Secondary structure formation in hybrid synthetic/peptide polymers: insights from molecular dynamics simulations. - In: Macromolecular theory and simulations, ISSN 1521-3919, Bd. 0 (2023), 0, 2200070, S. 1-8
Proteins and peptides exhibit an immense variety of structures, which are generally classified according to simple structural motifs (mainly α helices and β sheets). Considerable efforts have been invested in understanding the relationship between chemical structure (primary structure) of peptides and their spatial motifs (secondary structure). However, little is known about the possibility to interfere intentionally in these structural driving forces, for example, by inserting (short) artificial polymer chains in the peptide backbone. Structure formation on such hybrid synthetic/biochemical polymers is still an emerging field of research. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to illustrate the influence of inserted polyethylene segments on the secondary structure of several peptide homopolymers. A loss of structure of ≈50% when the peptide chain length drops to ten amino acids and a practically complete absence for even shorter peptide segments.
https://doi.org/10.1002/mats.202200070
Thermally induced oxygen vacancies in BiOCl nanosheets and their impact on photoelectrochemical performance. - In: ChemPhotoChem, ISSN 2367-0932, Bd. 7 (2023), 3, e202200192, S. 1-9
Oxygen vacancies (OVs) have been reported to significantly alter the photocatalytic properties of BiOCl nanosheets. However, their formation mechanism and their role in the enhancement of photoelectrochemical performance remain unclear. In this work, thermally induced oxygen vacancies are introduced in BiOCl nanosheets by annealing in He atmosphere at various temperatures and their formation mechanism is investigated by in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared (DRIFTS) measurements. The influence of OVs on band offset, carrier concentrations and photoelectrochemical performance are systematically studied. The results show that (1) the surface of BiOCl nanosheets is extremely sensitive to temperature and defects are formed at temperatures as low as 200 ˚C in inert atmosphere. (2) The formation of surface and bulk OVs in BiOCl is identified by a combination of XPS, in-situ DRIFTS, and EPR experiments. (3) The photocurrent of BiOCl is limited by the concentration of charge carriers and shallow defect states induced by bulk oxygen vacancies, while the modulation of these parameters can effectively increase light absorption and carrier concentration leading to an enhancement of photoelectrochemical performance of BiOCl.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cptc.202200192
Multiplexed random-access optical memory in warm cesium vapor. - In: Optics express, ISSN 1094-4087, Bd. 31 (2023), 6, S. 10150-10158
The ability to store large amounts of photonic quantum states is regarded as substantial for future optical quantum computation and communication technologies. However, research for multiplexed quantum memories has been focused on systems that show good performance only after an elaborate preparation of the storage media. This makes it generally more difficult to apply outside a laboratory environment. In this work, we demonstrate a multiplexed random-access memory to store up to four optical pulses using electromagnetically induced transparency in warm cesium vapor. Using a Λ-System on the hyperfine transitions of the Cs D1 line, we achieve a mean internal storage efficiency of 36% and a 1/e lifetime of 3.2 µs. In combination with future improvements, this work facilitates the implementation of multiplexed memories in future quantum communication and computation infrastructures.
https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.483642
Changing the interaction of a single-molecule magnetic moment with a superconductor. - In: Nano letters, ISSN 1530-6992, Bd. 23 (2023), 4, S. 1622-1628
The exchange interaction of a brominated Co-porphyrin molecule with the Cooper pair condensate of Pb(111) is modified by reducing the Co-surface separation. The stepwise dehalogenation and dephenylation change the Co adsorption height by a few picometers. Only the residual Co-porphine core exhibits a Yu-Shiba-Rusinov bound state with low binding energy in the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer energy gap. Accompanying density functional calculations reveal that the Co dz2 orbital carries the molecular magnetic moment and is responsible for the intragap state. The calculated spatial evolution of the Yu-Shiba-Rusinov wave function is compatible with the experimentally observed oscillatory attenuation of the electron-hole asymmetry with increasing lateral distance from the magnetic porphine center.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03952
Ultrahigh-rate and ultralong-duration sodium storage enabled by sodiation-driven reconfiguration. - In: Advanced energy materials, ISSN 1614-6840, Bd. 0 (2023), 0, 2204324, S. 1-12
Despite their variable valence and favorable sodiation/desodiation potential, vanadium sulfides (VSx) used as anode materials of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been held back by their capacity decline and low cycling capability, associated with the structure distortion volume expansion and pulverization. This study reports an accessible process to tackle these challenges via fabricating a 3D-VSx anode for SIBs with ultrahigh-rate and ultralong-duration stable sodium storage. The sodiation-driven reactivation of micro-nano 3D-VSx activates the reconfiguration effect, effectively maintaining structural integrity. Interestingly, the mechanical degradation of 3D-VSx over the sodiation process can be controlled by fine-tuning the operating voltage. The self-reconfigured open nanostructures with large void space not only effectively withstand repetitive volume changes and mitigate the damaging mechanical stresses, but also in turn construct a self-optimized shortened ion diffusion pathway. Moreover, the sodiation-driven reconfiguration excites many active sites and optimizes a stable solid-electrolyte interface, thereby delivering a reversible capacity of 961.4 mA h g^-1 after 1500 cycles at a high rate of 2 A g^-1. This work provides new insight into the rational design of electrodes toward long-lived SIBs through sodiation-driven reconfiguration.
https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202204324
Designing atomic interfaces in chalcogenides for boosting photocatalysis. - In: Solar RRL, ISSN 2367-198X, Bd. 0 (2023), 0, 2300025, S. 1-25
A deeper understanding of interfaces comes after the rapid development of nano-hybrids. Atomic interfaces with atomic-level thickness, intimate bonds, inferior charge-transport resistance, and robust stability have received escalating interest in the field of photocatalysis. Taking into account the fact that the carrier dynamics and spectrum response of candidate photocatalysts like chalcogenides remain suffering, sustained efforts are devoted. Hybridization, which is accompanied by interface designing, behaves as a supportive strategy to enlarge the photocatalytic output. Hence, the comprehensive survey for recent empirical studies on atomic interfaces in chalcogenides is highly desirable. Precisely, the fundamental of atomic interfaces, the devised approaches to design atomic interfaces in chalcogenides and their feasible roles for maneuvering photocatalysis, and the auxiliary advanced characterization are enumerated and summarized. The multifarious interaction of structure, chemical environment, optical and electric properties, and photocatalytic performance in chalcogenides with atomic interfaces is highlighted. Meanwhile, perspectives of atomic interfaces benefiting photocatalysis are given with a summary, and outlooks related to controllable architecture, nucleation mechanism, calculation, and the correlation between atomic interfaces and amended photocatalysis are presented discreetly. Herein, the review is meant to provide the first systematic account of designing atomic interfaces in chalcogenides served for ultimate photocatalytic applications.
https://doi.org/10.1002/solr.202300025
Tapered cross section photoelectron spectroscopy provides insights into the buried interfaces of III-V semiconductor devices. - In: Advanced materials interfaces, ISSN 2196-7350, Bd. 10 (2023), 3, 2201648, S. 1-9
Interfaces are key elements that define electronic properties of the final device. Inevitably, most of the active interfaces of III-V semiconductor devices are buried and it is therefore not straightforward to characterize them. The Tapered Cross Section Photoelectron Spectroscopy (TCS-PES) approach is promising to address such a challenge. That the TCS-PES can be used to study the relevant heterojunction in epitaxial III-V architectures prepared by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition is demonstrated here. A MULTIPREP polishing system that enables controlling the angle between the sample holder and the polishing plate has been employed to improve the reproducibility of the polishing procedure. With this procedure, that preparing the TCS of III-V semiconductor devices with tapering angles lower than 0.02˚ is possible is demonstrated. The PES provides then information about the buried interfaces of Ge|GaInP and GaAs|GaInP layer stacks. Both, chemical and electronic properties have been measured by PES. It evidences that the preparation of the TCSs under an uncontrolled atmosphere modifies the pristine properties of the critical buried heterointerfaces. Surface states and reaction layers are created on the TCS surface, which restrict unambiguous conclusions on buried interface energetics.
https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202201648
Organic phase-change memory transistor based on an organic semiconductor with reversible molecular conformation transition. - In: Advanced science, ISSN 2198-3844, Bd. 10 (2023), 4, 2205694, S. 1-8
Phase-change semiconductor is one of the best candidates for designing nonvolatile memory, but it has never been realized in organic semiconductors until now. Here, a phase-changeable and high-mobility organic semiconductor (3,6-DATT) is first synthesized. Benefiting from the introduction of electrostatic hydrogen bond (S&hahog;&hahog;&hahog;H), the molecular conformation of 3,6-DATT crystals can be reversibly modulated by the electric field and ultraviolet irradiation. Through experimental and theoretical verification, the tiny difference in molecular conformation leads to crystalline polymorphisms and dramatically distinct charge transport properties, based on which a high-performance organic phase-change memory transistor (OPCMT) is constructed. The OPCMT exhibits a quick programming/erasing rate (about 3 s), long retention time (more than 2 h), and large memory window (i.e., large threshold voltage shift over 30 V). This work presents a new molecule design concept for organic semiconductors with reversible molecular conformation transition and opens a novel avenue for memory devices and other functional applications.
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202205694
Hierarchical design of cross-linked NiCo2S4 nanowires bridged NiCo-hydrocarbonate polyhedrons for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor. - In: Advanced functional materials, ISSN 1616-3028, Bd. 33 (2023), 4, 2210238, S. 1-14
Engineering core-shell materials with rationally designed architectures and components is an effective strategy to fulfill the high-performance requirements of supercapacitors. Herein, hierarchical candied-haws-like NiCo2S4NiCo(HCO3)2 core-shell heterostructure (NiCo2S4@HCs) is designed with NiCo(HCO3)2 polyhedrons being tightly strung by cross-linked NiCo2S4 nanowires. This rational design not only creates more electroactive sites but also suppresses the volume expansion during the charge-discharge processes. Meanwhile, density functional theory calculations ascertain that the formation of NiCo2S4@HCs heterostructure simultaneously facilitates OH− adsorption/desorption and accelerates electron transfer within the electrode, boosting fast and efficient redox reactions. Ex situ X-ray diffraction and Raman measurements reveal that gradual phase transformations from NiCo(HCO3)2 to NiCo(OH)2CO3 and then to highly-active NiCoOOH take place during the cycles. Therefore, NiCo2S4@HCs demonstrates an ultrahigh capacitance of 3178.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a remarkable rate capability of 2179.3 F g−1 at 30 A g−1. In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor NiCo2S4@HCs//AC exhibits a high energy density of 69.6 W h kg−1 at the power density of 847 W kg−1 and excellent cycling stability with 90.2% retained capacitance after 10 000 cycles. Therefore, this novel structural design has effectively manipulated the interface charge states and guaranteed the structural integrity of electrode materials to achieve superior electrochemical performances.
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202210238
Effect of poly-crystallinity on the magnetoelectric behavior of TiN/AlN/Ni MEMS cantilevers investigated by finite element methods. - In: Physica status solidi, ISSN 1521-396X, Bd. 0 (2023), 0, 2200839, S. 1-6
Herein, magnetoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) cantilevers are investigated on basis of a TiN/AlN/Ni laminate derived from experimental sensors using finite-element simulations. With the anisotropic ΔE effect as an implication of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the lateral sensitivity of the sensor is studied for different nickel layer thicknesses and boundary conditions. It is found that above 60% of the cantilever length, the nickel is effectively not contributing to the sensor sensitivity anymore which is supported by the investigation of sensors with partial nickel coverage. The boundary condition of the magnetostrictive layer is found to affect the sensitivity of thick layers while it is negligible for thinning layers. Further investigations on basis of polycrystalline untextured nickel with slightly preferred orientations reveal a stronger effect on thin layers than on thicker ones. It is found to arise from relatively large crystals in the high-sensitivity region near the clamping of the sensor. For thicker polycrystalline layers, the ΔE effect reproduces a characteristic based mainly on the (110) and (111) orientations while the (100) orientation appears to be underrepresented.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.202200839