Article
|
Open Access
Featured
-
-
Article
| Open Access
Joule spectroscopy of hybrid superconductor–semiconductor nanodevices
Disorder and device variability in hybrid superconductor-semiconductor devices pose challenges for their application in quantum technologies. Here, the authors show that Joule heating can provide a detailed fingerprint of such devices, uncovering different sources of inhomogeneities.
- A. Ibabe
- , M. Gómez
- & E. J. H. Lee
-
Article
| Open Access
Parasitic capacitance modeling and measurements of conductive yarns for e-textile devices
The parasitic capacitance of conductive yarns greatly affects the performance of e-Textile devices. Here, Qu et al. show the parasitic capacitance varies from 1-3 fF/cm depending on yarn microstructure, offering valuable insights for the design and use of conductive yarns in e-textile.
- Ziqi Qu
- , Zhechen Zhu
- & Terry Tao Ye
-
Article
| Open Access
A sensitive high repetition rate arrival time monitor for X-ray free electron lasers
In time-resolved measurements it is crucial to know the time delay between the exciting and probing light pulses. Here the authors demonstrate a self-referencing common-path interferometer method measuring the arrival time between the X-ray free electron laser and the optical pulse to the target and thus their inherent timing jitter.
- Michael Diez
- , Henning Kirchberg
- & Christian Bressler
-
Article
| Open Access
Hidden chemical order in disordered Ba7Nb4MoO20 revealed by resonant X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR
Chemical order/disorder in materials can be difficult to determine for atoms with similar X-ray scattering factors and neutron scattering lengths. Here authors use resonant XRD and NMR to elucidate hidden Mo/Nb chemical order in disordered hexagonal perovskite Ba7Nb4MoO20, with Mo atoms found to be localized near the ion-conducting oxygen deficient layer.
- Yuta Yasui
- , Masataka Tansho
- & Masatomo Yashima
-
Article
| Open Access
Rapid determination of solid-state diffusion coefficients in Li-based batteries via intermittent current interruption method
The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is the state-of-the-art method for determining the Li+ diffusion coefficients in battery materials. Here, authors propose the intermittent current interruption method as a reliable, accurate and faster alternative to GITT-based methods.
- Yu-Chuan Chien
- , Haidong Liu
- & Matthew J. Lacey
-
Article
| Open Access
Growth dynamics and amorphous-to-crystalline phase transformation in natural nacre
Biominerals contain trace elements that can give important environmental information, but the mechanism by which these are incorporated into the structure is not well understood. Here, the authors explore the crystallization pathways involved in the formation of nacre, and how these affect the incorporation of trace elements.
- L. M. Otter
- , K. Eder
- & D. E. Jacob
-
Article
| Open Access
Atomic-scale observation of premelting at 2D lattice defects inside oxide crystals
No experimental observations have been reported to clarify how a melting transition proceeds inside a crystal. Here the authors demonstrate that melting is initiated at two-dimensional faults inside BaCeO3 crystals below the melting temperature in a layer-by-layer manner.
- Hye-Sung Kim
- , Ji-Sang An
- & Sung-Yoon Chung
-
Article
| Open Access
Deducing subnanometer cluster size and shape distributions of heterogeneous supported catalysts
IR spectra are great for characterizing single-crystals and large nanoparticles, but not for highly dispersed heterogeneous catalysts made up of single-atoms and ultra-small clusters. To solve this, the authors developed a method to generate synthetic IR spectra using data-based approaches and physics-driven surrogate models.
- Vinson Liao
- , Maximilian Cohen
- & Dionisios G. Vlachos
-
Article
| Open Access
Mapping the pathways of photo-induced ion migration in organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites
Ion migration is a plausible origin of material instability and photocurrent hysteresis in perovskite solar cells. Here, authors characterize photo-induced ion migration in perovskites by in situ laser illumination inside scanning electron microscope and observe long-range migration of halide ions.
- Taeyong Kim
- , Soyeon Park
- & Bolin Liao
-
Article
| Open Access
In situ constructing atomic interface in ruthenium-based amorphous hybrid-structure towards solar hydrogen evolution
Solar-driven hydrogen evolution coupled with organic synthesis is important but challenging. Here, the authors report an in-situ oxygen impregnation strategy to build a ruthenium-based amorphous hybrid-mixture with abundant atomic interfaces and show efficient hydrogen evolution with small molecule oxidation.
- Dong Liu
- , Tao Ding
- & Tao Yao
-
Article
| Open Access
Sustainable methane utilization technology via photocatalytic halogenation with alkali halides
A sustainable photocatalytic methane halogenation strategy is developed for methyl halide production using low-cost alkali halides over Cu-doped TiO2 nanostructures. Copper sites ultimately stabilize *CH3 to promote reaction with Cl− to form CH3Cl.
- Jun Ma
- , Can Zhu
- & Yujie Xiong
-
Article
| Open Access
Precise characterization of a corridor-shaped structure in Khufu’s Pyramid by observation of cosmic-ray muons
Khufu’s Pyramid is one of the largest archaeological monuments in the world, and still contains unexplored voids. Here, the authors use cosmic-ray muon radiography in multiple positions to precisely characterize one of these inner structures called the North Face Corridor.
- Sébastien Procureur
- , Kunihiro Morishima
- & Mohamed Elkarmoty
-
Article
| Open Access
Sub-resolution contrast in neutral helium microscopy through facet scattering for quantitative imaging of nanoscale topographies on macroscopic surfaces
Neutral helium microscopy is a completely nondestructive, surface-sensitive imaging technique. Here, the authors demonstrate sub-resolution contrast using an advanced facet scattering model to reconstruct the topography of technological thin films in the ångström range.
- Sabrina D. Eder
- , Adam Fahy
- & Paul C. Dastoor
-
Article
| Open Access
A sweat-responsive covalent organic framework film for material-based liveness detection and sweat pore analysis
Covalent organic frameworks are more and more used in the design of stimuli responsive materials. Here, the authors expand the application range of COFs by demonstrating a sweat induced colour change for detection of fingerprints using a sweat responsive COF.
- Qing Hao
- , Xiao-Rui Ren
- & Hong Liu
-
Article
| Open Access
Direct observation of cation diffusion driven surface reconstruction at van der Waals gaps
Weak interlayer van der Waals (vdW) bonding has significant impact on the structure and properties of vdW layered materials. Here authors use in-situ aberration-corrected ADF-STEM for an atomistic insight into the cation diffusion in the vdW gaps and the etching of vdW surfaces at high temperatures.
- Wenjun Cui
- , Weixiao Lin
- & Xiahan Sang
-
Article
| Open Access
Near-infrared-featured broadband CO2 reduction with water to hydrocarbons by surface plasmon
Changes in Polycomb repression during interphase transition modulate the ability of pluripotent cells to enter cell differentiation.
- Canyu Hu
- , Xing Chen
- & Yujie Xiong
-
Article
| Open Access
Wireless dielectrophoresis trapping and remote impedance sensing via resonant wireless power transfer
The authors use resonant wireless power transfer to remotely trap and release nanoparticles in solution and detect their presence as a shift in impedance in real-time. This is accomplished using the extreme field confinement of a nanogap capacitor.
- Christopher T. Ertsgaard
- , Minki Kim
- & Sang-Hyun Oh
-
Article
| Open Access
Deformation characteristics of solid-state benzene as a step towards understanding planetary geology
Solid benzene and other simple organic minerals play important roles in geological processes on Titan-like cold Solar System bodies. Here, the authors discover benzene microcrystals plastically deform via densification enabled by molecule reorientation and shearing.
- Wenxin Zhang
- , Xuan Zhang
- & Julia R. Greer
-
Article
| Open Access
Primary radiation damage in bone evolves via collagen destruction by photoelectrons and secondary emission self-absorption
X-rays are used for imaging and sterilisation of bone but cause damage due to ionising radiation. Here, the authors study the degradation of collagen caused by photon-electron excitations and show that damage is initiated from onset which has implications for X-ray imaging and the levels of safe exposure.
- Katrein Sauer
- , Ivo Zizak
- & Paul Zaslansky
-
Article
| Open Access
Unlocking the hidden chemical space in cubic-phase garnet solid electrolyte for efficient quasi-all-solid-state lithium batteries
Conventional compositions of garnet solid electrolytes have limited access to the cubic phase for a high Li content of 7.0, which is beneficial for stability against Li metals. Here, the authors unlock the hidden chemical space via a high entropy strategy, enabling stable long-term battery cycling.
- Sung-Kyun Jung
- , Hyeokjo Gwon
- & Ju-Sik Kim
-
Article
| Open Access
A soft and ultrasensitive force sensing diaphragm for probing cardiac organoids instantaneously and wirelessly
It is challenging to directly characterize mechanical properties of soft 3D cardiac organoids with current sensors. Here the authors report an electronic skin-based all-soft organoid-sensing system which can wirelessly monitor minute force profiles of cardiac organoids in real-time in-situ.
- Quanxia Lyu
- , Shu Gong
- & Wenlong Cheng
-
Article
| Open Access
Critical Offset Magnetic PArticle SpectroScopy for rapid and highly sensitive medical point-of-care diagnostics
Sensitive methods for antibody detection tend to be expensive and slow. Here, the authors report a magnetic particle spectroscopy method named COMPASS, as a rapid and low-cost technique which is comparable to ELISA in terms of sensitivity but with a measurement times of seconds.
- Patrick Vogel
- , Martin Andreas Rückert
- & Volker Christian Behr
-
Article
| Open Access
Effect of current density on the solid electrolyte interphase formation at the lithium∣Li6PS5Cl interface
The interface between the Li metal electrode and inorganic solid electrolyte is crucial for developing reliable all-solid-state Li batteries. Here, the authors show that the Li plating current density distinctly affects the chemistry and morphology of interphase components formed at the interface.
- Sudarshan Narayanan
- , Ulderico Ulissi
- & Mauro Pasta
-
Article
| Open Access
Onboard early detection and mitigation of lithium plating in fast-charging batteries
Fast-charging is highly desired for lithium-ion batteries but is hindered by potential hazardous lithium plating and the associated parasitic reactions. Here, the authors report a nondestructive differential pressure sensing method for early detection and mitigation of lithium plating in fast-charging batteries.
- Wenxiao Huang
- , Yusheng Ye
- & Yi Cui
-
Article
| Open Access
Critical role of hydrogen sorption kinetics in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction revealed by on-chip in situ transport investigations
Electrochemical hydrogen-participating processes are commonly relevant in multiple clean energy technologies. Here, authors achieve in situ quantification of H sorption kinetics during Pd-catalyzed CO2 reduction, unravelling its key role within the interfacial network of local pH, proton donors and CO2 molecules.
- Zhangyan Mu
- , Na Han
- & Mengning Ding
-
Article
| Open Access
Low cost and massively parallel force spectroscopy with fluid loading on a chip
Single molecule force spectroscopy methods are often low throughput and have high instrument cost. Here the authors report FLO-Chip, a low-cost, high throughput technique using microfluidics for multiplexed mechanical manipulation of many individual molecules via molecular fluid loading on-a-chip.
- Ehsan Akbari
- , Melika Shahhosseini
- & Carlos E. Castro
-
Article
| Open Access
Mechanically derived short-range order and its impact on the multi-principal-element alloys
Unlike diffusion-mediated chemical short-range orders (SROs) in multi-principal element alloys, diffusionless SROs and their impact on alloys have been elusive. Here, the authors show the formation of strain-induced SROs by crystalline lattice defects, upon external loading at 77 K.
- Jae Bok Seol
- , Won-Seok Ko
- & Hyoung Seop Kim
-
Article
| Open Access
Atomic-level structural responsiveness to environmental conditions from 3D electron diffraction
Materials’ structure of are often sensitive to external stimuli, which will bring uncertainty to the structure determination. Here authors present a 3D electron diffraction approach to study the stimuli responsive structures of crystals with atomic precision under various environmental conditions.
- Yang Ling
- , Tu Sun
- & Yanhang Ma
-
Article
| Open Access
Data-driven electron-diffraction approach reveals local short-range ordering in CrCoNi with ordering effects
Non-random chemical mixings that are intrinsic to medium- and high-entropy alloys are difficult to detect and quantify. Here the authors perform a diffraction data-mining analysis, revealing nanoclusters of short-range orders in a CrCoNi alloy, and their impacts on chemical homogeneity and dislocations slip.
- Haw-Wen Hsiao
- , Rui Feng
- & Jian-Min Zuo
-
Article
| Open Access
Solar-driven methanogenesis with ultrahigh selectivity by turning down H2 production at biotic-abiotic interface
While the combination of synthetic and biological systems offers an appealing strategy for solar-to-fuel conversion, such hybrid systems typically suffer from low selectivity. Here, authors integrate a bimetallic alloy with a CdS-containing methanogen for selective CO2 reduction to methane.
- Jie Ye
- , Chao Wang
- & Yujie Xiong
-
Article
| Open Access
Flexible hyperspectral surface plasmon resonance microscopy
The authors developed a pristine hyperspectral SPR microscopy that enables monochromatic and polychromatic SPR imaging with flexible field-of-view option, single-pixel spectral SPR sensing and 2D quantification of thin films with resonant wavelength images.
- Ziwei Liu
- , Jingning Wu
- & Zhi-mei Qi
-
Article
| Open Access
Periodic structural changes in Pd nanoparticles during oscillatory CO oxidation reaction
Atomic-scale insights into how a nanoparticle surface reconstructs under reaction conditions and the impact of the reconstruction on catalytic activity are still lacking. Here the authors reveal that Pd nanocatalysts display oscillatory changes in both their structure and activity during CO oxidation using operando TEM.
- Tanmay Ghosh
- , Juan Manuel Arce-Ramos
- & Utkur Mirsaidov
-
Article
| Open Access
Revealing solid electrolyte interphase formation through interface-sensitive Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on Li-ion battery anodes is critical for long-term performance. Here, the authors use operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy in total electron yield mode to resolve the chemical evolution of the SEI during electrochemical formation on silicon anodes.
- Jack E. N. Swallow
- , Michael W. Fraser
- & Robert S. Weatherup
-
Article
| Open Access
Standardized measurement of dielectric materials’ intrinsic triboelectric charge density through the suppression of air breakdown
Determining the triboelectric charge and energy density of dielectric materials is generally limited by many factors, failing to reflect their intrinsic behaviour. Here, a standardized strategy is proposed employing contact-separation TENG and supressing air-breakdown to assess max triboelectric charge and energy densities leading to an updated triboelectric series.
- Di Liu
- , Linglin Zhou
- & Zhong Lin Wang
-
Article
| Open Access
The Donnan potential revealed
Donnan electrical potential is widely adopted to describe ion distribution between two solutions separated by a permeable membrane with implications for many chemical and biological systems. Aydogan Gokturk et al. directly measures this potential for the first time and compare the data with theoretical models.
- Pinar Aydogan Gokturk
- , Rahul Sujanani
- & Ethan J. Crumlin
-
Article
| Open Access
Flame-made ternary Pd-In2O3-ZrO2 catalyst with enhanced oxygen vacancy generation for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Assembling multicomponent catalysts to harness synergic effects is challenging. Now, flame spray pyrolysis permits the synthesis of ternary Pd-In2O3-ZrO2 catalysts with an optimal architecture and an enriched density of oxygen vacancies for maximal performance in CO2-based methanol synthesis.
- Thaylan Pinheiro Araújo
- , Cecilia Mondelli
- & Javier Pérez-Ramírez
-
Article
| Open Access
Payload distribution and capacity of mRNA lipid nanoparticles
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are effective vehicles to deliver mRNA vaccines and therapeutics but assessing the mRNA packaging characteristics in LNPs is challenging. Here, the authors report that mRNA and lipid contents in LNP formulations can be quantitatively examined by multi-laser cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy at the single-nanoparticle level.
- Sixuan Li
- , Yizong Hu
- & Hai-Quan Mao
-
Article
| Open Access
Unconventional interfacial water structure of highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes at negative electrode polarizations
Water-in-salt electrolytes can be useful for future electrochemical energy storage systems. Here, the authors investigate the potential-dependent double-layer structures at the interface between a gold electrode and a highly concentrated aqueous electrolyte solution via in situ Raman measurements.
- Chao-Yu Li
- , Ming Chen
- & Tianquan Lian
-
Matters Arising
| Open Access
Pitfalls in the location of guest molecules in metal-organic frameworks
- Tomasz Poręba
- , Piero Macchi
- & Michelle Ernst
-
Article
| Open Access
Enhanced detection of threat materials by dark-field x-ray imaging combined with deep neural networks
Dark-field X-ray imaging is sensitive to the microstructure of a material. Here, the authors combine this with a neural network algorithm to provide efficient material discrimination, e.g., of explosives vs non-threat materials.
- T. Partridge
- , A. Astolfo
- & A. Olivo
-
Article
| Open Access
On the origin of elasticity and heat conduction anisotropy of liquid crystal elastomers at gigahertz frequencies
Elastic anisotropy of liquid crystals elastomers is typically measured at low frequencies for the applications such as soft robotics, actuators, and origami. Here the authors study the elastic anisotropy of LCE using Brillouin light spectroscopy at gigahertz frequencies such as radio frequencies or 5 G cellular networks.
- Yu Cang
- , Jiaqi Liu
- & George Fytas
-
Article
| Open Access
Optical-Tweezers-integrating-Differential-Dynamic-Microscopy maps the spatiotemporal propagation of nonlinear strains in polymer blends and composites
The authors present an approach to connect polymer dynamics to force response by integrating optical tweezers with differential dynamic microscopy. They measure blends of ring and linear DNA and observe a resonant response, which is suppressed by the presence of microtubules.
- Karthik R. Peddireddy
- , Ryan Clairmont
- & Rae M. Robertson-Anderson
-
Article
| Open Access
Double-Bilayer polar nanoregions and Mn antisites in (Ca, Sr)3Mn2O7
The competition between the polar and nonpolar phase in the prototypical hybrid improper ferroelectric crystal Ca3Mn2O7 leads to exotic properties. Here, the authors directly imaged the crystal at atomic resolution to understand its nanostructure and discovered the double bilayer polar nanoregion.
- Leixin Miao
- , Kishwar-E Hasin
- & Nasim Alem
-
Article
| Open Access
Understanding the lithium–sulfur battery redox reactions via operando confocal Raman microscopy
The complex redox processes in lithium–sulfur batteries are not yet fully understood at the fundamental level. Here, the authors report operando confocal Raman microscopy measurements to provide mechanistic insights into polysulfide evolution and sulfur deposition during battery cycling.
- Shuangyan Lang
- , Seung-Ho Yu
- & Héctor D. Abruña
-
Article
| Open Access
Electronic gap characterization at mesoscopic scale via scanning probe microscopy under ambient conditions
The nanoscale measurement of electronic bandgaps is crucial for material characterization, but it is usually performed under cryogenic conditions. Here, the authors report a scanning probe method to determine the electronic bandgap of 2D semiconductors at the nanoscale by monitoring their quantum capacitance under ambient conditions.
- Dian Li
- , Xiong Wang
- & Xiaodong Cui
-
Article
| Open Access
Quantum-assisted distortion-free audio signal sensing
High sensitivity in quantum sensing comes often at the expense of other figures of merit, usually resulting in distortion. Here, the authors propose a protocol with good sensitivity, readout linearity and high frequency resolution, and benchmark it through signal measurements at audio bands with NV centers.
- Chen Zhang
- , Durga Dasari
- & Jörg Wrachtrup
-
Article
| Open Access
Spatial tomography of light resolved in time, spectrum, and polarisation
The work harnesses principles of spatial state tomography to fully characterise an optical beam in space, time, spectrum, and polarisation. Analysis of the output of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser illustrates the technique’s capabilities.
- Martin Plöschner
- , Marcos Maestre Morote
- & Joel Carpenter
-
Article
| Open Access
In-situ study of the impact of temperature and architecture on the interfacial structure of microgels
The structural characterization of microgels at interfaces is fundamental for the understanding of their 2D phase behavior but characterization is usually limited by available experimental techniques and does not allow a direct investigation at interfaces. Here, the authors employ neutron reflectometry, which allows probing the structure and responsiveness of the microgels in-situ at the air-water interface.
- Steffen Bochenek
- , Fabrizio Camerin
- & Andrea Scotti
-
Article
| Open Access
Compositional dependence of the fragility in metallic glass forming liquids
In metallic liquids, the fragility is difficult to predict and measure. Here, the authors present the film inflation method, which reveals large fragility variations across Mg–Cu–Y, and introduce the crystallization complexity as additional contribution to glass forming ability.
- Sebastian A. Kube
- , Sungwoo Sohn
- & Jan Schroers
Light-driven flow synthesis of acetic acid from methane with chemical looping