Electrochromic, Surface-Anchored Metal-Organic Frameworks for Stabilized Silver Nanowire Flexible Transparent Electrodes.

Despite excellent optical and electrical properties, the brittleness of indium tin oxide (ITO), used as a transparent electrode, prevents the realization of stable flexible devices. If silver nanowire (AgNW) networks represent a promising alternative, their lack of thermal and electrochemical stability still prevents their fast development in numerous applications. Herein, we report a novel strategy consisting of the deposition of an electrochromic and protective layer of oriented hybrid materials, also known as surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks (SurMOFs).

Investigation of the Photochromism of WO, TiO, and Composite WO-TiO Nanoparticles.

We report the synthesis of WO, TiO, and TiO-WO nanoparticles by a polyol route, with the objective of studying the influence of the preparation method on their photochromic properties. By combining transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance experiments, we show that low W concentrations and high ripening temperatures allow the preparation of WO nanoparticles with high photochromic efficiency. WO-TiO nanocomposites (NCs) prepared by the introduction of a TiO solution in a WO nanoparticle suspension exhibit a strong coloring photochromism, which is attributed to the TiO coating of the WO nanoparticles as it involves the formation of W-O-Ti oxo-bonds in place of W-ν defects.

Silver Nanowire-Based Transparent Electrodes for VO Thin Films with Electrochromic Properties.

The development of electrochromic systems, known for the modulation of their optical properties under an applied voltage, depends on the replacement of the state-of-the-art ITO (InO:Sn) transparent electrode (TE) as well as the improvement of electrochromic films. This study presents an innovative ITO-free electrochromic film architecture utilizing oxide-coated silver nanowire (AgNW) networks as a TE and VO as an electrochromic oxide layer. The TE was prepared by simple spray deposition of AgNWs that allowed for tuning different densities of the network and hence the resistance and transparency of the film.

Insight into the generation of near infra-red (NIR) absorbing species in electrochromic surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks.

Due to their versatility and easy processing, Surface-Anchored Metal-Organic Frameworks (SurMOFs) have gained interest in recent times as promising electrochromic thin films. Herein a step forward in their use and characterization was achieved thanks to the integration of {Zn(PDICl)} SurMOFs in a multi-layer electrochromic device (ECD), based on a membrane-like electrolyte. The optical and electrochemical properties of the ECD were fully characterized, revealing a two-step reduction process localized on the organic ligand and involving subsequent near infra-red (NIR) and cyan absorbing states, leading to optical modulation of the films.

Toward the Prediction of Electrochromic Properties of WO Films: Combination of Experimental and Machine Learning Approaches.

WO is the state of the art of electrochromic oxide materials finding technological application in smart windows. In this work, a set of WO thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering by varying total pressure, oxygen partial pressure, and power. On each film two properties were measured, the electrochemical reversibility and the blue color persistence of LiWO films in simulated ambient conditions.

Synthesis and Characterization of Micro/Nanoscale VO(M) through Vanadylethylene Glycolate Decomposition.

Thanks to a homemade dynamic vacuum system, fully crystallized VO (M) is successfully synthesized in a merged step of vanadyl ethylene glycolate (VEG) decomposition and crystallization of VO at high temperatures (>500 °C). During the whole process, vanadium valence (+4) is well maintained, and VEG microstructure plays an important role in the end-product size and shape. Finally, the suggested route appears well suitable for the mass production of VO nanoparticles.

Doubling of the Phase Transition Temperature of VO by Fe Doping.

Vanadium dioxide (VO) undergoes a fully reversible first-order metal-insulator transition from the M1 monoclinic phase (2/) to a high-temperature tetragonal phase (4/) at around 68 °C. Modulation of the phase transition of VO by chemical doping is of fundamental and technological interest. Here, we report the synthesis of highly crystallized Fe-doped VO powders by a carbo-thermal reduction process.

Influence of Quenching on the Opto-Electronic Properties of F:SnO Layers.

For many opto-electronic applications, F:SnO materials must benefit from high transparency, high conductivity, and high mechanical strength even after quenching. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of quenching on the opto-electronic properties of the F:SnO layers synthesized at high temperature on Si C O-coated soda-lime glass by atmospheric chemical vapor deposition. The morphology, structure, and composition of the layers were studied before and after quenching in air- and oxygen-rich atmospheres at 670 °C.

Toward Simplified Electrochromic Devices Using Silver as Counter Electrode Material.

Novel design of electrochromic devices (ECDs) known for their ability to modify optical properties under an applied voltage, based on a minimization of the number of layers is reported. The use of a metallic electrode, playing the role of both the conductive layer and the counter electrode, allows us to simplify the assembly of a commonly five-layer battery-type device to four-layer ECD. Further minimization of the number of layers is achieved using a conductive and electrochromic material.

Geometric considerations of the monoclinic-rutile structural transition in VO.

The mechanism of the displacive phase transition in VO2 near the transition temperature is discussed in terms of a geometrical approach, combining simple calculations based on the Brown's band valence model and in situ X-ray diffraction experimental results. Considering that the structural origin is well linked to the electrostatic potential optimization as in a Peierls model, our geometrical calculations and experimental studies are in agreement and suggest that VO2 phase transition is the consequence of very short atomic shifts mainly associated to a decrease of the 2nd sphere coulombic interactions. Hence, at a given temperature, the allotropic form (monoclinic versus rutile form) offering the largest unit-cell volume is stabilized over the lower unit-cell volume allotropic, while the transition occurs at the intercept of the unit cell variation versus temperature of the two forms, which exhibit significantly different thermal expansion coefficients.

Color Tuning by Oxide Addition in PEDOT:PSS-Based Electrochromic Devices.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedi-oxythiophene) (PEDOT) derivatives conducting polymers are known for their great electrochromic (EC) properties offering a reversible blue switch under an applied voltage. Characterizations of symmetrical EC devices, built on combinations of PEDOT thin films, deposited with a bar coater from commercial inks, and separated by a lithium-based ionic membrane, show highest performance for 800 nm thickness. Tuning of the color is further achieved by mixing the PEDOT film with oxides.

Carbon-reduction as an easy route for the synthesis of VO (M1) and further Al, Ti doping.

A low-cost and facile method to synthesize highly crystallized VO2 (M1) particles is proposed, using carbon black as the reducing agent mixed with V2O5 nanopowders comparing two types of vacuum systems for the thermal activation. In a sealed vacuum system, CO gas is generated in the first reductive step, and continues to reduce the new born VO2, until all the V (+4) is reduced to V (+3), resulting in V2O3 formation at 1000 °C. In contrast, in a dynamic vacuum system, CO gas is ejected through pumping as soon as it is generated, leading to the formation of pure VO2 (M1) at high temperatures (i.

Structural transformations of the LaPrNiO system probed by high-resolution synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction.

Compositions in the La2-xPrxNiO4+δ series offer an attractive balance of chemical stability and electrochemical performance for use as cathode materials in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A detailed crystallographic study of this system has been performed, combining both high resolution synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction data, in order to investigate structural details of the series as a function of composition, temperature and oxygen over-stoichiometry. The monoclinic structure (space group F2/m) of ambient temperature Pr-rich compositions for 1.

Two-Step Synthesis of VO (M) with Tuned Crystallinity.

Highly crystallized monoclinic vanadium dioxide, VO (M), is successfully synthesized by a two-step thermal treatment: thermolysis of vanadyl ethylene glycolate (VEG) and postannealing of the poorly crystallized VO powder. In the first thermolysis step, the decomposition of VEG at 300 °C is investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A poorly crystallized VO powder is obtained at a strict time of 3 min, and it is found that the residual carbon content in the powder played a critical role in the post crystallization of VO (M).

Life-cycling and uncovering cation-trapping evidence of a monolithic inorganic electrochromic device: glass/ITO/WO/LiTaO/NiO/ITO.

The visualization of the microstructure change and of the depth of lithium transport inside a monolithic ElectroChromic Device (ECD) is realized using an innovative combined approach of Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES). The electrochemical and optical properties of the all-thin-film inorganic ECD glass/ITO/WO3/LiTaO3/NiO/ITO, deposited by magnetron sputtering, are measured by cycling voltammetry and in situ transmittance analysis up to 11 270 cycles. A significant degradation corresponding to a decrease in the capacity of 71% after 2500 cycles and of 94% after 11 270 cycles is reported.

Double-Sided Electrochromic Device Based on Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Devices displaying controllably tunable optical properties through an applied voltage are attractive for smart glass, mirrors, and displays. Electrochromic material development aims to decrease power consumption while increasing the variety of attainable colors, their brilliance, and their longevity. We report the first electrochromic device constructed from metal organic frameworks (MOFs).

Low-Cost and Facile Synthesis of the Vanadium Oxides VO, VO, and VO and Their Magnetic, Thermochromic and Electrochromic Properties.

In this study, vanadium sesquioxide (VO), dioxide (VO), and pentoxide (VO) were all synthesized from a single polyol route through the precipitation of an intermediate precursor: vanadium ethylene glycolate (VEG). Various annealing treatments of the VEG precursor, under controlled atmosphere and temperature, led to the successful synthesis of the three pure oxides, with sub-micrometer crystallite size. To the best of our knowledge, the synthesis of the three oxides VO, VO, and VO from a single polyol batch has never been reported in the literature.

Polyol Synthesis of Ti-VO Nanoparticles and Their Use as Electrochromic Films.

Herein, the successful synthesis of Ti-doped vanadium pentoxide from a polyol process is reported. A high Ti concentration (up to 8.5 mol % of the total metallic content) can be inserted in vanadium oxide thanks to the synthesis route leading to nanometric crystallites.

Structure and reactivity with oxygen of Pr2NiO(4+δ): an in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction study.

The promising SOFC cathode material Pr2NiO(4.22) has been studied in situ under a pure oxygen atmosphere from 25 to 950 °C by high resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. At room temperature (RT) δ = 0.

Daily baseline skin care in the prevention, treatment, and supportive care of skin toxicity in oncology patients: recommendations from a multinational expert panel.

Skin reactions due to radiotherapy and chemotherapy are a significant problem for an important number of cancer patients. While effective for treating cancer, they disturb cutaneous barrier function, causing a reaction soon after initiation of treatment that impacts patient quality of life. Managing these symptoms with cosmetics and nonpharmaceutical skin care products for camouflage or personal hygiene may be important for increasing patient self-esteem.

Clinical features of late-onset partial cryptogenic epilepsy: toward an idiopathic temporal epilepsy?

Adult-onset epilepsy is commonly thought to be secondary to a brain lesion. However, the etiology of adult-onset epilepsy remains unknown in approximately 25% of patients, despite progress in medical and diagnostic tools. In the present study, we investigated whether late-onset partial cryptogenic epilepsies could be subgrouped based on seizure semiology and clinical characteristics.

Algorithm for dermocosmetic use in the management of cutaneous side-effects associated with targeted therapy in oncology.

Currently, numerous patients who receive targeted chemotherapy for cancer suffer from disabling skin reactions due to cutaneous toxicity, which is a significant problem for an increasing number of patients and their treating physicians. In addition, using inappropriate personal hygiene products often worsens these otherwise manageable side-effects. Cosmetic products for personal hygiene and lesion camouflage are part of a patients' well-being and an increasing number of physicians feel that they do not have adequate information to provide effective advice on concomitant cosmetic therapy.

[An investigational study of acne treatment in France].

Background: Acne is one of the main reasons for dermatological consultation. Management may seem standardized, in particular for mild to moderate juvenile facial acne, where topical treatments are used for mild cases and topical treatments associated with systemic antibiotics are used for moderate cases. The aim of this investigational study was to evaluate current treatment approaches for mild to moderate acne patients by French dermatologists in private practice.