Mrs Bulletin最新文献

Based on historical developments and the current state of the art in gas-phase transmission electron microscopy (GP-TEM), we provide a perspective covering exciting new technologies and methodologies of relevance for chemical and surface sciences. Considering thermal and photochemical reaction environments, we emphasize the benefit of implementing gas cells, quantitative TEM approaches using sensitive detection for structured electron illumination (in space and time) and data denoising, optical excitation, and data mining using autonomous machine learning techniques. These emerging advances open new ways to accelerate discoveries in chemical and surface sciences.

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The advent of small-scale robots holds immense potential for revolutionizing various industries, particularly in the domains of surgery and operations within confined spaces that are currently inaccessible to conventional tools. However, their tethered nature and dependence on external power sources impede their progress. To surmount these challenges, the integration of batteries into these diminutive robots emerges as a promising solution. This article explores the integration of batteries in small-scale robots, focusing on “hard” and “soft” approaches. The challenges of integrating rigid batteries into microrobots are discussed. Various battery materials suitable for microfabrication are explored, along with creating three-dimensional structures to optimize performance within limited space. The “soft” integration emphasizes the need for flexible and deformable battery technologies that seamlessly integrate with soft robotic systems. Challenges related to flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility are addressed. The concept of distributed and mobile energy units, where smaller batteries assemble into a larger power bank, is proposed for scalability and adaptability. Extracting energy from the environment, inspired by fuel cells, reduces reliance on traditional batteries. This article offers valuable insights into battery integration for small-scale robots, propelling advancements in autonomous and versatile systems. By overcoming current limitations, integrated batteries will unlock the full potential of small-scale robots across various industries.

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Defects in crystals influence and control many relevant material properties. It is essential to employ multiscale modeling to understand structure and evolution of crystal defects. Most multiscale modeling schemes are hierarchical in nature, typically passing results from modeling conducted at each successive length/time scale to the next higher scale(s), with the intent to inform model parameters or instruct the form of reduced-order models. Here, we briefly review some pertinent hierarchical multiscale modeling advances for fundamentals of crystal defects.

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Bioinspired semiaquatic robots have a remarkable ability to effectively navigate on the water surface. In this article, we explore the design of these biomimetic robotic systems and their body scale-dependent governing forces behind the motion. First, the role of surface tension in enabling hydrophobic objects to remain afloat despite having greater density than water and the effect of morphology, especially the presence of hair-like structures, on the flotation stability are discussed. Then the forces that drive the diverse motions of natural organisms and robots on the air/water interface are investigated. We highlight that while small organisms and robots generate motion utilizing surface tension-based force, large ones primarily exploit inertial drag for propulsion. We show the correlation between the performance and body size in both small and large natural organisms, and how they adjust the shape and speed of legs to optimize the propulsion. To optimize these distinct propulsion forces, the shape and speed of the driving legs are adjusted, thereby maximizing momentum while maintaining high efficiency. This article aims to provide insights on the design and operating mechanism of semiaquatic robots and to bridge the gap between the study of biological locomotion and its mechanical analogs.

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Solid-state batteries with features of high potential for high energy density and improved safety have gained considerable attention and witnessed fast growing interests in the past decade. Significant progress and numerous efforts have been made on materials discovery, interface characterizations, and device fabrication. This issue of MRS Bulletin focuses on the current state of the art of solid-state batteries with the most important topics related to the interface issues, advanced characterizations, and electrode chemistries, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective for the interface and characterization challenges for high-performance solid-state battery devices.