Nano-Micro Letters最新文献

Chirality, as the symmetric breaking of molecules, plays an essential role in physical, chemical and especially biological processes, which highlights the accurate distinction among heterochiralities as well as the precise preparation for homochirality. To this end, the well-designed structure-specific recognizer and catalysis reactor are necessitated, respectively. However, each kind of target molecules requires a custom-made chiral partner and the dynamic disorder of spatial-orientation distribution of molecules at the ensemble level leads to an inefficient protocol. In this perspective article, we developed a universal strategy capable of realizing the chirality detection and control by the external symmetry breaking based on the alignment of the molecular frame to external stimuli. Specifically, in combination with the discussion about the relationship among the chirality (molecule), spin (electron) and polarization (photon), i.e., the three natural symmetry breaking, single-molecule junctions were proposed to achieve a single-molecule/event-resolved detection and synthesis. The fixation of the molecular orientation and the CMOS-compatibility provide an efficient interface to achieve the external input of symmetry breaking. This perspective is believed to offer more efficient applications in accurate chirality detection and precise asymmetric synthesis via the close collaboration of chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and engineers.

Zinc–bromine rechargeable batteries (ZBRBs) are one of the most powerful candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their potentially lower material cost, deep discharge capability, non-flammable electrolytes, relatively long lifetime and good reversibility. However, many opportunities remain to improve the efficiency and stability of these batteries for long-life operation. Here, we discuss the device configurations, working mechanisms and performance evaluation of ZBRBs. Both non-flow (static) and flow-type cells are highlighted in detail in this review. The fundamental electrochemical aspects, including the key challenges and promising solutions, are discussed, with particular attention paid to zinc and bromine half-cells, as their performance plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of the battery system. The following sections examine the key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques. The review concludes with insights into future developments and prospects for high-performance ZBRBs.

Highlights

The demand for building-integrated photovoltaics and portable energy systems based on flexible photovoltaic technology such as perovskite embedded with exceptional flexibility and a superior power-to-mass ratio is enormous. The photoactive layer, i.e., the perovskite thin film, as a critical component of flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs), still faces long-term stability issues when deformation occurs due to encountering temperature changes that also affect intrinsic rigidity. This literature investigation summarizes the main factors responsible for the rapid destruction of F-PSCs. We focus on long-term mechanical stability of F-PSCs together with the recent research protocols for improving this performance. Furthermore, we specify the progress in F-PSCs concerning precise design strategies of the functional layer to enhance the flexural endurance of perovskite films, such as internal stress engineering, grain boundary modification, self-healing strategy, and crystallization regulation. The existing challenges of oxygen-moisture stability and advanced encapsulation technologies of F-PSCs are also discussed. As concluding remarks, we propose our viewpoints on the large-scale commercial application of F-PSCs.

Highlights

The development of wearable multifunctional electromagnetic protective fabrics with multifunctional, low cost, and high efficiency remains a challenge. Here, inspired by the unique flower branch shape of “Thunberg’s meadowsweet” in nature, a nanofibrous composite membrane with hierarchical structure was constructed. Integrating sophisticated 0D@2D@1D hierarchical structures with multiple heterointerfaces can fully unleash the multifunctional application potential of composite membrane. The targeted induction method was used to precisely regulate the formation site and morphology of the metal–organic framework precursor, and intelligently integrate multiple heterostructures to enhance dielectric polarization, which improves the impedance matching and loss mechanisms of the electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. Due to the synergistic enhancement of electrospinning-derived carbon nanofiber “stems”, MOF-derived carbon nanosheet “petals” and transition metal selenide nano-particle “stamens”, the Co_xSe_y/NiSe@CNSs@CNFs (CNCC) composite membrane obtains a minimum reflection loss value (RL_min) of -68.40 dB at 2.6 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.88 GHz at a thin thickness of 2.0 mm with a filling amount of only 5 wt%. In addition, the multi-component and hierarchical heterostructure endow the fibrous membrane with excellent flexibility, water resistance, thermal management, and other multifunctional properties. This work provides unique perspectives for the precise design and rational application of multifunctional fabrics.

Highlights

Preparing polymeric coatings with well corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity (TC) to prolong operational life and ensure service reliability of heat conductive metallic materials has long been a substantive and urgent need while a difficult task. Here we report a multifunctional epoxy composite coating (F-CB/CEP) by synthesizing cerium methacrylate and ingeniously using it as a novel curing agent with corrosion inhibit for epoxy resin and modifier for boron nitride through "cation-π" interaction. The prepared F-CB/CEP coating presents a high TC of 4.29 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, which is much higher than other reported anti-corrosion polymer coatings and thereby endowing metal materials coated by this coating with outstanding thermal management performance compared with those coated by pure epoxy coating. Meanwhile, the low-frequency impedance remains at 5.1 × 10¹¹ Ω cm² even after 181 days of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Besides, the coating also exhibits well hydrophobicity, self-cleaning properties, temperature resistance and adhesion. This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of high-performance composite coatings with potential to be used as advanced multifunctional thermal management materials, especially for heat conduction metals protection.