Pub Date : 2024-10-09DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00650-w
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.
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-08DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00649-3
Thies Jansen, Ekaterina Kochetkova, Anna Isaeva, Alexander Brinkman, Chuan Li
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.
{"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}
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.
在亚纳米簇金属催化剂上调节独特的微环境(包括氧化态和金属态)仍然具有挑战性,因为要实现最佳性能,必须在可控氧化态下设计异相催化。在这里,我们构建了稳定的亚纳米钴簇,它与已报道的亚纳米簇催化剂和已报道的钴基催化剂显示出不同的微环境。Co-O 的离子键和 Co-Co 的金属键共存,显示出多重氧化态和金属态的特征,从而改变了团簇中单个 Co 原子的电子轨道构型。低氧化态和高电子密度的特定微环境促进了空的和填充的主轨道的结合,从而在金属和丙烷之间产生高电子转移,与已报道的 Co 基催化剂和其他非贵金属催化剂相比,这种催化剂具有更高的反应活性。这种理想的反应活性为在工业应用中开发用于丙烷脱氢的高效非贵金属催化剂提供了可能。设计具有可调节微环境的异相催化剂对于实现最佳性能非常重要。在这里,具有 Co-O 和 Co-Co 键的钴亚纳米团簇在丙烷脱氢过程中表现出多种氧化态和金属态。
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-06DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00651-9
Anureet Kaur, Meet M. Fefar, Thomas Griggs, Keizo Akutagawa, Biqiong Chen, James J. C. Busfield
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.
传统上,硫硫化天然橡胶化合物的可回收性有限,原因是再加工后机械性能显著下降。交联聚合物在回收后仍能保持物理和化学特性,是全球橡胶工业实现可持续发展的基本要求。在此,我们证明了调整硫化工艺,使其有利于基于二硫键和多硫键的可逆交联网络,从而实现可回收性。我们使用硫基硫化体系,优化甲基丙烯酸铜 (II),浓度分别为 2.47、4.94 和 9.89 phr,以控制二硫化物在低温下的偏析,提高可回收性。机械特性分析表明,2.47 phr 的浓度最适合在初次成型后保持机械特性,并在回收后完全恢复机械特性。此外,我们还证明了甲基丙烯酸铜 (II) 可融入现有的橡胶废料流中,以提高可回收性。交联聚合物在回收后必须保持物理和化学特性,以提高可持续性。在此,我们调整了固化过程,以便利用二硫键和多硫键形成可逆交联网络,从而保持机械性能。
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-05DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00658-2
Ziao Xue, YanSong Gai, Yuxiang Wu, Zhuo liu, Zhou Li
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
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-03DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00644-8
Xiangjiang Yu, Subhajit Dutta, Jacopo Andreo, Stefan Wuttke
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.
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-02DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00661-7
Asish K. Kundu, Anil Rajapitamahuni, Elio Vescovo, Ilya I. Klimovskikh, Helmuth Berger, Tonica Valla
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.
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-02DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00642-w
Sami Vesamäki, Henning Meteling, Roshan Nasare, Antti Siiskonen, Jani Patrakka, Nelmary Roas-Escalona, Markus Linder, Matti Virkki, Arri Priimagi
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.
{"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}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00614-0
Robert Puttock, Anaïs Fondet, Ingrid M. Andersen, Mark C. Rosamond, Alexander Fernández Scarioni, Hans W. Schumacher, Etienne Snoeck, Christophe Gatel, Olga Kazakova
Artificial spin ice (ASI) systems have emerged as powerful platforms for exploring the fundamental aspects of magnetic frustration and topological phenomena in condensed matter physics. In this study, we investigate the bountiful effects that result from introducing hexagonal magnetic defects into an ASI lattice. The stochastic stabilisation of a plethora of metastable states in the hexagonal defects are explored, as well as harnessing the defect magnetisation state for the selective injection of emergent monopoles of different polarities and proximities within the lattice. We demonstrate a mechanism for tailoring the ASI behaviour using the magnetic state of the defect, which is of interest to applications including magnetic memory devices and spin-based logic. Artificial spin ice systems are interesting material simulators for exploring magnetic frustration and topological phenomena in condensed matter physics. Here, the authors investigate the effects of hexagonal magnetic defects introduced into an artificial spin ice lattice, demonstrating the stochastic stabilisation of metastable magnetic configurations and local tuning of the system’s switching response.
人工自旋冰(ASI)系统已成为探索凝聚态物理中磁沮度和拓扑现象基本方面的强大平台。在本研究中,我们研究了在 ASI 晶格中引入六边形磁缺陷所产生的丰富效应。我们探索了六边形缺陷中大量可变状态的随机稳定,以及利用缺陷磁化状态在晶格内选择性地注入不同极性和接近度的新兴单极。我们展示了一种利用缺陷的磁化状态来定制人工自旋冰行为的机制,这对磁存储器件和基于自旋的逻辑等应用具有重要意义。人造自旋冰系统是一种有趣的材料模拟器,可用于探索凝聚态物理中的磁沮度和拓扑现象。在这里,作者研究了人工自旋冰晶格中引入六边形磁缺陷的影响,证明了陨落磁构型的随机稳定和系统开关响应的局部调整。
{"title":"Stochastic hexagonal injectors in artificial spin ice","authors":"Robert Puttock, Anaïs Fondet, Ingrid M. Andersen, Mark C. Rosamond, Alexander Fernández Scarioni, Hans W. Schumacher, Etienne Snoeck, Christophe Gatel, Olga Kazakova","doi":"10.1038/s43246-024-00614-0","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s43246-024-00614-0","url":null,"abstract":"Artificial spin ice (ASI) systems have emerged as powerful platforms for exploring the fundamental aspects of magnetic frustration and topological phenomena in condensed matter physics. In this study, we investigate the bountiful effects that result from introducing hexagonal magnetic defects into an ASI lattice. The stochastic stabilisation of a plethora of metastable states in the hexagonal defects are explored, as well as harnessing the defect magnetisation state for the selective injection of emergent monopoles of different polarities and proximities within the lattice. We demonstrate a mechanism for tailoring the ASI behaviour using the magnetic state of the defect, which is of interest to applications including magnetic memory devices and spin-based logic. Artificial spin ice systems are interesting material simulators for exploring magnetic frustration and topological phenomena in condensed matter physics. Here, the authors investigate the effects of hexagonal magnetic defects introduced into an artificial spin ice lattice, demonstrating the stochastic stabilisation of metastable magnetic configurations and local tuning of the system’s switching response.","PeriodicalId":10589,"journal":{"name":"Communications Materials","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":7.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00614-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142360059","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}