High-performance soft-packaged supercapacitors with high energy density enabled by advanced boron-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes-enhanced nickel oxide.

Soft-packaged supercapacitors (SCs) provide notable advantages, including high power density, high safety, and long lifespan, yet their application is still relatively limited due to the low energy density and insufficient cycle stability. To assess their practicality, we employed a simple in-situ nucleation assembly and high-temperature calcination strategy tofabricate boron-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes-enhanced nickel oxide (B-(NiO@SWNT)) electrodes, characterised by rich oxygen vacancies (O) and high specific surface area. The results demonstrated that the B-(NiO@SWNT) electrode provided a formidable specific capacitance of 1257.

Oxygen Vacancy-Tailored n-Type MXenes for Efficient Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting.

MXene is an emerging 2D electronic material, which has attracted extensive attention in the fields of energy conversion and storage, electromagnetic shielding, and catalysis, etc. MXene has a wide range of types, and its abundant surface terminations and vacancy defects make it have a unique and adjustable electronic structure. Among them, oxygen vacancy (V) regulation is considered to be one of the most effective methods.

PEDOTs-Based Conductive Hydrogels: Design, Fabrications, and Applications.

Conductive hydrogels combine the benefits of soft hydrogels with electrical conductivity and have gained significant attention over the past decade. These innovative materials, including poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOTs)-based conductive hydrogels (P-CHs), are promising for flexible electronics and biological applications due to their tunable flexibility, biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity. Despite the recent advances, the intrinsic correlation between the design, fabrications, and applications of P-CHs has been mostly based on trial-and-error-based Edisonian approaches, significantly limiting their further development.

Flexible and stable piezoelectric nanogenerators based on monoclinic phase CsPbBr perovskite nanocrystals.

CsPbBr perovskite has garnered significant attention in the field of optoelectronics due to its exceptional photoelectric properties. In this study, we report the fabrication of a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) composed of a composite of monoclinic phase CsPbBr nanocrystals and polydimethylsiloxane. This is the first instance of a PNG based on the monoclinic phase of CsPbBr.

Electron momentum correlation along laser magnetic field direction as a probe of nondipole effect in strong-field nonsequential double ionization.

The electric dipole approximation is commonly adopted in the theoretical investigation of light-atom/molecule interaction, wherein the magnetic component of the driving electromagnetic field is neglected. Our study highlights the significant role of the magnetic field effect in the recollision dynamics of nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) driven by a mid-infrared laser. Due to the magnetic component of the laser field, in the multiple-returning events, the tunneling electron with a large initial momentum along the laser magnetic field direction at some specific tunneling time is inefficient for NSDI.

3D-Printed Hydrogel-Based Flexible Electrochromic Device for Wearable Displays.

Flexible electrochromic devices (FECDs) are widely explored for diverse applications including wearable electronics, camouflage, and smart windows. However, the manufacturing process of patterned FECDs remains complex, costly, and non-customizable. To address this challenge, a strategy is proposed to prepare integrated FECDs via multi-material direct writing 3D printing.

Comparative study of polystyrene microplastic transport behavior in three different filter media: Quartz sand, zeolite, and anthracite.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are attracting increasing interest from researchers, and the safety of drinking water is greatly affected by their transportation during filtration. Polystyrene (PS) was selected as a representative MPs, and three filter media (quartz sand, zeolite, and anthracite) commonly found in water plants were used. The retention patterns of PS-MPs by various filter media under various background water quality conditions were methodically investigated with the aid of DLVO theory and colloidal filtration theory.

Electrochemical detection of carbendazim using molecularly imprinted poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) on Co,N co-doped hollow carbon nanocage@CNTs-modified electrode.

Precisely detecting trace pesticides and their residues in food products is crucial for ensuring food safety. Herein, a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform was developed for the detection of carbendazim (CBZ) using Co,N co-doped hollow carbon nanocage@carbon nanotubes (Co,N-HC@CNTs) obtained from core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 combined with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The Co,N-HC@CNTs exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance, benefitting from the synergistic effect of CNTs that provide a large specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity, Co,N co-doped carbon nanocages that offer high electrocatalytic activity and hollow nanocage structures that ensure rapid diffusion kinetics.

3D printing of highly conductive and strongly adhesive PEDOT:PSS hydrogel-based bioelectronic interface for accurate electromyography monitoring.

PSS hydrogel-based bioelectronic interfaces have gained significant attention in various fields including biomedical devices, wearable devices, and epidermal electronics. However, the development of high-performance bioelectronic interfaces that integrate excellent conductivity, strong adhesion, and advanced processing compatibility remains a challenge. Herein, we develop a high-performance bioelectronic interface by 3D printing of a novel poly(vinyl alcohol-formaldehyde) (PVAF)-PEDOT:PSS composite ink.

Effect of Aggregation Structure on Capacitive Energy Storage in Conducting Polymer Films.

Conducting polymers (CPs), a significant class of electrochemical capacitor electrode materials, exhibit exceptional capacitive energy storage performance in aqueous electrolytes. Current research primarily concentrates on enhancing the electrical conductivity and capacitive performance of CPs via molecular design and structural control. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding of the impact of molecular chain spatial order on ion/electron transport and capacitive performance impedes the development and optimization of advanced electrode materials.

MXene-Stabilized VS Nanostructures for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Storage.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) based on vanadium oxides or sulfides are promising candidates for large-scale rechargeable energy storage due to their ease of fabrication, low cost, and high safety. However, the commercial application of vanadium-based electrode materials has been hindered by challenging problems such as poor cyclability and low-rate performance. To this regard, sophisticated nanostructure engineering technology is used to adeptly incorporate VS nanosheets into the MXene interlayers to create a stable 2D heterogeneous layered structure.

Energy-dependent photoion angular distributions in two-body Coulomb explosions of molecules.

We experimentally study two-body Coulomb explosions of CO2, O2, and CH3Cl molecules in intense femtosecond laser pulses. We observe an obvious variation in the ionic angular distribution of the fragments with respect to the kinetic energy releases (KERs). Using a classical model based on ab initio potential energy curves, we find that the dependence of the ionic angular distribution on the KER is relevant to the fact that the accurate potential energy deviates significantly from the value determined by applying the Coulomb interaction approximation at a relatively small internuclear distance of the molecule.

Recent advances in metal-organic framework (MOF)-based agricultural sensors for metal ions: a review.

Metal ions have great significance for agricultural development, food safety, and human health. In turn, there exists an imperative need for the development of novel, sensitive, and reliable sensing techniques for various metal ions. Agricultural sensors for the diagnosis of both agricultural safety and nutritional health can establish quality and safety traceability systems of both agro-products and food to guarantee human health, even life safety.

3D Printing of Robust High-Performance Conducting Polymer Hydrogel-Based Electrical Bioadhesive Interface for Soft Bioelectronics.

Electrical bioadhesive interface (EBI), especially conducting polymer hydrogel (CPH)-based EBI, exhibits promising potential applications in various fields, including biomedical devices, neural interfaces, and wearable devices. However, current fabrication techniques of CPH-based EBI mostly focus on conventional methods such as direct casting, injection, and molding, which remains a lingering challenge for further pushing them toward customized practical bioelectronic applications and commercialization. Herein, 3D printable high-performance CPH-based EBI precursor inks are developed through composite engineering of PEDOT:PSS and adhesive ionic macromolecular dopants within tough hydrogel matrices (PVA).

Self-healing electrical bioadhesive interface for electrophysiology recording.

Electrical bioadhesive interfaces (EBIs) are standing out in various applications, including medical diagnostics, prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, and human-machine interactions. Nonetheless, crafting a reliable and advanced EBI with comprehensive properties spanning electrochemical, electrical, mechanical, and self-healing capabilities remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we develop a self-healing EBI by thoughtfully integrating conducting polymer nanofibers and a typical bioadhesive within a robust hydrogel matrix.

Self-Healable PEDOT:PSS-PVA Nanocomposite Hydrogel Strain Sensor for Human Motion Monitoring.

Strain sensors based on conducting polymer hydrogels are considered highly promising candidates for wearable electronic devices. However, existing conducting polymer hydrogels are susceptible to aging, damage, and failure, which can greatly deteriorate the sensing performance of strain sensors based on these substances and the accuracy of data collection under large deformation. Developing conductive polymer hydrogels with concurrent high sensing performance and self-healing capability is a critical yet challenging task to improve the stability and lifetime of strain sensors.

A Bilayered Wood-Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Polystyrene Sulfonate Hydrogel Interfacial Evaporator for Sustainable Solar-Driven Sewage Purification and Desalination.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation and purification is a promising solar energy conversion technology to produce clean water or solve water scarcity. Although wood-based photothermal materials have attracted particular interest in solar water purification and desalination due to their rapid water supply and great heat localization, challenges exist given their complicated processing methods and relatively poor stability. Herein, we propose a facile approach for fabricating a bilayered wood-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (wood-PEDOT:PSS) hydrogel interfacial evaporator by direct drop-casting and dry-annealing.

3D printable high-performance conducting polymer hydrogel for all-hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces.

Owing to the unique combination of electrical conductivity and tissue-like mechanical properties, conducting polymer hydrogels have emerged as a promising candidate for bioelectronic interfacing with biological systems. However, despite the recent advances, the development of hydrogels with both excellent electrical and mechanical properties in physiological environments is still challenging. Here we report a bi-continuous conducting polymer hydrogel that simultaneously achieves high electrical conductivity (over 11 S cm), stretchability (over 400%) and fracture toughness (over 3,300 J m) in physiological environments and is readily applicable to advanced fabrication methods including 3D printing.

Flexible Supercapacitors Based on Stretchable Conducting Polymer Electrodes.

Supercapacitors are widely used in various fields due to their high power density, fast charging and discharging speeds, and long service life. However, with the increasing demand for flexible electronics, integrated supercapacitors in devices are also facing more challenges, such as extensibility, bending stability, and operability. Despite many reports on stretchable supercapacitors, challenges still exist in their preparation process, which involves multiple steps.

TiO-MXene/PEDOT:PSS Composite as a Novel Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Sensitive Detection of Baicalein.

In this work, TiO-MXene/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composite was utilized as an electrode material for the sensitive electrochemical detection of baicalein. The in-situ growth of TiO nanoparticles on the surface of MXene nanosheets can effectively prevent their aggregation, thus presenting a significantly large specific surface area and abundant active sites. However, the partial oxidation of MXene after calcination could reduce its conductivity.

Electrochemical determination of benomyl using MWCNTs interspersed graphdiyne as enhanced electrocatalyst.

Graphdiyne (GDY) has attracted a lot of interest in electrochemical sensing application with the advantages of a large conjugation system, porous structure, and high structure defects. Herein, to further improve the sensing effect of GDY, conductive MWCNTs were chosen as the signal accelerator. To get a stable composite material, polydopamine (PDA) was employed as connecting bridge between GDY and MWCNTs-NH, where DA was firstly polymerized onto GDY, followed by covalently linking MWCNTs-NH with PDA through Michael-type reaction.

Isoindigo-Thiophene D-A-D-Type Conjugated Polymers: Electrosynthesis and Electrochromic Performances.

Four novel isoindigo-thiophene D-A-D-type precursors are synthesized by Stille coupling and electrosynthesized to yield corresponding hybrid polymers with favorable electrochemical and electrochromic performances. Intrinsic structure-property relationships of precursors and corresponding polymers, including surface morphology, band gaps, electrochemical properties, and electrochromic behaviors, are systematically investigated. The resultant isoindigo-thiophene D-A-D-type polymer combines the merits of isoindigo and polythiophene, including the excellent stability of isoindigo-based polymers and the extraordinary electrochromic stability of polythiophene.