Zexiong Qiu, Jiale Liu, Chuanzhou Han, Chaoyang Wang, Junwei Xiang, Ziwei Zheng, Minhao Xia, Yang Zhou, Anyi Mei, Hongwei Han
{"title":"Decylammonium sulfate post-treatment for efficient hole-conductor-free printable perovskite solar cells with reduced voltage loss","authors":"Zexiong Qiu, Jiale Liu, Chuanzhou Han, Chaoyang Wang, Junwei Xiang, Ziwei Zheng, Minhao Xia, Yang Zhou, Anyi Mei, Hongwei Han","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00643-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00643-9","url":null,"abstract":"Hole-conductor-free printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs) have attracted widespread attention for their low cost, up-scalability, and exceptional stability. However, the high defect density of perovskite and the absence of interfacial barrier layer between perovskite and carbon electrode cause profound open-circuit voltage (VOC) loss, which results in uncompetitive power conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, an anion-cation synergy of decylammonium sulfate (DA2SO4) is utilized for suppressing VOC loss of p-MPSCs via a facile post-treatment method. DA+ cations transform the perovskite adjacent to carbon electrode into wide-bandgap 2D perovskite for blocking electrons, while the SO42− anions interact with undercoordinated lead centers for reducing defect density. As a result, the modified device delivers an enhanced PCE from 17.78% to 19.59%, with an improved VOC from 0.98 V to 1.06 V. Meanwhile, the modified device without any encapsulation exhibits excellent moisture stability with the PCE remained almost 99% of the initial value after 528 h aging in 75% RH air at room temperature. Open-circuit voltage loss is an issue faced by hole-conductor-free printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. Here, a facile decylammonium sulfate post-treatment reduces the voltage loss via an anion-cation synergy, and increases the power conversion efficiency from 17.8% to 19.6%.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00643-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Discussing MXenes with Yury Gogotsi","authors":"","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00650-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00650-w","url":null,"abstract":"Yury Gogotsi is a pioneer of the burgeoning field of 2D MXenes. Here he offers his insight on the history of MXene development, promising applications and what he is excited about.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00650-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thies Jansen, Ekaterina Kochetkova, Anna Isaeva, Alexander Brinkman, Chuan Li
{"title":"Josephson coupling across magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4","authors":"Thies Jansen, Ekaterina Kochetkova, Anna Isaeva, Alexander Brinkman, Chuan Li","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00649-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00649-3","url":null,"abstract":"Topological superconductors hosting Majorana zero modes are of great interest for both fundamental physics and potential quantum computing applications. In this work, we investigate the transport properties of the intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 (MBT). In normal transport measurements, we observe the presence of chiral edge channels, though with deviations from perfect quantization due to factors such as non-uniform thickness, domain structures, and the presence of quasi-helical edge states. Subsequently, we fabricate superconducting junctions using niobium leads on MBT exfoliated flakes, which show an onset of supercurrent with clear Josephson coupling. The interference patterns in the superconducting junctions reveal interesting asymmetries, suggesting changes in the magnetic ordering of the MBT flakes under small applied magnetic fields. Moreover, the modulation of the critical current by magnetic field reveals a SQUID-like pattern, suggesting the presence of supercurrent through the quasi-helical edge states. Topological superconductors hosting Majorana zero modes are of great interest for both fundamental physics and potential quantum computing applications. Here, the intrinsic and Josephson junction transport properties of magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 are investigated, revealing superconducting interference patterns that suggest the presence of supercurrent through quasi-helical edge states.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00649-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Constructing matched sub-nanometric cobalt clusters with multiple oxidation and metallic states for efficient propane dehydrogenation","authors":"Weihua Deng, Dedong He, Dingkai Chen, Zijun Huang, Jiguang Deng, Yongming Luo","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00656-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00656-4","url":null,"abstract":"Modulating unique microenvironment including both oxidation and metallic states on sub-nanocluster metal catalysts remains challenging, since designing heterogeneous catalysis within controllable oxidation state is necessary for achieving optimum performance. Here we construct stable sub-nano-Co clusters, which shows different microenvironment with the reported sub-nanocluster catalysts and reported Co-based catalysts. The coexistence of both ionic bonds of Co-O and metallic bonds of Co-Co shows features of multiple oxidation and metallic states, which changes the electronic orbital configuration of the individual Co atom in clusters. The specific microenvironment within low oxidation state and high electron density promotes combination of empty and filled host orbitals to yield high electron transfer between metal and propane, which exhibits higher reactivity than the reported Co-based and other non-noble metals catalysts. The desired reactivity offers the possibility for the exploitation of highly efficient non-noble metal catalysts for propane dehydrogenation in industrial applications. Designing heterogeneous catalysts with modulated microenvironments is important for optimum performance. Here, cobalt sub-nanoclusters with Co-O and Co-Co bonds show multiple oxidation and metallic states for propane dehydrogenation.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00656-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anureet Kaur, Meet M. Fefar, Thomas Griggs, Keizo Akutagawa, Biqiong Chen, James J. C. Busfield
{"title":"Recyclable sulfur cured natural rubber with controlled disulfide metathesis","authors":"Anureet Kaur, Meet M. Fefar, Thomas Griggs, Keizo Akutagawa, Biqiong Chen, James J. C. Busfield","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00651-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00651-9","url":null,"abstract":"Traditionally, sulfur-cured natural rubber compounds exhibit limited recyclability due to a significant drop in mechanical performance after reprocessing. Maintaining physical and chemical properties after recycling of a cross-linked polymer is an essential requirement for the global rubber industry to become more sustainable. Here, we demonstrate that tuning the curing process to favour a reversible cross-linked network based on disulfide and polysulfide bonds enables recyclability. We use a sulfur-based vulcanization system optimized with copper (II) methacrylate at concentrations of 2.47, 4.94, and 9.89 phr to control disulfide metathesis at low temperatures and enhance recyclability. Mechanical characterization identifies 2.47 phr as optimal for maintaining mechanical properties after initial moulding and full recovery after recycling. Additionally, we demonstrate that copper (II) methacrylate can be incorporated into existing rubber waste streams to promote recyclability. Cross-linked polymers must maintain physical and chemical properties after recycling to improve sustainability. Here, tuning the curing process to favour a reversible cross-linked network using disulfides and polysulfides bonds retains mechanical performance.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00651-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziao Xue, YanSong Gai, Yuxiang Wu, Zhuo liu, Zhou Li
{"title":"Wearable mechanical and electrochemical sensors for real-time health monitoring","authors":"Ziao Xue, YanSong Gai, Yuxiang Wu, Zhuo liu, Zhou Li","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00658-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00658-2","url":null,"abstract":"Wearable sensors provide a good solution for real-time monitoring of human health, and great progress has been made in miniaturization, flexibility, low power consumption and intelligence in recent years. Here, we introduce the principles of wearable sensors and their applications in disease surveillance. Physiological signals mainly include physical signals and biochemical signals. Among various sensors used to monitor physiological signals, we have introduced the basic working principles of mechanical sensors and electrochemical sensors. We summarize the examples of the clever integration of sensors with daily wearable products, and introduce cases of disease monitoring applied to the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system and metabolic system. In view of the current situation of wearable sensors in terms of materials, structure, technology and energy, we discuss challenges and solutions of wearable mechanical and electrochemical sensors, and look forward to the application prospects of wearable sensors. Wearable sensors can expedite personalized medicine by integrating sensors into our daily lives. This Perspective discusses mechanical and electrochemical sensors, including their operating principles, device synthesis, and examples of their use in monitoring disease, and cardiovascular, nervous and musculoskeletal systems","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00658-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiangjiang Yu, Subhajit Dutta, Jacopo Andreo, Stefan Wuttke
{"title":"Identifying synthetic variables influencing the reproducible microfluidic synthesis of ZIF nano- and micro-particles","authors":"Xiangjiang Yu, Subhajit Dutta, Jacopo Andreo, Stefan Wuttke","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00644-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00644-8","url":null,"abstract":"The reproducible synthesis of nano- and -micro particles is a critical step in multiple synthetic and industrial processes. Microfluidic synthesis offers numerous advantages for development of precise, reliable, and industrially useful synthesis protocols. However, the influence of different synthetic variables on reproducibility in microfluidic synthesis is underexplored. In this work, we systematically study the influence of key synthetic parameters on the microfluidic synthesis of four Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs): ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-9, and ZIF-67. Utilizing a coiled tube microfluidic setup, we explore the influence of key synthetic parameters such as reagent concentration, stoichiometry, aging time, and nine modulators (pH-altering agents, surfactants, and polar polymers). Most importantly, we evaluate the impact of these variables in combination with the role of mixing, using the Dean flow model. Lastly, we focus on the reproducibility problems that a coiled reactor presents at specific flowrates and how these problems can be recognized and avoided. Overall, the insights collected from this work inform the design of synthetic protocols and enhance material reproducibility and control in microfluidic nano- and micro-particle synthesis. Microfluidic synthesis is an important protocol in multiple synthetic and industrial processes. Here, the influence of key synthetic parameters on the microfluidic synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks is evaluated, with recommendations given for reproducible synthesis.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00644-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Asish K. Kundu, Anil Rajapitamahuni, Elio Vescovo, Ilya I. Klimovskikh, Helmuth Berger, Tonica Valla
{"title":"Charge density waves and the effects of uniaxial strain on the electronic structure of 2H-NbSe2","authors":"Asish K. Kundu, Anil Rajapitamahuni, Elio Vescovo, Ilya I. Klimovskikh, Helmuth Berger, Tonica Valla","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00661-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00661-7","url":null,"abstract":"Interplay of superconductivity and density wave orders has been at the forefront of research of correlated electronic phases for a long time. 2H-NbSe2 is considered to be a prototype system for studying this interplay, where the balance between the two orders was proven to be sensitive to band filling and pressure. However, the origin of charge density wave in this material is still unresolved. Here, by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we revisit the charge density wave order and study the effects of uniaxial strain on the electronic structure of 2H-NbSe2. Our results indicate previously undetected signatures of charge density waves on the Fermi surface. The application of small amount of uniaxial strain induces substantial changes in the electronic structure and lowers its symmetry. This, and the altered lattice should affect both the charge density wave phase and superconductivity and should be observable in the macroscopic properties. 2H-NbSe2 is a prototype system for studying the interplay between superconductivity and density wave orders. Here, an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study provides insights into the origin of charge density wave in this material and reveals the substantial effects of uniaxial strain in modifying the electronic structure.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00661-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142415383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sami Vesamäki, Henning Meteling, Roshan Nasare, Antti Siiskonen, Jani Patrakka, Nelmary Roas-Escalona, Markus Linder, Matti Virkki, Arri Priimagi
{"title":"Strategies to control humidity sensitivity of azobenzene isomerisation kinetics in polymer thin films","authors":"Sami Vesamäki, Henning Meteling, Roshan Nasare, Antti Siiskonen, Jani Patrakka, Nelmary Roas-Escalona, Markus Linder, Matti Virkki, Arri Priimagi","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00642-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00642-w","url":null,"abstract":"Azobenzenes are versatile photoswitches that garner interest in applications ranging from photobiology to energy storage. Despite their great potential, transforming azobenzene-based discoveries and proof-of-concept demonstrations from the lab to the market is highly challenging. Herein we give an overview of a journey that started from a discovery of hydroxyazobenzene’s humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics, developed into commercialization efforts of azobenzene-containing thin film sensors for optical monitoring of the relative humidity of air, and arrives to the present work aiming for better design of such sensors by understanding the different factors affecting the humidity sensitivity. Our concept is based on thermal isomerisation kinetics of tautomerizable azobenzenes in polymer matrices which, using pre-defined calibration curves, can be converted to relative humidity at known temperature. We present a small library of tautomerizable azobenzenes exhibiting humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics in hygroscopic polymer films. We also investigate how water absorption properties of the polymer used, and the isomerisation kinetics are linked and how the azobenzene content in the thin film affects both properties. Based on our findings we propose simple strategies for further development of azobenzene-based optical humidity sensors. Many variables related to azobenzene-based humidity sensors remain. Here, a small library of tautomerisable azobenzenes is studied for their humidity dependent thermal isomerisation rate in polymer thin films.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11446815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142380228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}