imaging to image and quantify swelling and drug dissolution processes as well as providing qualitative observations such as channel formation which can support formulation optimisation and mechanistic understanding.

Cost‐Effective Approach to Fabricate Oxide‐Based Bulk Thermoelectric Generator for Low‐Grade Waste Heat Harvesting

Oxide materials are well explored in thermoelectric and optoelectronic device applications due to their wide range of tunable properties, thermal stability, compatibility with other materials, nontoxicity, and earth abundancy. As a result, it can often be integrated into devices, which facilitates the development of oxide‐based thermoelectric generators at low cost. In this work, we synthesized BaxCoO2 and graphene‐doped In2O3 by solid‐state reaction route and then incorporated them in thermoelectric generator for the first time. A preliminary 3‐couple device is designed on a glass substrate. Here, the unique aspect is that graphite paint is used for the first time to make contact between oxide and metal electrodes instead of earlier used soldering and diffusion techniques, which prevents metals from diffusing in the oxide matrix. This device generates an open‐circuit voltage of 30 mV whereas it produces an output power of 0.3 μW with power density of ≈15.5 nW cm−2 for ΔT of 60 K, which is comparable to earlier reported metal‐based Bi0.5Se1.5Te3/Bi2Se0.3Te2.7TE devices. Further, the physical dimensions of the generators can be adjusted and the temperature gradient can be increased to get the desired power. This work offers a promising strategy for the development of thick as well as thin thermoelectric generators at an affordable cost.

Multi-interface and rich-defects 1T phase MoS2 combine with FeS anchored on reduced graphene oxide for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution

Exploring and fabricating noble-metal-free and cost-effective electrocatalysts to minimise the excessive potential required is of great significance for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report FeS/1T-MP MoS2@rGO heterostructure with 1T and 2H mixed phase MoS2 (1T-MP MoS2) combining with FeS anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix, which is synthetized by utilizing Anderson polyoxometalate as Fe–Mo precursor by a facile hydrothermal method. The FeS/1T-MP MoS2@rGO heterostructure in the form of interconnected nanosheet arrays with multiple interfaces and rich-defects, which is in favor of the immersion of the electrolyte and exposing more active sites. Benefiting from the synergistic advantages of 1T-MoS2, FeS and rGO, FeS/1T-MP MoS2@rGO heterostructure delivers enhanced conductivity, enlarged electrochemical active surface area, and eventually promote the HER kinetics. As expected, FeS/1T-MP MoS2@rGO heterostructure emerges prominent HER activity with low overpotentials of 102 and 256 mV to achieve current density of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, outperforming vast majority of the advanced 1T MoS2-based alkaline HER electrocatalysts.

Environmental barrier coatings on alumina-reinforced CMCs: Experimental validation and numerical modeling of thermal stability

Recent advancements in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), including SiC/SiC, C/SiC, C/C, Al2O3 reinforced Al2O3, face various challenges at high temperature applications, including grain growth, sintering, and creep deformation which are leading to strength loss. The new generation of Environmental Barrier Coatings (EBCs) must allow the protection of these CMCs when operating under harsh conditions, which can reach up to 1100 °C in some applications, such as gas turbines and certain reforming processes. In this work, 8 wt% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) applied by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) on top of a porous alumina oxide matrix with reinforced alumina fibers Al2O3/Al2O3-CMC (OCMC), considering different interfaces, has been studied. Surface morphology and pre-treatment of CMCs is the most challenging part for thermal spray applications. Hence, two different surface structure were used in this work. The results show that the roughness of OCMC can be reduced from Rz = 41.8±6.8 μm to 20.3±1.1 μm with the new porous bond coat and plasma sprayed coating, resulting in a homogeneous surface morphology.. In terms of thermal stability, a numerical model that combines Object Oriented FEM (OOF) and Cohesive Zone Model CZM tools, has been developed to evaluate the effect of the porosity of the real microstructure and the characteristics of the interfacial roughness profile, respectively, in CMC/EBC structures. In addition, other materials, such as La2Zr2O7 and Y2O3, have been numerically studied in order to evaluate their suitability as EBC.

Li‐ion Exchange‐Driven Interfacial Buffer Layer for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractThe goal of achieving batteries with high energy density and high safety profile has been a driving force in developing all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, the complex issues arising from the interfacial interaction between lithium anode/cathode and solid‐state electrolytes (SSE) have hindered the progress of ASSLMBs. This study presents a strategy for constructing an organic/inorganic buffer layer via employing Li‐ion exchanging chemistry of H1.6Mn1.6O4 (HMO) with a flexible matrix of polyethylene oxide (PEO). The buffer layer shows a remarkable ion conductivity of 3.21 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C originating from the exceptional Li+‐H+ ion exchange capability of HMO. This PEO/HMO buffer layer not only establishes an intimate physical contact between the Li anode/cathode and the SSE but also functions as a dynamic Li+ transfer station to facilitate Li+ movement through the interfaces improving interfacial stability. By pairing with cathodes of LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811), the ASSLMBs feature high‐rate capability and stable cycling performance with low polarization. This marks the utilization of HMO as a superior interfacial material to replace conventional lithium salts, with improved ion transport, decreased polarization, and enhanced overall performances. This constitutes a significant advancement toward the next‐generation energy storage solutions for ASSLMBs.

Characteristics and Dosimetric Properties of Tissue-Equivalent Thermoluminescent Glass Detector Based on Al-Li-Zn, Borate Oxide Dope Dy3+

Functionality and dosimetric properties of a tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent glass detector doped with Dy3+. This work investigated an Aluminium-Lithium-Zinc borate oxide matrix using the melting-quench method. X-ray diffraction confirms the glass sample is amorphous. Dysprosium ions doping raises the glass’s tissue equivalent effective atomic number (Zeff.), improving its ability to absorb radiation and its sensitivity, with reproducibility almost at the tolerable limit. The glass detector also reduces the fading rate and signal loss over time. The minimum detectable dose values were 53.04 mGy and 45.1 mGy for the un-doped and 1.5 mol Dy3+ doped Al-Li-Zn borate glasses, respectively. A bright peak was seen in photoluminescence spectra at 348 nm (yellow), 529 nm (green), and 625 nm (orange hue). These correspond to the Dy3+ transitions at 4H15/2 → 6P7/2, 4F9/2 → 6H15/2, 4F9/2 → 6H15/2, and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 , respectively. There was a noticeable drop in Tg from 257°C in the undoped sample to 101°C in the doped sample, Tm from 862°C to 815°C, and Tc from 756°C to 444°C in the doped sample. These results may indicate a lower temperature at which the material transitions from a solid to a liquid state and a lower crystallisation threshold. The frequency component and energy of activation of the 1.5 mol Dy3+ doped Aluminium-Lithium-Zinc borate are 2.1×10 27 s-1 and 1.03 eV, respectively. The 1.5 Dy3+ doped Aluminium-Lithium-Zinc borate glasses exhibit promising dosimetric properties of the tissue-equivalent thermoluminescent glass detector, indicating its potential for accurate and consistent radiation dosimetry in various applications.

Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Properties of Mn-doped MgAl2O4 Red-Emitting Phosphors with Varying Sintering Temperature.

Oxide matrix red-emitting phosphors are deemed as excellent color converters for white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) and laser diodes (LDs). Manganese-doped MgAl2O4 powder was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method at different sintering temperatures. Microstructure shows that grain size is mainly in the range of 0.2-5μm, and grain agglomeration occurs with increased sintering temperature. XPS analysis indicates that the doped Mn ion exhibits a valence state of + 4 within the MgAl2O4 matrix. The diffraction peak of the phosphors is shifted by the sintering temperature, which affects lattice constant. Upon excitation by 300nm ultraviolet light, the samples emit asymmetric broadband red light within the range of 620-720nm, attributed to Mn4+ ion's transition from 2Eg to 4A2g states. With the increasing temperature, the main emission peak shifts from 677nm to 650nm, ascribed to the change in energy level (2Eg) resulting from the reduction of Al2O3 phase. Crystal field theory confirmed that Mn4+ ions are within a strong crystal field environment created by MgAl2O4 matrix. By affecting particle size and crystallinity, the sintering temperature influences the fluorescence lifetime of the Mn4+ ion. Notably, these red-emitting phosphors exhibits remarkable thermal stability as their emission intensity remains approximately at 58% of initial intensity even at elevated temperature (435K). Consequently, Mn4+: MgAl2O4 red-emitting phosphors with high thermal stability render them promising candidates for WLED applications.

Achieving Near-Infrared Highly Sensitive Temperature Sensing in Lanthanide-Doped Lead-Free Double Perovskite NaLaMgWO6 with Significant Thermal Enhancement.

The significant temperature response of lanthanide-doped up-conversion luminescent materials is typically characterized by a severe thermal quenching of the luminescence intensity at elevated ambient temperatures, which severely restricts materials' capability in temperature sensing. Herein, the influence of matrix phonon properties on the remarkable thermal enhancement effect in the thermosensitive material NaLaMgWO6:Yb3+/Nd3+ is reported. It is elucidated that achieving a significant thermal enhancement of Nd3+ with a higher phonon energy oxide matrix is easier than a halide matrix, which has lower phonon energy by comparison with previous findings. Interestingly, the emission of thermally related levels gets enhanced to various extents through phonon-assisted thermal population. In light of this, a three-model thermometer is constructed based on luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) technology. Given that Sr and ΔE possess a positive correlation, it is feasible to acquire greater temperature monitoring sensitivity Sr in Nd3+, which has a larger ΔE. At 313 K, this thermometry model may achieve a maximum sensitivity of 2.84%·K-1. This work not only provides guidance for the selection of efficient near-infrared up-conversion material but also opens up a prospect for the realization of ultrasensitive thermally coupled luminescent thermometers.

Impact of Silver Incorporation and Flash-Lamp-Annealing on the Photocatalytic Response of Sputtered ZnO Films.

Thin films of silver-doped zinc oxide (SZO) were deposited at room temperature using a DC reactive magnetron co-sputtering technique using two independent Zn and Ag targets. The crystallographic structure, chemical composition and surface morphology of SZO films with different silver concentrations were correlated with the photocatalytic (PC) properties. The crystallization of the SZO films was made using millisecond range flash-lamp-annealing (FLA) treatments. FLA induces significant structural ordering of the wurtzite structure and an in-depth redistribution of silver, resulting in the formation of silver agglomerates. The wurtzite ZnO structure is observed for silver contents below 10 at.% where Ag is partially incorporated into the oxide matrix, inducing a decrease in the optical band-gap. Regardless of the silver content, all the as-grown SZO films do not exhibit any significant PC activity. The best PC response is achieved for samples with a relatively low Ag content (2-5 at.%) after FLA treatment. The enhanced PC activity of SZO upon FLA can be attributed to structural ordering and the effective band-gap narrowing through the combination of silver doping and the plasmonic effect caused by the formation of Ag clusters.

Influence of dexamethasone-induced matrices on the TM transcriptome

Pathologic bidirectional interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells within the human trabecular meshwork (hTM) contribute to ocular hypertension. An in vitro model is needed to study these cell-matrix interactions and their effect on outflow homeostasis. This study aimed to determine whether pathogenic ECM derived from dexamethasone (DEX)-treated hTM cultures induces clinically relevant glaucoma-like changes in healthy hTM cells at the transcriptional level. Corneoscleral rims from non-glaucoma donors were used to isolate primary hTM cells after validation according to the consensus recommendations for TM culture. Normal hTM cells (n = 5) were plated on a coverslip and treated with 100 nM DEX or ethanol for four weeks. These cultures were then decellularized, plated with primary hTM cells, and allowed to grow for another 72 h. RNA was extracted from these hTM cells for stranded total RNA-Seq. Sequencing libraries prepared using the Zymo-Seq RiboFree Total RNA library kit were pooled and sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. After quality control, sequence reads were aligned to the human genome build hg19. Differential expression (DE) analyses were performed using paired multi-factorial ANOVA. The expression of several DE genes associated with glaucoma (ANGPTL2, PDE7B, C22orf23, COL4A1, ADAM12, IFT122, SEMA6C) was validated using EvaGreen-based Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. Gene ontology analyses of the DE genes were performed using the PANTHER and NDEx IQA databases, and functional analyses were performed with the DAVID Bioinformatics software. Using a cutoff of p-value <0.05 and fold change ≥2.0, our differential analysis identified 267 up- and 135 down-regulated genes in DEX-induced ECM-treated cells compared to the control. These differentially expressed genes were found to play a significant role in pathways such as cytokine and oxidative stress-induced inflammation, integrin signaling, matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis. These findings were further supported by previously performed proteomics studies using the same model. Using ddPCR, we validated the expression of seven genes associated with the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. These results not only provide support for the pathogenic ECM model of steroid-induced glaucoma, but also demonstrate that the pathologic changes induced by this model are indeed found at the transcriptional level. These findings further demonstrate that matrix changes significantly influence cell expression profiles, which enable further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glaucomatous changes in the TM. However, future studies with a larger and more diverse set of samples and longer time points are needed to confirm the utility of this model for mechanistic studies.

Robust Dual-Color Electrochromism of Vanadium Oxide Nanorods Embedded on Reduced Graphene Oxide: Unraveling the Mechanism

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), associated with both cathodic and anodic coloration, is considered as one of the best electrochromic (EC) materials for energy-saving smart electronics. Here we present the fabrication and detailed mechanism analysis for improving the electrochromic properties of V2O5 incorporated in a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix using a facile wet chemical method. The microstructural study disclosed the formation of prominent V2O5 nanorods embedded in the rGO matrix. The optimized electrochromic film resulted in coloration (tc) and bleaching time (tb) of ∼6.2 and ∼4.8 s, respectively, much faster than the color switching kinetics of the pristine V2O5 sample (tc ∼ 19.4 s, tb ∼ 15.3 s). The more dispersed structure also ensured an approximate 400% enhancement in the optical modulation of EC film and reflected a noticeable improvement in the coloration efficiency (∼347 cm2/C) of V2O5 film. Modification with rGO resulted in an outstanding improvement in the electrochemical redox stability of V2O5 up to 5000 CV cycles with minimum deterioration in the curve area. The formation of nanorod structure was the prime factor for better ion diffusion and thereby facilitating enhanced performance.

Functional ternary salt construction enabling an in-situ Li3N/LiF-enriched interface for ultra-stable all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLBs) have received widespread attention due to their low cost, good process ability, and high energy density. Nevertheless, the growth of Li dendrites within polymer solid-state electrolytes damages the reversibility of Li anodes and still impedes their widespread application. One efficient strategy is to construct a superior solid electrolyte interface. Herein, a stable interface enriched with Li3N and LiF is in-situ formed between Li anode and a ternary salt electrolyte. This ternary salt electrolyte is innovatively designed by introducing lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), and LiNO3 to poly(ethylene oxide) matrix. Surface characterization indicates that LiNO3 and LiFSI contribute to forming a Li3N-LiF-enriched interface and meanwhile LiTFSI ensures excellent conductivity. Theoretically, among various Li compound components, Li3N has high ionic conductivity, which is beneficial for reducing overpotential, while LiF has high interfacial energy which can enhance nucleation energy and suppress the formation of Li dendrites. The experimental results show that ASSLBs coupled with LiFePO4 cathode display extremely excellent cycle stability approximately 2200 cycles at 2 C, with a final and corresponding discharge specific capacity of 96.7 mA h g−1. Additionally, a schematic illustration of the working mechanism for the Li3N-LiF interface is proposed.

Elucidating the photocatalytic mechanism of biomass-derived carbon dots nanocomposite for efficient degradation of MB and CR dyes: Insights into protein binding applications

This study introduces an environmentally sustainable method for synthesizing a nanocomposite using carbon quantum dots derived from green tea waste and zinc oxide. The single-step hydrothermal process not only addresses waste management but also yields a versatile nanocomposite with diverse applications. Rigorous characterization reveals its morphology, crystallinity, phase identification, structural behavior, optical properties, and chemical composition. Incorporating carbon quantum dots into the zinc oxide matrix reduces the band gap to 1.87 eV, enhancing charge separation and light-harvesting. This modification significantly boosts photocatalytic activity, achieving degradation efficiencies of 95.16 % for methylene blue (MB) and 93.21 % for congo red (CR) under visible light. The effects of pH, contact time, and photocatalyst concentration on dye degradation were explored. The nanocomposite, exhibiting both adsorption and photocatalytic performance, is poised for broad applications. Fluorescence quenching studies with lysozyme protein provide insights into potential applications across diverse fields, highlighting its environmentally friendly and multifunctional attributes.

Oral Yak Whey Protein Can Alleviate UV-Induced Skin Photoaging and Modulate Gut Microbiota Composition.

Excessive UV exposure can lead to skin roughness, wrinkles, pigmentation, and reduced elasticity, with severe cases potentially causing skin cancer. Nowadays, various anti-photoaging strategies have been developed to maintain skin health. Among them, dietary supplements with anti-photoaging properties are gaining increasing attention. Yak whey protein (YWP) possesses multiple benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, effectively protecting the skin. This study used a mixed UVA and UVB light source to irradiate a nude mouse model, exploring the advantages of YWP in anti-photoaging and regulating gut microbiota. The results indicated that YWP alleviated UV-induced skin damage, wrinkles, dryness, and reduced elasticity by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammatory factors (IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12), thereby increasing the levels of elastin, type I collagen, and type III collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, YWP significantly improved the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in the gut microbiota of mice, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_torques_group, and Clostridia_UCG_014, mitigating the dysbiosis caused by photoaging. These findings underscore the potential of YWP in anti-photoaging and gut microbiota improvement, highlighting it as a promising functional food for enhancing skin and gut health.

Ultrathin Ternary FeCoNi Alloy Nanoarrays in BaTiO3 Matrix for Room-Temperature Multiferroic and Hyperbolic Metamaterial.

Multifunctional vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) thin films exhibit considerable potential in diverse fields. Here, a BaTiO3-FeCoNi alloy (BTO-FCN) system featuring an ultrathin ternary FCN alloy nanopillar array embedded in the BTO matrix has been developed with tailorable nanopillar size and interpillar distance. The magnetic alloy nanopillars combined with a ferroelectric oxide matrix present intriguing multifunctionality and coupling properties. The room-temperature magnetic response proves the soft magnet nature of the BTO-FCN films with magnetic anisotropy has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the anisotropic nature of the dielectric-metal alloy VAN renders it an ideal candidate for hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM), and the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) wavelength, where the real part of permittivity (ε') turns to negative, can be tailored from ∼700 nm to ∼1050 nm. Lastly, room-temperature multiferroicity has been demonstrated via interfacial coupling between the magnetic nanopillars and ferroelectric matrix.

Embedded Hybrid-Dimensional Heterointerface for Filament Modulation in 2D Material-Based Artificial Nociceptor.

Nociceptors are key sensory receptors that transmit warning signals to the central nervous system in response to painful stimuli. This fundamental process is emulated in an electronic device by developing a novel artificial nociceptor with an ultrathin, nonstoichiometric gallium oxide (GaOx)-silicon oxide heterostructure. A large-area 2D-GaOx film is printed on a substrate through liquid metal printing to facilitate the production of conductive filaments. This nociceptive structure exhibits a unique short-term temporal response following stimulation, enabling a facile demonstration of threshold-switching physics. The developed heterointerface 2D-GaOx film enables the fabrication of fast-switching, low-energy, and compliance-free 2D-GaOx nociceptors, as confirmed through experiments. The accumulation and extrusion of Ag in the oxide matrix are significant for inducing plastic changes in artificial biological sensors. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that Ag clusters in the material dispersed under electrical bias and regrouped spontaneously when the bias is removed owing to interfacial energy minimization. Moreover, 2D nociceptors are stable; thus, heterointerface engineering can enable effective control of charge transfer in 2D heterostructural devices. Furthermore, the diffusive 2D-GaOx device and its Ag dynamics enable the direct emulation of biological nociceptors, marking an advancement in the hardware implementation of artificial human sensory systems.