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Efficient bubble/precipitate traffic enables stable seawater reduction electrocatalysis at industrial-level current densities
Seawater electroreduction is a promising technique for producing hydrogen, but it is hindered by cathodic Mg2 + /Ca2+ precipitation. Here, the authors propose a microscopic bubble/precipitate traffic system that releases small-sized bubbles across the cathode to repel Mg2 + /Ca2+ precipitates from almost the entire surface area of the catalyst.
- Jie Liang
- , Zhengwei Cai
- & Bo Tang
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LaMg6Ga6S16: a chemical stable divalent lanthanide chalcogenide
Synthesising chemically stable divalent lanthanide compounds is still faced by great challenges. Here, by using octahedra coupling tetrahedra single/double chains to construct an octahedral crystal field, authors synthesised a stable crystalline La(II)-chalcogenide, LaMg6Ga6S16.
- Yujie Zhang
- , Jiale Chen
- & Hongwei Yu
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Compact meta-differentiator for achieving isotropically high-contrast ultrasonic imaging
High-contrast ultrasonic imaging holds significant importance in biomedical and engineering applications. Here, the authors present a compact spatial differentiator tailored for underwater isotropic edge-enhanced imaging, facilitating the realization of high-contrast ultrasonic imaging.
- Yurou Jia
- , Suying Zhang
- & Xiaojun Liu
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Observation of Kekulé vortices around hydrogen adatoms in graphene
Kekulé vortices in hexagonal lattices can host fractionalized charges at zero magnetic field, but have remained out of experimental reach. Here, the authors report a Kekulé vortex in the local density states of graphene around a chemisorbed hydrogen adatom.
- Yifei Guan
- , Clement Dutreix
- & Vincent T. Renard
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Low thermal contact resistance boron nitride nanosheets composites enabled by interfacial arc-like phonon bridge
Boron nitride nanosheets possess high in-plane thermal conductivity and high thermal contact resistance. Here the authors discover obliquely aligned nanosheets at the interface can act as a phonon bridge to lower the contact resistance.
- Ke Zhan
- , Yucong Chen
- & Ling Qiu
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A Janus carbaporphyrin pseudo-dimer
Carbaporphyrin dimers, known for their interesting photophysical properties and application in metal-organic chemistry, generally contain two identical subunits. Here, the authors highlight the benefits that can accrue from breaking the inherent symmetry of carbaporphyrin dimers and details a new approach to creating heterobimetallic complexes.
- Haodan He
- , Jiyeon Lee
- & Xian-Sheng Ke
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Molecular insight into the initial hydration of tricalcium aluminate
The hydration of tricalcium aluminate is an important initial step in the structural build-up of Portland cement. Here the authors use ab initio and accelerated dynamics to describe the reactions and dynamics of this process at the molecular level.
- Xing Ming
- , Wen Si
- & Zongjin Li
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The formation of unsaturated IrOx in SrIrO3 by cobalt-doping for acidic oxygen evolution reaction
SrIrO3-based catalyst is a promising candidate for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the active sites and factors responsible for its effectiveness remain ambiguous. Here, the authors reveal that dynamic dissolution of Co in Co-SrIrO3 leads to the formation of unsaturated IrOx, enabling high-efficiency OER.
- Jia-Wei Zhao
- , Kaihang Yue
- & Gao-Ren Li
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Crosslinking-induced patterning of MOFs by direct photo- and electron-beam lithography
Precise and scalable patterning is essential for the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in solid-state electronics and photonics. Here, the authors report on resistance-free, direct photo- and electron-beam lithography of MOF films using crosslinking chemistry.
- Xiaoli Tian
- , Fu Li
- & Jinghong Li
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Integrated mechanical computing for autonomous soft machines
Many mechanical computation platforms developed till date lack a rational design strategy and have limited computational functions, such as stand-alone single logic gates, or deformation/transition behaviors. Byun at al. have reported a systematic design principle for integrated mechanical computing that enables the electronics-free design of autonomous and intelligent soft machines, which are seamlessly integrated.
- Junghwan Byun
- , Aniket Pal
- & Metin Sitti
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Switching the spin cycloid in BiFeO3 with an electric field
Previous understanding of the coupling between ferroelectric structure and magnetic texture in BiFeO3 has relied on mesoscale measurements. Here, the authors image coupling directly, showing a complex spin cycloid controlled with electric field.
- Peter Meisenheimer
- , Guy Moore
- & Ramamoorthy Ramesh
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Diffusion-rate sieving of propylene and propane mixtures in a cooperatively dynamic porous crystal
Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are commonly used in gas separation processes but developing PCPs that work at high temperatures and feature both high uptake capacity and selectivity remains challenging. Here, the authors report diffusion-rate sieving of propylene/propane at 300 K by constructing a PCP whose global and local dynamics cooperatively govern the adsorption process via gate opening for propylene and diffusion regulation for propane.
- Yan Su
- , Ken-ichi Otake
- & Cheng Gu
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Flash healing of laser-induced graphene
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) can be obtained via a practically convenient approach, but its amorphous characteristics limit its applications. Here, the authors report a flash Joule heating strategy to improve the crystalline quality and conductivity of LIG, leading to strain sensors with enhanced sensitivity.
- Le Cheng
- , Chi Shun Yeung
- & Ruquan Ye
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Gradient matters via filament diameter-adjustable 3D printing
Direct ink writing of complex 3D gradient structures can be challenging due to inherent method limitations. Here, the authors report continuous diameter-adjustable filament by varying printing speed and height and enable extrusion 3D printers to produce complex gradient porous matters.
- Huawei Qu
- , Chongjian Gao
- & Changshun Ruan
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A modular organic neuromorphic spiking circuit for retina-inspired sensory coding and neurotransmitter-mediated neural pathways
The distinctive interdependence in mixed ionic-electronic conductors emulates retinal pathway. Here, the authors develop a modular organic neuromorphic spiking circuit to replicate the interdependent functions of receptors, neurons and synapses that are chemically modulated by neurotransmitters.
- Giovanni Maria Matrone
- , Eveline R. W. van Doremaele
- & Yoeri van de Burgt
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Isotope engineering achieved by local coordination design in Ti-Pd co-doped ZrCo-based alloys
Hydrogen isotope effect in metal-hydrogen systems disturbs precise Deuterium/Tritium (D/T) ratio control. Here, the authors demonstrate a local coordination strategy that comprises thermodynamic destabilization with vibration enhancement of interstitial isotopes for isotope engineering.
- Jiacheng Qi
- , Xu Huang
- & Lixin Chen
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Enhanced polarization switching characteristics of HfO2 ultrathin films via acceptor-donor co-doping
Ferroelectric HfO2 is faced with an oxygen vacancy dilemma, which favors the polar phase but harm to switching behaviors. Here, the authors propose a donor-acceptor co-doping method to enhance polarization switching characteristics of the HfO2 films.
- Chao Zhou
- , Liyang Ma
- & Zuhuang Chen
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Enhancement of electrocatalysis through magnetic field effects on mass transport
Magnetic fields can enhance electrocatalysis, yet its effect on mass transport has been overlooked. Here, the authors track the motion induced on the electrolyte ions, demonstrating that mass transport effects can double the catalyst activity with low reactant availability, as in oxygen reduction.
- Priscila Vensaus
- , Yunchang Liang
- & Magalí Lingenfelder
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Janus electronic state of supported iridium nanoclusters for sustainable alkaline water electrolysis
The hydrogen spillover effect improves the efficiency of the H2 evolution reaction but is incompatible with the O2 evolution reaction in alkaline water electrolysis. Here, the authors show that the Janus electronic state of supported Ir nanoclusters can couple hydrogen spillover and O2 evolution.
- Yaoda Liu
- , Lei Li
- & Zhengfei Dai
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Ultraviolet light blocking optically clear adhesives for foldable displays via highly efficient visible-light curing
The slow curing speed of UV-based methods to produce UV-blocking optically clear adhesive (OCA) for display panels poses a barrier to commercialization. Here, authors introduce a visible-light driven photo-initiating system for rapid production of OCAs, demonstrating efficient UV-blocking ability.
- Yonghwan Kwon
- , Seokju Lee
- & Min Sang Kwon
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Extending carbon chemistry at high-pressure by synthesis of CaC2 and Ca3C7 with deprotonated polyacene- and para-poly(indenoindene)-like nanoribbons
The authors demonstrate that carbides with infinite chains of fused [C6] and [C5] rings are synthesized at deep planetary pressures and temperatures. Hydrolysis of these carbides may lead to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Universe.
- Saiana Khandarkhaeva
- , Timofey Fedotenko
- & Leonid Dubrovinsky
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Highly efficient multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence material toward a BT.2020 deep-blue emitter
The realization of a BT.2020 blue emitter is challenging due to the spectral redshift associated with π-extension. Here, the authors report a multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter, exhibiting ultrapure deep-blue narrow emission and CIEy ≤ 0.05 exceeding 20% efficiency.
- Junki Ochi
- , Yuki Yamasaki
- & Takuji Hatakeyama
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Large area single crystal gold of single nanometer thickness for nanophotonics
2D metallic single crystals are sought after for nanophotonic applications, but their synthesis remains challenging. Here, the authors report an atomic level precision etching method to fabricate large-area crystalline gold flakes with nanometre thickness, showing enhanced plasmonic and nonlinear optical properties.
- Chenxinyu Pan
- , Yuanbiao Tong
- & Pan Wang
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Biomimetic NIR-II fluorescent proteins created from chemogenic protein-seeking dyes for multicolor deep-tissue bioimaging
Near-infrared-I/II fluorescent proteins (NIR-I/II FPs) are crucial for in vivo imaging, but their availability is still scarce. Here, the authors make use of protein-seeking NIR-II dyes as chromophores, which covalently bind to tag proteins and thus creating biomimetic NIR-II FPs.
- Jiajun Xu
- , Ningning Zhu
- & Shoujun Zhu
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Full integration of highly stretchable inorganic transistors and circuits within molecular-tailored elastic substrates on a large scale
Developing integrated stretchable metal-oxide transistors and circuits is challenging. Here, Kang et al. leveraged molecular-tailored elastic substrates for enhanced adhesion, thus achieving high performance and logical operation across various circuits under high strain.
- Seung-Han Kang
- , Jeong-Wan Jo
- & Sung Kyu Park
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Intelligent wireless power transfer via a 2-bit compact reconfigurable transmissive-metasurface-based router
The rapid emergence of the Internet of Things has led to new power supply challenges. Here, authors propose a compact wireless power transfer framework that can intelligently deliver wireless power to devices in dynamic environments and simultaneously transfer information.
- Wenzhi Li
- , Qiyue Yu
- & Jiaran Qi
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Defect-induced triple synergistic modulation in copper for superior electrochemical ammonia production across broad nitrate concentrations
Converting nitrate to ammonia in wastewater with a wide range of nitrate concentrations remains a challenging task. Here the authors report defect-rich Cu nanowire electrocatalyst which can achieve 50 to 1100 mA cm−2 and over 90% Faradaic efficiency using 1–100 mM nitrate wastewater.
- Bocheng Zhang
- , Zechuan Dai
- & Genqiang Zhang
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Dynamical evolution of CO2 and H2O on garnet electrolyte elucidated by ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopies
Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZO) is a promising solid electrolyte but suffers from severe surface degradation in air. Here, authors use mapping of resonant Auger spectroscopy and various ambient pressure X-ray spectroscopies to elucidate the dynamical evolution of CO2 and H2O on clean LLZO surfaces.
- Nian Zhang
- , Guoxi Ren
- & Xiaosong Liu
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Magnetic field filtering of the boundary supercurrent in unconventional metal NiTe2-based Josephson junctions
The authors study Josephson junctions where the weak link is a NiTe2 flake. They find that in-plane magnetic field in a particular direction causes the supercurrent to concentrate in the edges of the flake, excluding the bulk. They further argue that the supercurrent is carried by higher-order hinge states.
- Tian Le
- , Ruihan Zhang
- & Fanming Qu
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Tailoring coordination environments of single-atom electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution by topological heteroatom transfer
The rational design of carbon-supported transition metal single atom catalysts with precise coordination tailoring remains challenging. Here, the authors develop a topological heteroatom-transfer strategy to precisely control the P coordination in Co single atoms for hydrogen evolution.
- Sheng Qian
- , Feng Xu
- & Jingqi Tian
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Deuteration-enhanced neutron contrasts to probe amorphous domain sizes in organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunction films
The use of conventional X-ray scattering techniques is challenging to detect donor-acceptor contrast within amorphous intermixing regions. Here, the authors apply neutron scattering and targeted deuteration to enhance the contrast by one order of magnitude and reveal short-range aggregations of d-Y6.
- Guilong Cai
- , Yuhao Li
- & Xinhui Lu
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Photo-modulated activation of organic bases enabling microencapsulation and on-demand reactivity
Oil-water emulsion techniques can be used for encapsulation of chemicals and control of reactivity, but is challenging for highly reactive materials such as acids and bases. Here, the authors report the encapsulation of bases by masking of reactivity with photo-removable protecting groups.
- Wenle Li
- , Xiaocun Lu
- & Nancy R. Sottos
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Flexible large-area ultrasound arrays for medical applications made using embossed polymer structures
Current ultrasound transducers are bulky and rigid. Here, the authors describe a new way to realize large-area and mechanically flexible ultrasound arrays on polymer foils suited for wearable ultrasound applications
- Paul L. M. J. van Neer
- , Laurens C. J. M. Peters
- & Gerwin H. Gelinck
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Supramolecular polynuclear clusters sustained cubic hydrogen bonded frameworks with octahedral cages for reversible photochromism
The development of supramolecular porous crystalline frameworks with architectures from secondary building units remains challenging. Here, the authors report ammonium node-assembled clusters as supramolecular secondary building units to sustain a body centered cubic hydrogenbonded framework with octahedral cages for haloform encapsulation and reversible photochromism.
- Xiaojun Ding
- , Jing Chen
- & Gang Ye
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Ultrastable halide perovskite CsPbBr3 photoanodes achieved with electrocatalytic glassy-carbon and boron-doped diamond sheets
Perovskites are desirable for photoelectrochemical applications but are unstable in aqueous electrolytes. Here, the authors report a perovskite photoanode in aqueous electrolyte, preserving 95% photocurrent density after over 100 h of operation.
- Zhonghui Zhu
- , Matyas Daboczi
- & Salvador Eslava
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Chiral BINOL-phosphate assembled single hexagonal nanotube in aqueous solution for confined rearrangement acceleration
Supramolecular confined catalysis aims to mimic the active pocket of an enzyme to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of catalytic reactions. Here, the authors describe the formation of chiral nanotubes stable in aqueous solution employing a chiral BINOL-phosphate which can accelerate the 3-aza-Cope rearrangement by a nanotubular interior confinement effect.
- Kang Li
- , Wei-Min Qin
- & Yue-Peng Cai
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Ultrathin organosiloxane membrane for precision organic solvent nanofiltration
The use of membranes under harsh conditions, particularly involving the separation of complex organic solvents, remains challenging. Here the authors demonstrate an ultrathin organosiloxane polymer membrane using initiated chemical vapor deposition to effectively separate solutes within the molecular weight range of 150–300 g mol−1.
- Jihoon Choi
- , Keonwoo Choi
- & Dong-Yeun Koh
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Quantitative, high-sensitivity measurement of liquid analytes using a smartphone compass
Smartphone cameras have been widely used for analysis purposes, but the use of magnetometers in smartphones is limited in this regard. In this study, the authors present a smartphone analyte sensor platform that utilizes the built in magnetometer to directly translate signals through analyte-responsive magnetic-hydrogel composites.
- Mark Ferris
- & Gary Zabow
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The initial stages of cement hydration at the molecular level
Despite being crucial for elucidating the cement hydration mechanism, the initial hydration stage is poorly understood. Here, authors uncover the unbiased Ca dissolution pathway during the initial hydration of calcium silicates via atomistic simulations and reveal a key Ca ligand structure.
- Xinhang Xu
- , Chongchong Qi
- & Hegoi Manzano
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Room temperature 3D carbon microprinting
Three-dimensional carbon microstructures with ultra-high aspect ratios are grown with a facile process using a metal-free catalyst and low-power visible light at room temperature, unlocking applications in flexible sensors and beyond.
- Fernand E. Torres-Davila
- , Katerina L. Chagoya
- & Laurene Tetard
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Constructing regulable supports via non-stoichiometric engineering to stabilize ruthenium nanoparticles for enhanced pH-universal water splitting
Establishing optimal metal-support interactions is crucial for creating efficient catalysts for water splitting. Here, stable Ti–O–Ru interface formation and minimal work function difference between Ru nanoparticles and non-stoichiometric Ti4O7 lead to exceptional bifunctional activity of Ru/Ti4O7 for both HER and OER across pH-universal environments, maintaining stable operation for 500 h.
- Sheng Zhao
- , Sung-Fu Hung
- & Shengjie Peng
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Microinterfaces in biopolymer-based bicontinuous hydrogels guide rapid 3D cell migration
Extracellular microinterfaces provide cells with migration tracks in vivo. Here, the authors introduce these microtracks into bicontinuous hydrogels to elicit rapid cell migration in 3-dimensional contexts.
- Karen L. Xu
- , Nikolas Di Caprio
- & Jason A. Burdick
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Harnessing strong aromatic conjugation in low-dimensional perovskite heterojunctions for high-performance photovoltaic devices
The large organic cations in low-dimensional perovskite often introduces carrier mobility anisotropy and impedes charge transport. Here, authors report perovskite heterojunction with strong aromatic conjugated perovskites, realizing certified efficiency of over 25% in stable perovskite solar cells.
- Bo Li
- , Qi Liu
- & Zonglong Zhu
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Machine-learning-assisted and real-time-feedback-controlled growth of InAs/GaAs quantum dots
Finding the process parameters in molecular beam epitaxy for a specific density of quantum dots is a multidimensional optimization challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate real-time feedback controlled self-assembled InAs/GaAs QDs growth based on machine learning (ML) outputs.
- Chao Shen
- , Wenkang Zhan
- & Zhanguo Wang
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An integrated high-throughput robotic platform and active learning approach for accelerated discovery of optimal electrolyte formulations
Solubility determines energy density in redox flow batteries. Here, authors combine automated experiments with machine learning to efficiently identify solvents that significantly enhance solubility, testing less than 10% of over 2000 candidates.
- Juran Noh
- , Hieu A. Doan
- & Yangang Liang
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Catalytic polymer self-cleavage for CO2 generation before combustion empowers materials with fire safety
Overcoming this challenge of fire hazards by carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen rich materials remains challenging. Here, the authors demonstarte that catalytic polymer auto-pyrolysis before combustion releases CO2, equipping the material with fire retardant properties.
- Wei Luo
- , Ming-Jun Chen
- & Hai-Bo Zhao
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Charge state-dependent symmetry breaking of atomic defects in transition metal dichalcogenides
The microscopic structure of quantum defects in 2D materials is crucial to understand their optical properties and spin-photon interface. Here, the authors report the direct imaging of charge state-dependent symmetry breaking of sulfur vacancies and rhenium dopants in 2D MoS2, showing evidence of a Jahn-Teller effect.
- Feifei Xiang
- , Lysander Huberich
- & Bruno Schuler
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Synergistically optimized electron and phonon transport in high-performance copper sulfides thermoelectric materials via one-pot modulation
It is hard to simultaneously improve electrical and thermal properties of materials due to the strong coupling of carrier and phonon transport. Here, the authors propose a one-pot modulation strategy for simultaneously adjusting carrier and phonon transport in copper sulfids.
- Yi-Xin Zhang
- , Qin-Yuan Huang
- & Zhen-Hua Ge
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Single [0001]-oriented zinc metal anode enables sustainable zinc batteries
The authors present a single [0001]-oriented Zn metal anode with high reversibility and demonstrate the significance of the Zn(0002) metal anode, characterized by a single crystalline orientation, for promoting ultra-sustainable homoepitaxial growth.
- Xiaotan Zhang
- , Jiangxu Li
- & Jiang Zhou
Long lifetimes white afterglow in slightly crosslinked polymer systems