Transport Capability Research Articles

Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Opportunities and Challenges.

Probiotics are known to modulate host immune responses in the course of many diseases. Recently, bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain bioactive proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites released by bacteria, have been identified as potentially important mediators of bacteria-bacterium and bacteria-host interactions. With the deepening of research, it has been found that probiotic-derived EVs play a significant role in regulating host immune function and, thus, exerting health-promoting effects. Nevertheless, current research is in its early stages, and there remains a long way to go to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice. In this review, we describe the fundamental aspects of probiotic-derived EVs, including their biogenesis, cargo sorting mechanism, and transport capabilities. We further discussed the potential mechanisms of probiotic-derived EVs in regulating the host's gut microbiota and immune responses. Finally, we speculate about the potential of probiotic-derived EVs as new postbiotics for applications in functional food, disease treatment substitutes, and immune regulatory adjuvants.

Tea Polyphenols Inhibit Methanogenesis and Improve Rumen Epithelial Transport in Dairy Cows.

This study systematically investigated the effects of tea polyphenols on methane (CH4) production and the rumen epithelial cell transport capability in cattle using both in vitro and animal experiments, employing multi-omics techniques. The in vitro results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, tea polyphenols significantly reduced CH4 production and the acetate/propionate ratio (p < 0.05). Tea polyphenols reduced CH4 production by inhibiting the relative abundance of unclassified_d_Archaea methanogens and the protozoa Pseudoentodinium and g__Balantioides. The animal experiments showed that tea polyphenols significantly increased the concentrations of T-AOC and GSH-PX in bovine blood (p < 0.05). In addition, microbial groups such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, and Butyrivibrio_2 were significantly enriched in the ruminal fluid of the tea polyphenol group (p < 0.05). The proteomic results indicated significant upregulation of proteins such as COIII, S100A8, FABP1, SLC2A8, and SLC29A1 (p < 0.05) and downregulation of proteins including HBB, RAB4A, RBP4, LOC107131172, HBA, and ZFYVE19 (p < 0.05), with FABP1 showing a positive correlation with propionate concentration, and RAB4A had a negative correlation (p < 0.05). Overall, tea polyphenols modulate the microbial composition within the rumen, inhibiting CH4 production and enhancing the host's rumen epithelial cell transport capacity for volatile fatty acids.

Mechanically robust and anisotropic hydrogel composites for high efficiency steam generation

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) has now become a promising desalination technique to harvest fresh water, and challenges remain to develop high performance solar evaporators that can achieve high performance SDIE while at the same time maintain good mechanical properties. In this work, anisotropic Polydopamine (PDA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)@acidified carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) hydrogels (PPCHs) are prepared for SDIE and dye adsorption. The introduction of PDA and ANCTs improves the overall mechanical properties of the hydrogels and also imparts the hydrogel abundant active adsorption sites. PPCHs possess hierarchically vertical channels and hence powerful water transport capability. The PPCH evaporator with reduced water enthalpy exhibits high evaporation rate and efficiency, up to 3.43 kg m−2 h−1 and 91.6 % even during the long-term evaporation, respectively. In addition, PPCH can also work stably in harsh conditions such as high concentration brine, emulsions, acid and alkali solutions, etc. Due to the electrostatic interaction, PPCHs can effectively adsorb methylene blue (MB) in wastewater. PPCHs show broad application prospects in the field of solar desalination and dye adsorption. This study provides a rational structure design of the hydrogel composites for simultaneous SDIE and organic pollutant removal.

Laser-Constructed Bionic Composite Fog-Collecting Surfaces with Efficient Nucleation Sites and Enhanced Water Transport.

Fog collection effectively alleviates the current freshwater shortage; thus, enhancing its efficiency is crucial. Here, we report a novel bionic fog collection surface (Al@B-V) comprising composite superhydrophobic bumps integrated with superhydrophilic V-channel grooves. This surface, which has efficient fog nucleation points and enhanced water transport capabilities, effectively balances fog capture and water transport during the collection process, thereby achieving high-efficiency fog collection. Compared to ordinary aluminum-based surfaces, Al@B-V achieves a fog collection efficiency of up to 3.08 g·cm-2·h-1, three times higher than the original aluminum-based surface. Furthermore, the V-channel groove proposed in this study exhibits a water transport speed of up to 165 mm·s-1, which is remarkably approximately 80 times faster than the commonly used U-channel groove. Additionally, this V-channel groove can overcome gravity, transporting approximately 10 μL of liquid to the top even when placed at 90° inclination. It can directionally transport 10 μL of liquid over a distance of up to 151 mm on a plane. This novel microgroove design can be effectively applied in various fields, including liquid collection, directional transport, seawater desalination, microfluidics, and drug delivery.

Advancements in optical and optoelectronic characteristics of benzotriazole-based asymmetric non-fullerene acceptors for organic photovoltaics

The development of energy-efficient non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) has attracted much attention in producing efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). These innovative materials are considered a promising alternative to traditional fullerene acceptors because they absorb a broader light range and potentially enhance the OSC performance. Herein, we engineered eleven new asymmetric caterpillar-shaped materials with an A1-D-A2-A1 core as NFAs for OSCs. These efficient materials offer a high absorption efficiency, wide energy level range, and efficient charge transport capabilities. To engineer these caterpillar-shaped NFAs (FT1-FT11), we performed various synergistic modulations of end-capped electron-withdrawing moieties and side-chain engineering on the synthetic reference molecule (FT). The electron and hole reorganization energies, binding energy, transition energy, transition density analysis, electrostatic potential, and photovoltaic characterizations have been performed for these designed caterpillar-shaped (FT1–FT11) series. The designed materials (FT1–FT11) showed a lower binding energy of 0.45 eV, a narrower bandgap (2.11 eV), higher absorption (ranges from 700.44 nm to 781.05), and low electron and hole mobilities (0.0029 and 0.0031) compared to reference molecule FT. To investigate the charge transport process, we employed polymer donor PTB7-Th and efficient NFA acceptor FT11 to establish a donor:acceptor complex (FT11:PTB7-Th). The complex study demonstrates a significant charge transformation at the donor-acceptor interface. As a result, the developed compounds (FT1–FT11), with their superior optoelectronic capabilities, could be viewed as a viable and sustainable choice to fabricate next-generation efficient OSCs.

Identifying Root Origin of Insulating Polymer Mediated Solar Water Oxidation.

Rational construction of high-efficiency photoelectrodes with optimized carrier migration to the ideal active sites, is crucial for enhancing solar water oxidation. However, complexity in precisely modulating interface configuration and directional charge transfer pathways retards the design of robust and stable artificial photosystems. Herein, a straightforward yet effective strategy is developed for compact encapsulation of metal oxides (MOs) with an ultrathin non-conjugated polymer layer to modulate interfacial charge migration and separation. By periodically coating highly ordered TiO2 nanoarrays with oppositely charged polyelectrolyte of poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA), MOs/polymer composite photoanodes are readily fabricated under ambient conditions. It is verified that electrons photogenerated from the MOs substrate can be efficiently extracted by the ultrathin solid insulating PDDA layer, significantly boosting the carrier transport kinetics and enhancing charge separation of MOs, and thus triggering a remarkable enhancement in the solar water oxidation performance. The origins of the unexpected electron-withdrawing capability of such non-conjugated insulating polymer are unambiguously uncovered, and the scenario occurring at the interface of hybrid photoelectrodes is elucidated. The work would reinforce the fundamental understanding on the origins of generic charge transport capability of insulating polymer and benefit potential wide-spread utilization of insulating polymers as co-catalysts for solar energy conversion.

Multifunctional quasi-solid state electrolytes based on “reverse” plant cell structure for high-performance lithium metal batteries

Quasi-solid state electrolytes (QSSEs) combine the benefits of both solid and liquid electrolytes, making them promising for high-performance lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, developing QSSEs that achieve high ionic conductivity, a continuous electrode/electrolyte interface, and significant mechanical robustness remains challenging. Plant cell walls provide mechanical strength, while the cell membrane offers excellent material transport capabilities, making them effective models for quasi-solid electrolytes. However, using plant cells as a model can result in poor interface contacts due to the rigid components on the exterior. To address this, a “reverse” plant cell QSSE with a multifunctional bilayer architecture has been proposed. The outer layer acts as a functional reaction interface to enhance Li⁺ transmission, improve interfacial contact, and significantly reduce interfacial impedance. Meanwhile, the inner layer is designed to provide mechanical robustness and shorten ion transport distances. The QSSE inspired by “reverse” plant cells has an ionic conductivity of 4.26 × 10−3 S cm−1, a Li+ transference number (tLi+) of 0.91, and an electrochemical stability window (ESW) of 4.83 V. Li−LiFePO4 (LFP) full cells based on the “reverse” plant cell QSSE can maintain a cycling capacity of 137 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 C, with 95 % retention.

Impact of Structural Alterations from Chemical Doping on the Electrical Transport Properties of Conjugated Polymers.

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are widely used as conductive materials in various applications, with their conductive properties adjustable through chemical doping. While doping enhances the thermoelectric properties of CPs due to improved main-chain transport, overdoping can distort the polymer structure, increasing energy disorder and impeding intrinsic electrical transport. This study explored how different dopants affect the structural integrity and electrical transport properties of CPs. We found that dopants vary in their impact on CP structure, consequently altering their electrical transport capabilities. Specifically, ferric chloride (FeCl3)-doped indacenodithiophene-co-benzothiadiazole (IDTBT) shows superior electrical transport properties to triethyloxonium hexachloroantimonate (OA)-doped IDTBT due to enhanced backbone planarity and rigidity, which facilitate carrier transport and lower energetic disorder. These results highlight the critical role of dopant selection in optimizing CPs for advanced applications, suggesting that strategic dopant choices can significantly refine the charge transport characteristics of CPs, paving the way for their industrialization.

Exploring eco-friendly novel charge transport materials for enhanced performance of tin based perovskite solar cell

This pioneering simulation study explores the potential of perovskite materials, particularly the non-toxic methyl ammonium tin iodide (MASnI3), in solar cell technology. The investigation focuses on eco-friendly, solution-processed compounds—specifically, WO3 and In2S3 as Electron Transport Layers (ETL) and MoO3 and WSe2 as Hole Transport Layer (HTL)—to develop planar n-i-p MASnI3 perovskite solar cell (PSC) devices. WO3 is chosen for its solution processing and high electron mobility, while In2S3 offers n-type properties, superior carrier mobility, non-toxicity, and thermal durability. MoO3 and WSe2 are selected as HTLs for their efficient charge transport capabilities. Utilizing the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) software, the study systematically evaluates alternative charge-selective materials, considering various parameters such as thickness (0.1 µm to 1.5 µm for absorber and 0.1 µm to 0.35 µm for CTLs), doping concentration (3.2E10 to 3.2E16 for absorber and E16 to E20 for CTLs), defect density, and energy band offset for MASnI3 PSCs. Four distinct n-i-p device structures are optimized, yielding impressive PCE improvements ranging from 14.63 % to 25.34 %, a significant 3 % enhancement compared to initial results. Notably, the WO3/MASnI3/WSe2 configuration exhibits limitations in electrical performance, while the other optimized structures demonstrate substantial efficiency gains. Further analysis investigates the impact of reflecting coatings (10 % to 90 %), varying contact work functions (5.2–5.8 eV), and temperature (300–400 K) on photovoltaic parameters. Critical factors including energy band offset, recombination current profile, and built-in potential, are meticulously examined, laying the groundwork for advanced PSC implementation. The study culminates in the In2S3/MASnI3/MoO3 device configuration, which achieves a peak efficiency of 25.34 %, showcasing superior thermal stability and an enhanced fill factor, thus propelling all-inorganic PSCs towards practical implementation.

Revealing the role of 1T- & 2H- molybdenum Disulfide/Nickel sulfide heterojunction for efficient overall water splitting

In the ongoing quest for cost-effective and durable electrocatalysts for hydrogen production—a critical element of sustainable energy transformation—the 1T phase of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) faces challenges due to its thermodynamic instability and the trade-off between efficiency and durability. Conversely, the 2H phase of MoS2, often disregarded in favor of the metallic 1T phase, suffers from its inert nature and limited active sites. To overcome these limitations, this study employs a straightforward hydrothermal synthesis strategy that couples both 1T and 2H phases of MoS2 with Ni3S2, forming 1T- and 2H- MoS2/Ni3S2 heterojunctions. Enhanced by Ni3S2′s abundant active sites, improved electron transport capabilities, synergistic interface effects, and better structural stability, these heterojunctions achieve a high current density exceeding 500 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials, along with prolonged durability for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. Remarkably, an electrolyzer assembly utilizing 1T-MoS2/Ni3S2 as the cathode and 2H-MoS2/Ni3S2 as the anode demonstrates a competitive voltage of 1.58 V at 20 mA cm−2, showcasing superior performance in overall water splitting compared to other non-noble metal-based electrocatalysts. This study not only offers a viable method for synthesizing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for water splitting using transition metal-based heterogeneous structures but also addresses the fundamental challenges associated with 1T and 2H phases of MoS2.

Multicomponent Interface and Electronic Structure Engineering in Ir-Doped CoMO4-Co(OH)2 (M = W and Mo) Enable Promoted Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The core principles of multicomponent interface and electronic structure engineering are essential in designing high-performance catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, combining these aspects within a catalyst is a significant challenge. In this investigation, a novel approach involving the development of hybrid Ir-doped CoMO4-Co(OH)2 (M = W and Mo) hollow nanoboxes was introduced, enabling remarkably efficient water oxidation electrocatalysis. Constructed from ultrathin nanosheet-assembled hollow nanoboxes, these structures boast a wealth of active centers for intermediate species, which in turn enhance both charge transfer and mass transport capabilities. Moreover, the compelling electronic and synergistic effects arising from the interaction between CoMO4 and Co(OH)2 significantly bolster OER electrocatalysis by facilitating efficient electron transfer. The introduction of Ir atoms serves to strategically adjust the electronic structure, fine-tune its electronic state, and operate as active centers to enhance OER electrocatalysis, thus diminishing the overpotential. This configuration results in Ir-CoWO4-Co(OH)2 and Ir-CoMoO4-Co(OH)2 exhibiting impressively low overpotentials of 252 and 261 mV, respectively, to 10 mA cm-2. Utilized in conjunction with the Pt/C catalyst in a two-electrode system for overall water splitting, a mere 1.53 V cell potential is needed to achieve the desired 10 mA cm-2 current density.

The Influence of the Geometric Parameters of an Impeller on the Transport Capability of Long Flexible Fiber in a Non-Clogging Pump

The influence of a different blade number, blade wrapping angle and blade outlet angle on flexible fiber passing performance is analyzed numerically with CFD-DEM coupling. The results demonstrate that a non-clogging pump with two blades exhibits superior passing performance compared to the non-clogging pump with three blades. Specifically, when the fiber length L is 150 mm, the passing performance of the pump with different wrapping angles is 270° &gt; 240° &gt; 300°, from highest to lowest, and the transport time T0 is 0.27 s, 0.34 s, 0.46 s, respectively. When the length L is 200 mm, the passing performance is 240° &gt; 270° ≈ 300°, and the transport time T0 is 0.48 s, 0.55 s, and 0.55 s, respectively. When the fiber length L is 250 mm, the passing performance is 240° ≈ 270° &gt; 300°. When the fiber length L is 150 mm, the passing performance of the pump with different outlet angles is 15° &gt; 25° &gt; 20°, and the transport time T0 is 0.17 s, 0.27 s, and 0.34 s, respectively. When the fiber length L is 200 mm, the passing performance is 25° &gt; 15° ≈ 20° and the transport time T0 is 0.26 s, 0.50 s, and 0.48 s, respectively. When the fiber length L is 250 mm, the passing performance is 25° &gt; 15° &gt; 20°, and the transport time T0 is 0.31 s, 0.54 s and 0.96 s, respectively.

Carbon Quantum Dot-Functionalized Dermis-Derived Transparent Electronic Skin for Multimodal Human Motion Signal Monitoring and Construction of Self-Powered Triboelectric Nanogenerator.

Electronic skin (e-skin) is considered as a highly promising interface for human-computer interaction systems and wearable electronic devices. Through elaborate design and assembly of various materials, it possesses multiple characteristics similar to human skin, including remarkable flexibility, stretchability, sensitivity to temperature and humidity, biocompatibility, and efficient interfacial ion/electron transport capabilities. Here, we innovatively integrate multifunctional carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which exhibit conductivity, antibacterial properties, ultraviolet absorption, and fluorescence emission, with poly(acrylic acid) and glycerin (Gly) into a three-dimensional network structure of natural goatskin collagen fibers. Through a top-down design strategy enhanced by hydrogen bond reconstruction, we successfully fabricated a novel transparent e-skin (PAC-eSkin). This e-skin exhibited significant tensile properties (4.94 MPa of tensile strength and 263.42% of a maximum breaking elongation), while also possessing Young's modulus similar to human skin (2.32 MPa). It is noteworthy that the functionalized CQDs used was derived from discarded goat hair, and the addition of Gly gave PAC-eSkin excellent antifreezing and moisturizing properties. Due to the presence of ultrasmall CQDs, which creates efficient ion/electron transport channels within PAC-eSkin, it could rapidly sense human motion and physiological signals (with a gauge factor (GF) of 1.88). Furthermore, PAC-eSkin had the potential to replace traditional electrode patches for real-time monitoring of electrocardiogram, electromyogram, and electrooculogram signals, with a higher SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of 25.1 dB. Additionally, the customizable size and shape of PAC-eSkin offer vast possibilities for the construction of single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator systems. We have reason to believe that the design and development of this transparent e-skin based on CQDs-functionalized dermal collagen matrices can pave a new way for innovations in human-computer interaction interfaces and their sensing application in diverse scenarios.

Analysis of current and heat transfer in locations with reduced critical current in coated conductor tape

Abstract Variation of the critical current along the conductor length is a feature commonly encountered in industrially produced REBCO tapes called coated conductors (CCs). A reduction of the critical current exceeding several percent in portions a few millimetres long can be observed in the data obtained by reel-to-reel characterization provided by manufacturers. Metallic layers in the CC architecture can take over some current in such a ‘weak spot’, and help to keep the local temperature stable, preventing its thermal runaway and conversion to a ‘hot spot’. Understanding this phenomenon is particularly crucial when space and weight limitations do not allow for the addition of a metallic layer with a thickness that would be sufficient to match the lost transport capability of superconductors. For this purpose, we studied a set of samples, representing both standard as well as infrequent profiles of weak spots identified in direct transport experiments. Analytical theory is then utilized as a basic tool for recovering the properties serving as input for numerical modelling. Temperature profiles and current redistribution at weak-spot locations were found, and the effect of cooling conditions and metallic layer thickness on the weak-spot resistance against thermal runaway was analyzed. Quantitative assessment of the possibility to improve the performance of CC tape by adding a Cu stabilizing layer or improving cooling settings could help to optimize the architecture of CCs intended for use in electrical transport.

Using Micrometer Scale X-Ray CT and Pore Network Modeling to Assess High-Energy Bi-Layer Li-Ion Battery Cathode Structures

The optimization of cathode pore space is pivotal for enhancing the rate capability of lithium-ion battery electrodes. Previous studies on simulated cathodes have highlighted the importance of achieving an optimal porosity gradient, with a gradual increase from the current collector side to the separator side to accommodate the growing demand for ion transport in that direction [1]–[3]. In this research, we address this requirement by introducing and investigating bi-layer NCM 811 cathodes. These cathodes consist of a slurry-coated dense bottom layer and a spray-coated highly porous top layer with varying relative thickness to approximate the desired porosity gradient. Employing Micrometer-scale X-ray CT characterization and pore network modeling, we evaluate the structural features, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design, and quantify essential parameters such as porosity and tortuosity. Furthermore, the cathodes are integrated into lithium anode half-cells and subjected to electrochemical cycling at different rates to assess ion transport and rate capability. Our findings reveal that to achieve the highest discharge spatial energy density above 1C for cathodes approximately 100μm thick, the compressed bottom layer with 30% porosity should have a thickness of 60μm, while the highly porous top layer with around 47% porosity should be 40μm thick.Reference:[1] A. Shodiev et al., “Deconvoluting the benefits of porosity distribution in layered electrodes on the electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries,” Energy Storage Mater., vol. 47, pp. 462–471, May 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2022.01.058.[2] X. Lu et al., “3D microstructure design of lithium-ion battery electrodes assisted by X-ray nano-computed tomography and modelling,” Nat. Commun., vol. 11, no. 1, p. 2079, Apr. 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-15811-x.[3] K. Song, C. Zhang, N. Hu, X. Wu, and L. Zhang, “High performance thick cathodes enabled by gradient porosity,” Electrochimica Acta, vol. 377, p. 138105, May 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138105.

(Invited) Comprehensive Analysis of Exciton Diffusion with Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Anisotropy and Imaging

Excitons produced in materials play a crucial role in photo-energy conversion such as photovoltaics and electroluminescence devices. The temporal and spatial diffusion of excitons is a key factor for dominating the fundamental performance of optoelectronic materials. In this context, analysis of the exciton diffusion dynamics is an important issue for obtaining the rational design of the materials. Excitons diffusing in materials can be characterized by several parameters such as the energy level, orientation of the transition dipole moment and spatial distribution, and the detection of these properties is required for the comprehensive analysis. In the present study, we show time-resolved fluorescence methods for detecting the above relevant properties of excitons.First, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy is a basic technique for analyzing the exciton diffusion dynamics. Fluorescence intensity is detected as functions of observation wavelength and time, and the spectral intensity and shift of fluorescence bands provide information on the population of excitons and their energy level. For example, dynamic Stokes shift indicates downhill energy migration and excitons are trapped by the defective site in molecular aggregates. Second, fluorescence anisotropy can be a good indicator for tracking the exciton diffusion in amorphous materials. Fluorescence anisotropy is sensitive to orientation change in transition dipole moments (TDMs) between absorption and fluorescence. In systems where the relative orientation of adjacent molecules is different from each other, such as amorphous solids, the exciton diffusion is accompanied with the change in TDM. Thus, appropriate modeling of molecular alignment enables quantitative estimation of the exciton diffusion coefficient and diffusion length from the anisotropy signal. Finally, time-resolved imaging is a combination of time-resolved spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy, and an emergent technique for visualizing real-space propagation of excitons in materials. The diffraction-limited excitation beam produces excitons in several hundreds of nanometers and the subsequent exciton diffusion is evaluated by the spatial width of the fluorescence spot. The temporal broadening of the fluorescence spot directly reflects the exciton distribution and we can intuitively obtain the diffusion coefficient and length. Unlike the conventional methods for bulk materials, the advantage of the time-resolved imaging is the applicability to materials with nano- and meso-scale heterogeneous structure and it enables site-selective evaluation of the exciton transport capability. In the conference site, we will also show the application of the above methods to supramolecular polymers and thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials. Figure 1

Molecular Materials Based on Subphthalocyanines

Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) are well-known cone-shaped chromophores consisting on three 1,3-diiminoisoindole units assembled around a boron atom. As a result of their 14 pi-electron aromatic core and their tetrahedral geometry, SubPcs exhibit outstanding physical and optoelectronic properties (e.g., strong dipole moment, excellent light absorption in the 550-650 nm, rich redox features, and excellent charge transport capabilities), that have been skilfully used in variety of applied fields, such as molecular photovoltaics, among others. SubPcs were used by us as non-fullerene acceptors in bulk heterojunctions (BHJ) solar cells. On the other hand as part of our systematic investigation in the preparation and study of novel SubPc-based D–A systems, we have used 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) as partner for SubPcs. Moreover, in the case of unsymmetrically substituted SubPcs (i.e., prepared by cyclotrimerization of a phthalonitrile with no C2v symmetry), they present inherent chirality and the corresponding couple of enantiomers can be isolated Columnar aggregates based on chiral SubPcs have been also prepared, giving rise to ferroelectric self-assembled molecular materials showing both rectifying and switchable

Thin Film Based Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Solid-State Ammonia Synthesis

Ammonia is the of the most crucial chemicals and currently primarily produced through the Haber-Bosch process causing the industrial ammonia production to emit more CO2 than any other chemical-making reaction. While the current primary function of ammonia lies within the fertilizer production, it can also be directly used as a fuel for power generation or in the maritime industry. Compared to hydrogen, ammonia has superior storage and transportation capabilities due to its greater volumetric energy density and mild conditions for liquefication. Given the need of reducing global carbon emissions, ammonia could be synthesized electrochemically using air, water and electricity by the Solid-State Ammonia Synthesis (SSAS). Protonic ceramic cells operate within an intermediate temperature regime of around 450 - 550 °C which is well suited for this process. Within our work, we present a tubular membrane electrode unit entirely made of ceramic components based on a barium zirconate thin film electrolyte. An ammonia production rate of 9.06 × 10-10 mol s-1 cm-2 and a Faradaicefficiency of 6.58% were achieved using a NiO-BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3- δ | BaZr0.8Y0.2O3- δ | Ru@Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3-δ cell.A key innovation lies in the production of dense BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ electrolyte layers, ranging from 1 to 5 µm in thickness, utilizing a Closed-Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering (CFUMS) process. This technique allows precise adjustments of stoichiometric ratios within the perovskite structure, offering improved sputtering yields compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the crystallinity, phase purity, and microstructure of sputter-deposited thin films are enhanced through selective laser annealing (SLA), resulting in high-density films composed of single-phase BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ with average crystallite sizes of 200 nm while avoiding substrate damage from thermal stress. Electrochemical performance was evaluated through impedance spectroscopy, half-cell tests and full cell tests providing insights into the efficacy of the developed tubular membrane reactor for the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia. The results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing ceramic proton conductors in SSAS, particularly highlighting the potential of high-pressure operation up to 80 bars in tubular cells at relatively low temperatures around 450 °C, thereby achieving attractive NH3 production rates.This research contributes to the evolving landscape of sustainable ammonia synthesis by presenting a novel approach that integrates advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Electrification and decentralization of the ammonia supply chain will expand the market by supporting its current use as fertilizer source and enable a new route as green energy carrier paving the way for an ammonia-based economy. Figure 1

Biomimetic Fog Collector with Hybrid and Gradient Wettabilities.

Water scarcity is a global problem and collecting water from the air is a viable solution to this crisis. Inspired by Namib Desert beetle, leaf venation and spider silk, we designed an integrated biomimetic system with hybrid wettability and wettability gradient. The hybrid hydrophilic-hydrophobic wettability design that bionomics desert beetle's back can construct a three-dimensional topography with a water layer on the surface, expanding the contact area with the fog flow and thus improving the droplet trapping efficiency. The venation-like structure with wettability gradient not only provides a planned path for water transportation, but also accelerates water removal under the synergistic effect of gravity and wettability driving force, thus further improving the surface regeneration rate. The collector combines droplet capture, coalescence, transportation, separation, and storage capabilities, which provides new ideas for the design of future high-efficiency fog collectors.

Large-Area Perovskite Solar Module Produced by Introducing Self-Assembled L-Histidine Monolayer at TiO2 and Perovskite Interface.

Perovskite solar cells have been proven to enhance cell characteristics by introducing passivation materials that suppress defect formation. Defect states between the electron transport layer and the absorption layer reduce electron extraction and carrier transport capabilities, leading to a significant decline in device performance and stability, as well as an increased probability of non-radiative recombination. This study proposes the use of an amino acid (L-Histidine) self-assembled monolayer material between the transport layer and the perovskite absorption layer. Surface analysis revealed that the introduction of L-Histidine improved both the uniformity and roughness of the perovskite film surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis showed a reduction in oxygen vacancies in the lattice and an increase in Ti4+, indicating that L-Histidine successfully passivated trap states at the perovskite and TiO2 electron transport layer interface. In terms of device performance, the introduction of L-Histidine significantly improved the fill factor (FF) because the reduction in interface defects could suppress charge accumulation and reduce device hysteresis. The FF of large-area solar modules (25 cm2) with L-Histidine increased from 55% to 73%, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 16.5%. After 500 h of aging tests, the PCE still maintained 91% of its original efficiency. This study demonstrates the significant impact of L-Histidine on transport properties and showcases its potential for application in the development of large-area perovskite module processes.