Mitigating triplet loss in 2D WSe/non-fullerene heterostructures using halogenated acceptors.

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) can be combined with organic semiconductors to form hybrid van der Waals heterostructures. Specially, non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) stand out due to their excellent absorption and exciton diffusion properties. Here, we couple monolayer tungsten diselenide (ML-WSe) with two well performing NFAs, ITIC, and IT-4F (fluorinated ITIC) to achieve hybrid architectures.

TiCT MXene Thin Films and Intercalated Species Characterized by IR-to-UV Broadband Ellipsometry.

MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) materials with versatile applications in optoelectronics, batteries, and catalysis. To unlock their full potential, it is crucial to characterize MXene interfaces and intercalated species in more detail than is currently possible with conventional optical spectroscopies. Here, we combine ultra-broadband ellipsometry and transmission spectroscopy from the mid-infrared (IR) to the deep-ultraviolet (UV) to probe quantitatively the composition, structure, transport, and optical properties of spray-coated TiCT MXene thin films with varying material properties.

Solvent-Dependent Reactivity of Fe(CO) under Superacidic and Oxidative Conditions.

Herein, we report the solvent-dependent reactivity of Fe(CO) toward AsF in either anhydrous HF or liquid SO. The reaction of Fe(CO) with the superacid HF/AsF leads to the protonation of the iron center and allows for the first-time structural characterization of [FeH(CO)] in the solid state, representing one of the most acidic transition metal hydride complexes to ever be isolated and structurally characterized. In the aprotic but oxidation-stable solvent SO, Fe(CO) is oxidized and dimerized to [Fe(CO)], which is isoelectronic with well-known Mn(CO).

Decoupling many-body interactions in the CeO(111) oxygen vacancy structure with statistical learning and cluster expansion.

Oxygen vacancies (V's) are of paramount importance in influencing the properties and applications of ceria (CeO). Yet, comprehending the distribution and nature of V's poses a significant challenge due to the vast number of electronic configurations and intricate many-body interactions among V's and polarons (Ce ions). In this study, we established a cluster expansion model based on first-principles calculations and statistical learning to decouple the interactions among the Ce ions and V's, thereby circumventing the limitations associated with sampling electronic configurations.

Analysis of Giant-Shell CdSe/CdS Quantum Dots via Analytical Ultracentrifugation Combined with Spectrally Resolved Photoluminescence.

Knowledge of the structure-property relationships of functional nanomaterials, including, for example, their size- and composition-dependent photoluminescence (PL) and particle-to-particle variations, is crucial for their design and reproducibility. Herein, the Angstrom-resolution capability of an analytical ultracentrifuge combined with an in-line multiwavelength emission detection system (MWE-AUC) for measuring the sedimentation coefficient-resolved spectrally corrected PL spectra of dispersed nanoparticles is demonstrated. The capabilities of this technique are shown for giant-shell CdSe/CdS quantum dots (g-QDs) with a PL quantum yield (PL QY) close to unity capped with oleic acid and oleylamine ligands.

Clinical and Topographic Screening for Scoliosis in Children Participating in Routine Sports: A Prevalence and Accuracy Study in a Spanish Population.

: Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a common spinal deformity affecting 0.5% to 5.2% of children worldwide, with a higher reported range in Spain (0.

How amino acids intercalate in CaFe layered double hydroxides: A combined RIXS and NEXAFS study.

Two-dimensional layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are ideal candidates for a large number of (bio)catalytic applications due to their flexible composition and easy to tailor properties. Functionality can be achieved by intercalation of amino acids (as the basic units of peptides and proteins). To gain insight on the functionality, we apply resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering and near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy to CaFe LDH in its pristine form as well as intercalated with the amino acids proline and cysteine to probe the electronic structure and its changes upon intercalation.

Unveiling the enzymatic pathway of UMG-SP2 urethanase: insights into polyurethane degradation at the atomic level.

The recently discovered metagenomic urethanases UMG-SP1, UMG-SP2, and UMG-SP3 have emerged as promising tools to establish a bio-based recycling approach for polyurethane (PU) waste. These enzymes are capable of hydrolyzing urethane bonds in low molecular weight dicarbamates as well as in thermoplastic PU and the amide bond in polyamide employing a Ser-Ser -Lys triad for catalysis, similar to members of the amidase signature protein superfamily. Understanding the catalytic mechanism of these urethanases is crucial for enhancing their enzymatic activity and improving PU bio-recycling processes.

Insights into Interlayer Dislocation Augmented Zinc-Ion Storage Kinetics in MoS Nanosheets for Rocking-Chair Zinc-Ion Batteries with Ultralong Cycle-Life.

Increasing attention to sustainability and cost-effectiveness in energy storage sector has catalyzed the rise of rechargeable Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, finding replacement for limited cycle-life Zn-anode is a major challenge. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS), an insertion-type 2D layered material, has shown promising characteristics as a ZIB anode.

The effect of supplemental LED lighting in the range of UV, blue, and red wavelengths at different ratios on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in pak choi and swiss chard.

Phenolic compounds are known for their health-promoting effects on humans. Pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp.

Studies on the Virucidal Effects of UV-C of 233 nm and 275 nm Wavelengths.

Among the physical decontamination methods, treatment with ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a suitable means of preventing viral infections. Mercury vapor lamps (254 nm) used for room decontamination are potentially damaging to human skin (radiation) and harmful to the environment (mercury). Therefore, other UV-C wavelengths (100-280 nm) may be effective for virus inactivation on skin without damaging it, e.

Reaction of Lactone-Containing Poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid) with Diamines to Cross-Linked Products of Improved Thermal Conductivity.

The recently developed phenoplast-related polymer, poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid), presents a versatile molecular structure containing lactone and carboxylic acid functionalities that offer significant flexibility in creating cured materials with tailored properties for diverse applications, wherein also the thermal conductivity is an important factor. This study analyses the possibility of forming amide moieties of poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid) with diamines resulting in cross-linked products in order to control its thermal properties. The cross-linking process is achieved by utilizing three distinct diamines, 1,6-diaminohexane, -xylylenediamine, and 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine, each possessing different degrees of polarity, flexibility, and reactivity.

Synthesis of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles from E-Waste for Photocatalytic Mixed-Dye Degradation under Sunlight.

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become a significant environmental concern worldwide due to the rapid advancement of technology and short product lifecycles. Waste-printed electronic boards (WPCBs) contain valuable metals and semiconductors; among them, tin can be recycled and repurposed for sustainable material production. This study presents a potential ecofriendly methodology for the recovery of tin from WPCBs in the form of tin oxide nanostructured powders.

Nanoscale reference and test materials for the validation of characterization methods for engineered nanomaterials - current state, limitations, and needs.

The rational design of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) with improved functionality and their increasing industrial application requires reliable, validated, and ultimately standardized characterization methods for their application-relevant, physicochemical key properties such as size, size distribution, shape, or surface chemistry. This calls for nanoscale (certified) reference materials (CRMs; RMs) and well-characterized reference test materials (RTMs) termed also quality control (QC) samples, assessed, e.g.

The importance of shear on the collective charge transport in CDWs revealed by an XFEL source.

Charge transport in materials has an impact on a wide range of devices based on semiconductor, battery, or superconductor technology. Charge transport in sliding charge density waves (CDW) differs from all others in that the atomic lattice is directly involved in the transport process. To obtain an overall picture of the structural changes associated to the collective transport, the large coherent x-ray beam generated by an x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) source was used.

Efficient Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide Enabled by a Hierarchical Hollow RE-P-O (RE = Sm, La, Gd) Architecture with Open Channels.

The electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e ORR) offers a sustainable pathway for the production of HO; however, the development of electrocatalysts with exceptional activity, selectivity, and long-term stability remains a challenging task. Herein, a novel approach is presented to addressing this challenge by synthesizing hierarchical hollow SmPO nanospheres with open channels via a two-step hydrothermal treatment. The produced compound demonstrates remarkable 2e selectivity, exceeding 93% across a wide potential range of 0.

Dynamic Covalent Spiropyran Exchange for Rapid Structural Diversification.

Here we disclose that spiropyrans are able to undergo dynamic covalent exchange via their corresponding merocyanine isomers. In the latter, the indolinium moieties can be exchanged by a Michael-type addition-elimination sequence, in which a methylene indoline attacks a merocyanine and subsequently the initial indoline fragment is cleaved. The rate and position of the exchange equilibrium strongly depend on the reaction conditions as well as the substitution pattern on the methylene indoline fragments.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy of FeH to aid its identification in astrochemical environments.

We present the first absorption spectrum of the unperturbed diatomic molecular ion FeH in any wavelength range. The cryogenic X-ray absorption spectrum at the L and L edge is consistent with an iron 3d occupation of 6.24e.

Streamlined Vitamin D Metabolite Fingerprinting Analysis Using Isotope-Coded Multiplexing MS with Cost-Effective One-Pot Double Derivatization.

In this study, we extended a previously developed one-pot double derivatization reaction to establish the first routine isotope-coded multiplex derivatization for vitamin D and its metabolites for application in clinical environments, using commercial reagents, without the need for specialized reagents and advanced synthesis requirements. The original derivatization process consisted of using both a Cookson-type reagent and derivatization of hydroxyl groups. Initially, the analytes are derivatized by a Diels-Alder reaction using 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD), followed by acetylation using acetic anhydride, catalyzed by 4-dimethylaminopyridine at room temperature.

Neuropsychological profiles of patients suffering from hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): A comparative analysis with psychedelic-using and non-using controls.

Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are showing promising effects in treating certain psychiatric disorders. Despite their low toxicity and lack of an addictive potential, in some individuals, psychedelics can be associated with persisting psychological harms. Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is one of those complications, a rare disorder characterized by enduring perceptual symptoms without impaired reality control.

Anodic Activation of Prussian Blue Analog Leads to Highly Active Cobalt-Doped Nickel (Oxy)Hydroxide for Organic Oxidation Reactions.

Water-assisted electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols into valuable chemicals is a promising strategy to circumvent the sluggish kinetics of water oxidation, while also reducing cell voltage and improving energy efficiency. Recently, transition metal (TM)-based catalysts have been investigated for anodic alcohol oxidation, but success has been limited due to competition from the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) within the working regime. In this study, NiCo-based Prussian blue analog (PBA) was electrochemically activated at the anodic potential to produce a Co-Ni(O)OH active catalyst with a nanosheet-like architecture.

Extraction of parameters of a stochastic integrate-and-fire model with adaptation from voltage recordings.

Integrate-and-fire models are an important class of phenomenological neuronal models that are frequently used in computational studies of single neural activity, population activity, and recurrent neural networks. If these models are used to understand and interpret electrophysiological data, it is important to reliably estimate the values of the model's parameters. However, there are no standard methods for the parameter estimation of Integrate-and-fire models.

Nanoscale polarization transient gratings.

Light manipulation at the nanoscale is essential both for fundamental science and modern technology. The quest to shorter lengthscales, however, requires the use of light wavelengths beyond the visible. In particular, in the extreme ultraviolet regime these manipulation capabilities are hampered by the lack of efficient optics, especially for polarization control.