Design Strategies Research Articles

Enhanced degradation performance of Ag-loaded BiOI composite photocatalysts for water pollutant removal

Composite photocatalyst materials have potential application value in the field of environmental protection, especially in the degradation of water pollutants. In this paper, Ag-BiOI composite photocatalyst materials were prepared by deposition method on BiOI flower-like microspheres prepared by microwave solvothermal method. BiOI flower balls are stacked by interlaced nanosheets, and Ag nanoparticles are attached to the surface of BiOI microspheres. This paper explores the effect of Ag loading on the photocatalytic performance of composite materials through variable control. The research results show that as the Ag content increases, the degradation rate of RhodamineB (RhB) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) of the sample under visible light irradiation increases. The 4% Ag/BiOI composite photocatalyst exhibits the best degradation performance for Rhodamine B solution (RhB, 20 mg/L) and Ciprofloxacin solution (CIP, 10 mg/L), achieving degradation rates of 80.4% and 80.0%, respectively, which is five times higher than that of BiOI before loading. This significantly improves the treatment efficiency of organic pollutants.In addition, excessive Ag particle compounding will reduce the light absorption performance of the sample, thereby reducing the catalytic degradation characteristics of the material. Furthermore, the recyclability of the 4% Ag-BiOI composite was evaluated, and it was found that after five cycles of use, the photocatalytic activity remained stable, indicating excellent reusability of the material. Finally, this article discusses the catalytic degradation mechanism of Ag composite catalyst materials based on experimental results, and provides a design strategy for loading heavy metals to improve the catalytic performance of materials.

A Step-by-Step Design Strategy to Realize High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

A Step-by-Step Design Strategy to Realize High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Integrating Metal-Organic Framework Hybrid into Nucleic Acid-Based Hydrogel for Highly Selective Recognition and Sensitive Detection of Sarafloxacin.

Metal-organic framework-based hybrids (MOFzyme) have promising applications in colorimetric aptasensors due to their highly efficient and stable catalytic activity. However, their efficient application in biosensors remains a challenging issue due to the limited reaction site and amorphous structure. Herein, we encapsulated catalase inside MOF cavities to prepare an MOFzyme with many functional groups on its surface, and the functional groups were utilized for the subsequent integration of MOFzyme into the hyaluronic acid-DNA hydrogel. Moreover, the accurate and flexible synthesis unit of the hydrogel enabled the prepared DNA hydrogel to adjust the shape to suit and encapsulate MOFzyme. Subsequently, a novel colorimetric sensing strategy for detecting Sarafloxacin (Sar) was developed based on the excellent catalytic ability mediated by MOFzyme and the stimulus responsiveness of the DNA hydrogel. In addition, an evolved aptamer with a higher affinity for Sar was obtained via a semirational design strategy and elaborately designed into a synthetic unit of DNA hydrogel, significantly improving the response sensitivity and specificity of the aptasensor. The constructed aptasensor exhibited a wide linear detection range of 0.003 and 200 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 2.06 pg/mL. Above all, this work provides a novel and sensitive way to determine hazardous substances in food and environments.

{110} Surface-Exposed Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 Ferroelectric Nanosheet Arrays on Porous Ceramics as Efficient and Recyclable Piezo-Photocatalysts.

Bismuth-layered ferroelectric nanomaterials exhibit great potential for piezo-photocatalysis. However, a major challenge lies in the difficulty of recovering the catalytic powders, raising concerns regarding secondary pollution of water. In this work, a novel hierarchical porous ferroelectric ceramic containing {110} surface-exposed Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 (BIT-Nd) nanosheet arrays is grown on a porous ceramic matrix for efficient and recyclable piezo-photocatalysis. By controlling the BIT-Nd loading level of the nanosheets, the piezo-photocatalytic degradation efficiency of a Rhodamine B(RhB)(C0 = 10 mgL-1) solution reached an optimum value of 97.1% in 100 min with a first-order kinetic rate constant, k, of up to 0.0321 min-1 in Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12-20 (BITNd-20) with a mass ratio of hydrothermal products to ceramics of 20%. In the presence of BITNd-20, a surprising H2 yield rate of 130 µmol·h-1 is achieved without using anycocatalyst or scavenger. Specially, the beneficial role of snowflake structures on piezoelectric potential amplification and introducing nanosheets with exposed {110} surfaces on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, piezoelectric potential output, and catalytic performance of porous ceramics has been revealed. This unique design strategy provides a new approach to enhance the piezo-photocatalytic activity by addressing environmental issues and enhancing catalytic performance to yield cleaner energy.

Fire Safety Assessment of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, which seamlessly integrate solar photovoltaic components into building structures, have garnered widespread attention for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. However, the promotion of BIPV systems has also raised new fire safety concerns. This paper reviews recent fire incident cases and conducts risk identification for factors such as building and environmental risks, photovoltaic systems, electrical equipment, and safety protection. A fire risk assessment is performed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the overall fire safety of BIPV systems. Based on the assessment, corresponding safety design strategies are proposed to ensure the safety of buildings and occupants. The research results indicate that BIPV systems pose certain fire hazards, and that proper design and regulation are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Macrocycle‐based differential sensing: Design strategies and applications

AbstractDifferential sensing, inspired by the olfactory systems in mammals, utilizes the cross‐reactivity of multiple sensor units toward analytes to generate a distinctive fingerprint for each analyte. Widely acknowledged as a robust analytical technique, differential sensing has entered a flourishing era with the advancement of machine learning. Nevertheless, developing sensor units and optimizing signal transduction remain significant tasks left to chemists. Macrocyclic receptors serve as promising materials for constructing sensor arrays with enhanced cross‐reactivity, facilitated by their ease of synthesis and derivatization, inherent broad‐spectrum encapsulation capability, and compatibility with multiple responsive signal transduction approaches. Herein, we present a concise overview of the fundamental processes involved in a sensor array, encompassing array construction, signal transduction, and data acquisition and analysis, with an emphasis on the unique advantages provided by macrocyclic receptors in the former two aspects. Then, we present fascinating application scenarios where macrocyclic receptors shine in differential sensing that rely on various ingenious sensing strategies. Finally, we discuss several issues with potential improvement and future directions for macrocyclic receptor‐based differential sensing, offering a forward‐looking perspective.

Review: Overview of Organic Cathode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

Organic materials have emerged as promising candidates for cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, offering unique properties and advantages over traditional inorganic counterparts. This review investigates the use of organic compounds as cathode materials in energy storage devices, focusing on their application in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The review covers various types of organic materials, organosulfur compounds, organic free radical compounds, organic carbonyl compounds, conducting polymers, and imine compounds. The advantages, challenges, and ongoing developments in this area are examined and the potential of organic cathode materials to achieve higher energy density, improved cycling stability, and environmental sustainability is highlighted. The comprehensive analysis of organic cathode materials provides insights into their electrochemical performance, electrode reaction mechanisms, and design strategies such as molecular structure modification, hybridization with inorganic components, porous architectures, conductive additives, electrolyte optimization, binder selection, and electrode architecture to improve their efficiency and performance. In addition, future research in the field of organic cathode materials should focus on addressing current limitations such as low energy density, cycling stability, poor discharge capability, potential safety concerns and improving their performance. To do this, it will be necessary to improve structural stability, conductivity, cycle life, and capacity fading, explore new redox-active organic compounds, and pave the way for the next generation of high-performance energy storage devices. For organic cathode materials to be commercially viable, it is also essential to develop scalable and economical manufacturing processes.

Frameworks Construction with Rhodium-Organic Cuboctahedra via Rigid Linker Incorporation.

The architectural characteristics of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be examined through their net topology, which consists of nodes and linkers. A node's connectivity and site symmetry are likely the key elements influencing the net topology of MOFs. Metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) function effectively as nodes when used as supermolecular building blocks (SBBs). The SBB approach offers a powerful strategy for the deliberate design of macroscale materials, ranging from soft materials such as gels, polymers, and membranes to crystalline frameworks. However, achieving highly ordered structures with robust and air-stable rhodium-based MOPs (RhMOPs) presents a significant challenge. To investigate how to control the precise spatial distribution of RhMOPs as SBBs for constructing crystalline extended networks, here, we present a strategy for synthesizing MOFs by coordinating RhMOPs with rigid bridging linkers 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco). The resulting crystalline framework exhibited high microporosity and four times higher adsorption capacity than the parent MOP solids.

A Predictive Model for Traffic Noise Reduction Effects of Street Green Spaces with Variable Widths of Coniferous Vegetation

Street green spaces can effectively attenuate traffic noise, but the crucial role of coniferous trees and shrubs in the reduction in green space noise has not been systematically explored. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to determine the mechanism of the influence of plant morphological characteristics and planting forms on the noise reduction effect using field measurements of the noise reduction effect of 36 street green spaces planted with coniferous trees and shrubs. It was found that for the same width of street green spaces, the noise reduction effects of planting single and multiple trees were significantly different, and this difference increased with an increase in street green space width. The noise reduction effect of planting low shrubs in street green spaces was significantly different from that of planting common shrubs of the same width, and their difference increased with an increase in the street green space width. The factors that significantly affected the noise reduction effect of the 5 m wide street green space were tree height, crown width, and DBH, and all of them were positively correlated. In addition, the noise reduction effect of the street green space planted with conifers was affected by the road and pavement widths. Finally, in this study, a stepwise regression model was constructed for the noise reduction effect of street green spaces based on plant morphological parameters, planting methods, and physical characteristics of the road to quantify the crucial role of each factor in the noise reduction effect of street green spaces. The results of this study can provide plant noise reduction strategies for urban landscape planning and design to create a healthy urban acoustic environment.

Rational Design Strategy of Multicomponent Si/FeSeOx@N‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Hybrid Microspheres Intertwined with N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Anodes for Ultra‐Stable Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Herein, an efficient synthesis approach is introduced for the fabrication of a hybrid anode consisting of porous microspheres with biphasic silicon (Si)‐amorphous iron selenite (Si/FeSeOx) nanocrystals enveloped within an N‐doped graphitic carbon (NGC) matrix and encased by well‐grown, highly intertwined N‐doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (Si/FeSeOx@NGC/N‐CNT). Si and FeSeOx serve as the active components, contributing to the overall discharge capacity of the hybrid anode. Additionally, FeSeOx not only enhances the structural integrity of the nanostructure by channelizing the drastic volume variation of Si, but also expedites the diffusion of lithium ions, thereby promoting kinetically favored redox reactions. The NGC matrix serves as the primary pathway for efficient electron transfer within the electrode, whereas the well‐grown N‐CNTs network acts as a secondary pathway for subsequent electron transfer to the current collector. The porous structure achieved via selective removal of amorphous carbon ensures the smooth diffusion of charged species by shortening the effective charge diffusion length and accommodating the substantial volume changes during cycling. Correspondingly, the Si/FeSeOx@NGC/N‐CNT anodes demonstrate significant enhancements in electrochemical performance, including one‐order higher diffusion coefficients (≈10−12 cm2 s−1), exceptional rate capability (till 30 A g−1), and extraordinary cycling stability at 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 A g−1.

Adaptability of Electrospun PVDF Nanofibers in Bone Tissue Engineering

This study focused on the development of a suitable synthetic polymer scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications within the biomedical field. The investigation centered on electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers, examining their intrinsic properties and biocompatibility with the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2. The influence of oxygen, argon, or combined plasma treatment on the scaffold’s characteristics was explored. A comprehensive design strategy is outlined for the fabrication of a suitable PVDF scaffold, encompassing the optimization of electrospinning parameters with rotating collector and plasma etching conditions to facilitate a subsequent osteoblast cell culture. The proposed methodology involves the fabrication of the PVDF tissue scaffold, followed by a rigorous series of fundamental analyses encompassing the structural integrity, chemical composition, wettability, crystalline phase content, and cell adhesion properties.

Spectral narrowing strategiesin multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescencematerials.

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) materials possess unique advantages of high-efficiency and narrowband emission, which have rapidly occupied an important position in the field of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the development of MR-TADF materials, particularly in achieving spectral narrowing for high-color-purity OLED applications. Based on diverse MR-TADF molecular skeletons, this review summarizes the primary molecular strategies to narrow spectrum by suppressing structural relaxation and intermolecular interactions. Key strategies include π-conjugation extension, increased molecular rigidity, and the introduction of bulky substituents and intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Additionally, effects of these strategies on photophysical properties are discussed. These molecular design strategies are expected to offer valuable insights for the future design of high-efficiency, narrowband OLED emitters.

Two-dimensional integrated optical phased array with high fill-factor antennas.

A silicon photonics optical phased array with a two-dimensional matrix of antennas is experimentally demonstrated in which the unitary antennas are optimized such that light can be emitted over a high fraction of the overall array surface. This design strategy can be used to obtain a low divergence emitted beam containing a significant fraction of the total emitted power, at the expense of a reduced beam steering range. This type of device can be suited to phase front correction in optical wireless communications systems.

Wearable Electrohydraulic Actuation For Salient Full‐Fingertip Haptic Feedback

AbstractAlthough essential for an immersive experience in extended reality (XR), providing salient and versatile touch feedback remains a technical challenge. Existing solutions restrict hand movements with bulky rigid structures, require a tethered energy source to power actuators worn on the hand, or output vibrations that lack expressiveness. This study introduces a design strategy for compact, lightweight, untethered haptic feedback centering on a 30‐µm‐thick inflatable chamber that naturally conforms to the fingertip; to minimize fluidic losses and enable high bandwidth, a soft electrohydraulic pump mounted on the hand actuates the chamber via a mechanically transparent fluidic channel. A 15.2‐mm‐diameter prototypical actuation chamber achieves 8 N peak force, 3 N steady‐state force, stroke up to 5 mm, and bandwidth from 0 to 500 Hz. In contrast to these salient fingertip cues, the entire hydraulic system has a weight less than 8 g and a thickness less than 2 mm. Additionally, this study presents a validation approach that uses a commercial fingertip sensor to confirm that the haptic feedback created by the device imitates the touch signals generated during typical hand interactions. Together, this design strategy and validation method can enable a broad spectrum of haptic activities in diverse XR applications, including medical training, online shopping, and social interactions.

Review of Layered Transition Metal Oxide Materials for Cathodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries

The growing interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is driven by scarcity and the rising costs of lithium, coupled with the urgent need for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions. Among various cathode materials, layered transition metal oxides have emerged as promising candidates due to their structural similarity to lithium-ion battery (LIB) counterparts and their potential to deliver high energy density at reduced costs. However, significant challenges remain, including limited capacity at high charge/discharge rates and structural instability during extended cycling. Addressing these issues is critical for advancing SIB technology toward industrial applications, particularly for large-scale energy storage systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of layered sodium transition metal oxides, focusing on their structural properties, electrochemical performance, and degradation mechanisms. Special attention is given to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their instability, such as structural phase transitions, and cationic/anionic redox behavior. Additionally, recent advancements in material design strategies, including doping, surface modifications, and composite formation, are discussed to highlight the progress toward enhancing the stability and performance of these materials. This work aims to bridge the knowledge gaps and inspire further innovations in the development of high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Near-Infrared Spectral MEMS Gas Sensor for Multi-Component Food Gas Detection

The complex application environments of gas detection, such as in industrial process monitoring and control, atmospheric and environmental monitoring, and food safety, require real-time and online high-sensitivity gas detection, as well as the accurate identification and quantitative analysis of gas samples. Despite the progress in gas analysis and detection methods, high-precision and high-sensitivity detection requirements for target gases of multiple components in mixed gases are still challenging. Here, we demonstrate a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) with near-infrared (NIR) spectral gas detection technology and spectral model training, which is used to improve the detection and classification of multi-component gases in food. During blind sample testing, the NIR spectral gas sensor demonstrated over 90% accuracy in identifying mixed gases, as well as achieving the classification of ethanol concentration. We envision that our design strategy of an NIR spectral gas sensor could enhance the gas detection and distinguishing ability under the conditions of background gas interference and cross-interference in multi-component detection.

Assembling branched and macrocyclic peptides on proteins.

A two-step, biocompatible strategy enables site-specific generation of branched and macrocyclic peptide-protein conjugates. Solvent-exposed cysteines on proteins are modified by a small bifunctional reagent at near-physiological pH, followed by cyanopyridine-aminothiol click reactions to create branched or macrocyclic peptide architectures. This method offers design strategies for next-generation protein therapeutics.

Selective Isolation of Surface Grain Boundaries by Oxide Dielectrics Improves Cd(Se,Te) Device Performance.

Cd(Se,Te) photovoltaics (PV) are the most widely deployed thin-film solar technology globally, yet continued efficiency improvements are stymied by challenges at the device hole contacts. The inclusion of solution-processed oxide layers such as AlGaOx in the contact stack has yielded improved device open-circuit voltages (VOC) and fill factors (FF). However, contradictory mechanisms by which these layers improve the device properties have been proposed by the research community. We demonstrate in this work that an underappreciated property of such spin-coated layers is the preferential deposition at grain boundaries, a process that isolates the grain boundaries during contact metallization. The effects of grain-boundary isolation are probed by varying the coverage of solution-processed AlGaOx "barrier" layers on the Cd(Se,Te) surface, quantified by scanning Auger microscopy. Examining coverage-dependent VOC and FF, it was observed that isolating the grain boundaries during metallization is sufficient to prevent damage to the absorber that occurs in devices lacking a barrier layer, while additional coverage contributes to the increased series resistance. Such an effect is agnostic to the material used as a barrier layer, as long as the material does not itself damage the absorber. Spin-coated SiOx was used in place of AlGaOx for an equally beneficial effect. This grain-boundary isolation phenomenon is also observed during Mo deposition and in absorbers that have been contacted with a nitrogen-doped ZnTe layer. The mechanisms by which metallization may degrade the absorber are discussed, as are contact design strategies leveraging barrier layers, which may lead to improved device efficiencies.

Research on the ‘Dual-Channel’ design of AR tourism guide digital products on intelligent mobile terminals integrating ‘Digital, Culture, and Tourism’

With the development and popularization of digital technology, AR has become a highly regarded innovative tool in the field of tourism. This study analyzes the current development status of existing digital products for tourist guides, innovatively applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), questionnaire surveys, and ‘Dual-Channel’ analysis. Through a more systematic and scientific approach, it identifies top-down and bottom-up user requirements and expectations for AR tourism guide digital product design. The study proposes a series of design strategies based on interface design, interaction design, content provision, and guided tour experience. It quantifies user experience and applies these findings to practical design focused on the Xi’an Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City. The satisfaction levels across various aspects of the product meet expectations, validating the reliability of the analysis results. This design research provides insights for developing more attractive and practical AR tourism guide digital products.

Mycodesign: A new collaboration between mycomaterials and product design as a way to promote material identity

The implementation of the new material culture in the industrial field using biomaterials, currently offers solutions that are disconnected from their origin. Primary sources’ alternative offers functional and expressive identities as part of their potential. New dynamics and specific design strategies are emerging to facilitate project thinking around biomaterials’ qualities, in order to use them in their raw form. This paper presents a case study that validates a customized methodology, M4D, focusing on the application of mycelium-based composites in product design, which are yet limited. We provide a journey throughout the creation process of different prototypes in search of a manufacturing strategy that promotes feasibility and reproducibility. Bio-assemblage was identified as a necessary property in the creation of myco-based modular structures. We further discuss how M4D methodology stresses the natural and expressive identities of myco-materials, and how these can blur as you move forward into designing a viable product.