Periodic lattice materials have been studied extensively in numerous science and engineering fields. Despite the vast knowledge that has emerged, the activities have been stove-piped within individual research communities, often in isolation from those in related fields. To bring this work into a holistic framework, the present article considers the elements needed to integrate the study of lattice materials into the processing–structure–properties paradigm that underpins materials science as an academic discipline. The emphasis is on concepts of structure involving topology, morphology, and defects of lattice materials, with illustrations of structure–property relations in the context of lattice strength.

Soiling can lead to severe performance losses of photovoltaic (PV) plants. Within this study, three different anti-soiling coatings (ASC) were applied to three different commercial, solar-grade rolled glasses with different surface structures. Laboratory soiling experiments were performed including wind simulation and a novel rotational force test to assess the influence of different surface structures of the glass substrate on the anti-soiling performance of the coatings. A detailed microscopic evaluation indicates a consistent ranking of the ASC with regard to particle resuspension behavior for both test methods and all substrates. Furthermore, the rotational force test yields a quantitative measure of the median force needed for particle removal from the respective coating, which is independent of the glass substrate surface morphology.

Many materials systems comprise complex structures where multiple materials are integrated to achieve a desired performance. Often in these systems, it is a combination of both the materials and their structure that dictate performance. Here the authors layout an integrated computational–statistical–experimental methodology for hierarchical materials systems that takes a holistic design approach to both the material and structure. The authors used computational modeling of the physical system combined with statistical design of experiments to explore an activated carbon adsorption bed. The large parameter space makes experimental optimization impractical. Instead, a computational–statistical approach is coupled with physical experiments to validate the optimization results.

Oligodepsipeptides (ODPs) with alternating amide and ester bonds prepared by ring-opening polymerization of morpholine-2,5-dione derivatives are promising matrices for drug delivery systems and building blocks for multifunctional biomaterials. Here, we elucidate the behavior of three telechelic ODPs and one multiblock copolymer containing ODP blocks at the air–water interface. Surprisingly, whereas the oligomers and multiblock copolymers crystallize in bulk, no crystallization is observed at the air–water interface. Furthermore, polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy is used to elucidate hydrogen bonding and secondary structures in ODP monolayers. The results will direct the development of the next ODP-based biomaterial generation with tailored properties for highly sophisticated applications.

The remarkable broadband and omnidirectional anti-reflectivity observed in the glasswing butterfly arises from the random array of nanopillars present on their wings. In the present study, analogous structures have been replicated on transparent substrates using a scalable, low-cost method that exploits surface dewetting of silver thin films on silica substrates to form an etch mask. Directional etching was applied with high selectivity between Ag and SiO2 using CHF3, allowing large aspect ratios to be achieved with 20 min etches. Single-sided nanostructuring of glass by this method improved the transmission of light by 2–8% for viewing angles of 25°, 45°, and 65°.

In this study, Mg-substituted tricalcium phosphate (Mg-TCP) nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of Mg-calcite mesocrystals from echinoderm skeletons. Following the biomineralization of echinoderms, Mg-calcite powder was synthesized via the solid-state transition of Mg-amorphous calcium carbonate prepared by a wet-chemical precipitation method, which can also be used to fabricate Mg-TCP. We illustrated that Mg-calcite with a certain level of Mg substitution led to the formation of Mg-TCP through the ion-exchange reactions in the hydrothermal system. Therefore, this study provides a new pathway for the synthesis of Mg-TCP nanoparticles.

Temperature-memory technology was utilized to generate flat substrates with a programmable stiffness pattern from cross-linked poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) substrates with cylindrical microstructures. Programmed substrates were obtained by vertical compression at temperatures in the range from 60 to 100 °C and subsequent cooling, whereby a flat substrate was achieved by compression at 72 °C, as documented by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM nanoindentation experiments revealed that all programmed substrates exhibited the targeted stiffness pattern. The presented technology for generating polymeric substrates with programmable stiffness pattern should be attractive for applications such as touchpads, optical storage, or cell instructive substrates.

Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing is widely used to study cell behavior such as adhesion, migration, and cell toxicity. However, a simultaneous optical imaging of cells is limited by inefficient transmission of visible light through the gold electrodes. To overcome this limitation, we fabricated carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes with high electrical conductivity as well as optical transmittance. The impedimetric monitoring of cell proliferation and migration by gold and CNT electrodes were compared and analyzed. Taking advantage of the optical transparency of CNTs, we demonstrated a simultaneous electronic and optical monitoring of MCF7 cells, with acquisition of high-resolution images.

In the current manuscript we discuss the response of dynamic metallogels that display reversion to the liquid state when exposed to phosphines. The metallogels are formed through the condensation of formaldehyde and poly(alkyloxide)amines in polar aprotic solvents. The gel formation can be catalyzed with trivalent metals (Al(III and Fe(III)) with concomitant enhanced dynamism (gelation/degelation). When various phosphines are introduced, the metallogel is irreversibly liquefied. This process adds a new vector for controlling the bulk properties of this class of materials. Here, we explore the mechanism in detail for the reaction of tris(carboxyethyl)phosphine with N,N,N-triethoxylethyl-1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (HEHT, 1) a stable derivative of the active hexahydrotriazine (HT) core in dimethylformamide in the presence or absence of Al(III). Additionally, density functional theory is used on the model N,N,N-trimethyl system (MHT, 2) to estimate reaction parameters and predict nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.

Thermal stable chloride melts were used as the reaction medium for modifying the chemical composition of complex oxides ensuring a marked improvement of their working properties. This paper discusses the original results of the direct effect of molten KCl–CoCl2 mixtures on the fine Ni4Nb2O9 powders under argon- and oxygen-containing gaseous atmospheres at 500 °C. The initial Ni4Nb2O9 powder and the reaction products were studied in detail using the differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, x-ray diffractometry, Raman and IR spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and conductometry which demonstrated clearly the formation of the thermal stable single-phase Ni–Co niobates.

The practical realization of rechargeable organic batteries is stalled by their low electron conductivity, which limits the organic-active material content in the electrode composite and results in a low net electrode energy density. Additionally, the dissolution of active materials into the electrolyte causes a short cycle life. In this study, a conductive polymer mixture, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrenesulfonate, containing a small amount of sugar alcohol was used as the binder and separator in a rechargeable organic battery. Consequently, the active material content was increased up to 80 wt%, and the cycle life was extended.

Perovskite solar cells have evolved significantly since their inception. However, stability is still a major concern. We fabricated devices using a glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3/PCBM/Ag device configuration. Devices fabricated using the Pb-acetate precursors showed an efficiency of 13%. This work reports the effect of adding excess lead to the precursor and its impact on the light-induced degradation of efficiency. It is found that 5% excess lead is best for devices regarding the performance and stability and devices retained greater than 50% of the initial efficiency after 2 h of prolonged irradiation. We attribute this phenomenon to the formation of PbI2 which induces passivation in the grain-boundaries.

We herein report the detection of folic acid (FA) via the fluorometric method using water-soluble AgInS2 quantum dots (QDs). The optical analysis showed that the addition of FA to AgInS2 QDs results in significant, blue-shifted photoluminescence emission. A linear plot of the blueshift in the photoluminescence wavelength position against FA concentration was obtained in the range of 0.03–33 µM with the detection limit of 52 nM. Interference study showed the selective detection of FA in the presence of other biomolecules. The as-synthesized AgInS2 QDs can be employed as an optical sensor for the rapid detection of FA in aqueous solutions.

The formation of nanosized porous oxide layers on titanium (Ti) by asymmetric alternating current anodizing in sulfuric acid has been studied using electrochemical techniques. In order to prevent spark discharge at Ti electrode upon its anodization in 1.0 M H2SO4 solution, the magnitude of the cathodic current is reduced using a special electrical circuit consisting of a variable resistor and two diodes. The unique surface treatment approach gives rise to the formation of nanosized porous layer in a very short period of time and without spark discharge. The surface of porous layers thus obtained has in vitro apatite-forming ability.

The authors report on 7Li, 19F, and 1H pulsed field gradient NMR measurements of 26 organosilyl nitrile solvent-based electrolytes of either lithium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) or lithium hexafluorophosphate. Lithium transport numbers (as high as 0.50) were measured and are highest in the LiTFSI electrolytes. The authors also report on solvent blend electrolytes of fluoroorganosilyl (FOS) nitrile solvent mixed with ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate. Solvent diffusion measurements on an electrolyte with 6% FOS suggest both the FOS and EC solvate the lithium cation. By comparing lithium transport and transference numbers, the authors find less ion pairing in FOS nitrile carbonate blend electrolytes and difluoroorganosilyl nitrile electrolytes.

Scanning thermal microscopy allows thermal characterization with nanoscale resolution. However, quantitative usage has been met with skepticism, because no standard exists for calibrating probe–sample thermal exchange. In this paper, three published strategies for calibrating probe–sample thermal exchange are directly compared, then used to measure bulk and thin-film thermal conductivity. It is shown that with an appropriately calibrated probe and film-on-substrate heat conduction model, thermal conductivity values of ultrathin-film (2.9–202 nm) Al2O3 on silicon are within 20% deviation of independently measured values, while more commonly used methods yield values that may deviate by more a factor of two.

${\rm Au}_{25}\lpar {{\rm C}_6{\rm H}_{14}{\rm S}} \rpar_{18}{}^-$ icosahedron and [Au25(PPh)10(C6H14S)5Cl2]2+ bi-icosahedron clusters were synthesized. Ligand exchange reactions were carried out with a new coumarin-derived fluorophore (Cou-SH) to label both clusters. Labeled and unlabeled Au25 were compared and the changes in the electronic structure were determined. The labeled clusters showed marked changes in electronic states, as evidenced by the quenching in the UV region and enhancement in the near infrared. The quantum yield from Cou-SH decreased and the quantum yield from the labeled Au25 increased. Second, the authors observed changes in the electrochemical band gap.

Herein, the authors report our pioneering demonstration of the anisotropic thermal properties of black phosphorus (BP) nanoflakes. The nanoflakes were produced using a scotch tape-based mechanical exfoliation technique. Their thickness was characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy The anisotropic direction of the nanoflakes was determined by the Raman Spectroscopy equipped with a polarized laser. Then, a temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy method was utilized to study the thermal transport properties of the BP nanoflakes. The results indicated that the thermal conductivities of zigzag BP and armchair nanoflakes are 30.6 and 12.6 W/m·K, respectively. This fundamental thermal study gives insight into the future fabrication of nanoscale electronic devices with thermal properties that can be well controlled.

Solid state batteries are an emerging alternative to traditional liquid electrolyte cells that provide potential for safe and high-energy density power sources. This report describes a self-forming, solid state battery based on the Li/I2 couple using an LiI-rich LiI(3-hydroxypropionitrile)2 electrolyte (LiI–LiI(HPN)2). As the negative and positive active materials are generated in situ, the solid electrolyte–current collector interfaces play a critical role in determining the electrochemical response of the battery. Herein, we report the investigation of solid electrolyte–current collector interfaces with a self-forming LiI–LiI(HPN)2 solid electrolyte and the role of varying interface design in reducing resistance during cycling.

We report the classical molecular dynamics (MD) study of thermal stability of three two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbides Ti2C, Ti3C2, and Ti4C3 (MXenes). Thermal properties of 2D nanomaterials are of fundamental importance and raise particular interest due to their potential applications in nanoelectronics. To investigate the behavior of Tin+1Cn MXenes during heating, structural parameters such as Lindemann indexes, radial distribution functions, and atomistic configurations were calculated. The analysis of MD data allowed us to obtain approximate values of MXene degradation temperatures that are 1050, 1500, and 1700 K for Ti2C, Ti3C2, and Ti3C4 MXenes, respectively.