A microfluidics-dispensing-printing strategy for Janus photonic crystal microspheres towards smart patterned displays

From the implementation point of view, the printable magnetic Janus colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) microspheres are highly desirable. Herein, we developed a dispensing-printing strategy for magnetic Janus CPCs display via a microfluidics-automatic printing system. Monodisperse core/shell colloidal particles and magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles precursor serve as inks. Based on the equilibrium of three-phase interfacial tensions, Janus structure is successfully formed, followed by UV irradiation and self-assembly of colloid particle to generate magnetic Janus CPCs microspheres. Notably, this method shows distinct superiority with highly uniform Janus CPCs structure, where the TMPTA/Fe₃O₄ hemisphere is in the bottom side while CPCs hemisphere is in the top side. Thus, by using Janus CPCs microspheres with two different structural colors as pixel points, a pattern with red flower and green leaf is achieved. Moreover, 1D linear Janus CPCs pattern encapsulated by hydrogel is also fabricated. Both the color and the shape can be changed under the traction of magnets, showing great potentials in flexible smart displays. We believe this work not only offers a new feasible pathway to construct magnetic Janus CPCs patterns by a dispensing-printable fashion, but also provides new opportunities for flexible and smart displays.     

Some Results on the Optimal Matching Problem for the Jacobi Model

Potential Analysis - We establish some exact asymptotic results for a matching problem with respect to a family of beta distributions. Let X1,…,Xn be independent random variables with common...     

A Stochastic Subgradient Method for Distributionally Robust Non-convex and Non-smooth Learning

Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications - We consider a distributionally robust formulation of stochastic optimization problems arising in statistical learning, where robustness is with...     

Excellent UV-absorbing cotton fabric with high durability and hydrophobicity based on surface-initiated ATRP of polymerizable organic UV-absorber

Cellulose - Ultraviolet (UV) protective cotton fabric is a convenient and reliable way to protect human body from sunlight. Herein, a polymerizable UV-absorber,...     

Interfacial instability of ferrofluid flow under the influence of a vacuum magnetic field

This study is to numerically test the interfacial instability of ferrofluid flow under the presence of a vacuum magnetic field. The ferrofluid parabolized stability equations(PSEs) are derived from the ferrofluid stability equations and the Rosensweig equations, and the characteristic values of the ferrofluid PSEs are given to describe the ellipticity of ferrofluid flow. Three numerical models representing specific cases considering with/without a vacuum magnetic field or viscosity are created to mathematically examine the interfacial instability by the computation of characteristic values. Numerical investigation shows strong dependence of the basic characteristic of ferrofluid Rayleigh-Taylor instability(RTI) on viscosity of ferrofluid and independence of the vacuum magnetic field.For the shock wave striking helium bubble, the magnetic field is not able to trigger the symmetry breaking of bubble but change the speed of the bubble movement. In the process of droplet formation from a submerged orifice, the collision between the droplet and the liquid surface causes symmetry breaking. Both the viscosity and the magnetic field exacerbate symmetry breaking. The computational results agree with the published experimental results.     

Lower Bounds for the Robustness of Multilevel Coherence

International Journal of Theoretical Physics - Quantum coherence, coming from quantum superposition, occupies a significant position in the field of physics. We put forward a lower bound of the...     

Developing Flexible Quinacridone-Derivatives-Based Photothermal Evaporaters for Solar Steam and Thermoelectric Power Generation

Solar-driven interfacial vaporization by localizing solar-thermal energy conversion to the air−water interface has attracted tremendous attention. In the process of converting solar energy into heat energy, photothermal materials play an essential role. Herein, a flexible solar-thermal material di-cyan substituted 5,12-dibutylquinacridone (DCN−4CQA)@Paper was developed by coating photothermal quinacridone derivatives on the cellulose paper. The DCN−4CQA@Paper combines desired chemical and physical properties, broadband light-absorbing, and shape-conforming abilities that render efficient photothermic vaporization. Notably, synergetic coupling of solar-steam and solar-electricity technologies by integrating DCN−4CQA@Paper and the thermoelectric devices is realized without trade-offs, highlighting the practical consideration toward more impactful solar heat exploitation. Such solar distillation and low-grade heat-to-electricity generation functions can provide potential opportunities for fresh water and electricity supply in off-grid or remote areas.     

Photoelectrochemical Cytosensors

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cytosensors, a combination of the PEC process and the living-cell assay, have emerged as a powerful tool in the analytical and biological science. This mini review provides a brief introduction of this arena and summaries the key steps about the development of PEC cytosensors with representative examples, followed by future prospects based on our own opinions.     

Space-Confined Atomic Clusters Catalyze Superassembly of Silicon Nanodots within Carbon Frameworks for Use in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Incorporating nanoscale Si into a carbon matrix with high dispersity is desirable for the preparation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) but remains challenging. A space-confined catalytic strategy is proposed for direct superassembly of Si nanodots within a carbon (Si NDs⊂C) framework by copyrolysis of triphenyltin hydride (TPT) and diphenylsilane (DPS), where Sn atomic clusters created from TPT pyrolysis serve as the catalyst for DPS pyrolysis and Si catalytic growth. The use of Sn atomic cluster catalysts alters the reaction pathway to avoid SiC generation and enable formation of Si NDs with reduced dimensions. A typical Si NDs⊂C framework demonstrates a remarkable comprehensive performance comparable to other Si-based high-performance half LIBs, and higher energy densities compared to commercial full LIBs, as a consequence of the high dispersity of Si NDs with low lithiation stress. Supported by mechanic simulations, this study paves the way for construction of Si/C composites suitable for applications in future energy technologies.     

Sandwich-like Catalyst–Carbon–Catalyst Trilayer Structure as a Compact 2D Host for Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Herein, we propose the construction of a sandwich-structured host filled with continuous 2D catalysis–conduction interfaces. This MoN-C-MoN trilayer architecture causes the strong conformal adsorption of S/Li₂S_x and its high-efficiency conversion on the two-sided nitride polar surfaces, which are supplied with high-flux electron transfer from the buried carbon interlayer. The 3D self-assembly of these 2D sandwich structures further reinforces the interconnection of conductive and catalytic networks. The maximized exposure of adsorptive/catalytic planes endows the MoN-C@S electrode with excellent cycling stability and high rate performance even under high S loading and low host surface area. The high conductivity of this trilayer texture does not compromise the capacity retention after the S content is increased. Such a job-synergistic mode between catalytic and conductive functions guarantees the homogeneous deposition of S/Li₂S_x, and avoids thick and devitalized accumulation (electrode passivation) even after high-rate and long-term cycling.