11 research outputs found
Fabrication of Antireflective Compound Eyes by Imprinting
In this article, we demonstrate a
simple and cost-effective approach
to fabricate antireflective polymer coatings. The antireflective surfaces
have 3D structures that mimick moth compound eyes. The fabrication
is easily performed via a one-step imprinting process. The 3D arrays
exhibit better antireflective performance than 2D arrays over most
wavelengths from 400 to 2400 nm. The reflectivity of the 3D arrays
is lower than 5.7% over the all of the wavelengths, and the minimum
reflectivity is 0.27% at a wavelength of around 1000 nm
Biomass-Derived Porous Fe<sub>3</sub>C/Tungsten Carbide/Graphitic Carbon Nanocomposite for Efficient Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction
The
oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) draws an extensive attention in many
applications, and there is a growing interest to develop effective
ORR electrocatalysts. Iron carbide (Fe<sub>3</sub>C) is a promising
alternative to noble metals (e.g., platinum), but its performances
need further improvement, and the real role of the Fe<sub>3</sub>C
phase remains unclear. In this study, we synthesize Fe<sub>3</sub>C/tungsten carbide/graphitic carbon (Fe<sub>3</sub>C/WC/GC) nanocomposites,
with waste biomass (i.e., pomelo peel) serving as carbon source, using
a facile, one-step carbon thermal-reduction method. The nanocomposite
is characterized by a porous structure consisting of uniform Fe<sub>3</sub>C nanoparticles encased by graphitic carbon (GC) layers with
highly dispersed nanosized WC. The Fe<sub>3</sub>C provides the active
sites for ORR, while the graphitic layers and WC nanoparticles can
stibilize the Fe<sub>3</sub>C surface, preventing it from dissociation
in the electrolyte. The Fe<sub>3</sub>C/WC/GC nanocomposite is highly
active, selective, and stable toward four-electron ORR in pH-neutral
electrolyte, which results in a 67.82% higher power density than that
of commercial Pt/C and negligible voltage decay during a long-term
phase of a 33 cycle (2200 h) operation of a microbial fuel cell (MFC).
The density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest high activity
for splitting the O–O bond of molecular oxygen on the surface
of Fe<sub>3</sub>C
Foodborne Carbon Dots Aggravate High-Fat-Diet-Induced Glucose Homeostasis Imbalance by Disrupting the Gut-Liver Axis
Foodborne
carbon dots (CDs) are generally produced during cooking
and exist in food items. Generally, CDs are regarded as nontoxic materials,
but several studies have gradually confirmed the cytotoxicity of CDs,
such as oxidative stress, reduced cellular activity, apoptosis, etc.
However, studies focusing on the health effects of long-term intake
of food-borne CDs are scarce, especially in populations susceptible
to metabolic disease. In this study, we reported that CDs in self-brewing
beer had no effect on glucose metabolism in CHOW-fed mice but exacerbated
high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced glucose metabolism disorders via the gut-liver
axis. Chronic exposure to foodborne CDs increased fasting glucose
levels and exacerbated liver and intestinal barrier damage in HFD-fed
mice. The 16s rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that CDs significantly
altered the gut microbiota composition and promoted lipopolysaccharide
(LPS) synthesis-related KEGG pathways (superpathway of (Kdo)2-lipid
A, Kdo transfer to lipid IVA Ill (Chlamydia), lipid IVA biosynthesis,
and so on) in HFD-fed mice. Mechanically, CD exposure increased the
abundance of Gram-negative bacteria (Proteobacteria and Desulfovibrionaceae), thus producing excessive
endotoxin-LPS, and then LPS was transferred by the blood circulation
to the liver due to the damaged intestinal barrier. In the liver,
LPS promoted TLR4/NF-κB/P38 MAPK signaling, thus enhancing systemic
inflammation and exacerbating HFD-induced insulin resistance. However,
pretreating mice with antibiotics eliminated these effects, indicating
a key role for gut microbiota in CDs exacerbating glucose metabolism
disorders in HFD-fed mice. The finding herein provides new insight
into the potential health risk of foodborne nanoparticles in susceptible
populations by disturbing the gut-liver axis
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics
Quadruple H‑Bonding Cross-Linked Supramolecular Polymeric Materials as Substrates for Stretchable, Antitearing, and Self-Healable Thin Film Electrodes
Herein,
we report a de novo chemical design of supramolecular polymer materials
(SPMs-<b>1</b>–<b>3</b>) by condensation polymerization,
consisting of (i) soft polymeric chains (polytetramethylene glycol
and tetraethylene glycol) and (ii) strong and reversible quadruple
H-bonding cross-linkers (from 0 to 30 mol %). The former contributes
to the formation of the soft domain of the SPMs, and the latter furnishes
the SPMs with desirable mechanical properties, thereby producing soft,
stretchable, yet tough elastomers. The resulting SPM-<b>2</b> was observed to be highly stretchable (up to 17 000% strain),
tough (fracture energy ∼30 000 J/m<sup>2</sup>), and
self-healing, which are highly desirable properties and are superior
to previously reported elastomers and tough hydrogels. Furthermore,
a gold, thin film electrode deposited on this SPM substrate retains
its conductivity and combines high stretchability (∼400%),
fracture/notch insensitivity, self-healing, and good interfacial adhesion
with the gold film. Again, these properties are all highly complementary
to commonly used polydimethylsiloxane-based thin film metal electrodes.
Last, we proceed to demonstrate the practical utility of our fabricated
electrode via both in vivo and in vitro measurements of electromyography
signals. This fundamental understanding obtained from the investigation
of these SPMs will facilitate the progress of intelligent soft materials
and flexible electronics