Abstract: Metal halide perovskite (MHP) quantum dots (QDs) offer immense potential for several areas of photonics research due to their easy and low-cost fabrication and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, practical applications of MHP QDs are limited by their poor stability and, in particular, their tendency to aggregate. Here, we develop a two-step double-solvent strategy to grow and confine CsPbBr3 QDs within the three-dimensional (3D) cavities of a mesoporous SBA-16 silica scaffold (CsPbBr3@SBA-16). Strong confinement and separation of the MHP QDs lead to a relatively uniform size distribution, narrow luminescence, and good ambient stability over 2 months. In addition, the CsPbBr3@SBA-16 presents a high activity and stability for visible-light-driven photocatalytic toluene C(sp(3))-H bond activation to produce benzaldehyde with similar to 730 mu mol g(-1) h(-1) yield rate and near-unity selectivity. Similarly, the structural stability of CsPbBr3@SBA-16 QDs is superior to that of both pure CsPbBr3 QDs and those confined in MCM-41 with 1D channels.

Abstract: Hierarchically dual‐mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have been synthesized via a solvothermal process in the presence of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylmidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) as co‐templates. Secondary mesostructured defects in the hierarchical TiO2 microspheres produce the oxygen vacancies, which not only significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity on degrading methyl blue (over 1.7 times to P25) and acetone (over 2.9 times of P25), but which also are beneficial for lithium storage. Moreover, we propose a mechanism to obtain a better understanding of the role of dual mesoporosity of TiO2 microspheres for enhancing the molecular diffusion, ion transportation and electron transformation.

Abstract: Controlling the morphology of organolead halide perovskite crystals is crucial to a fundamental understanding of the materials and to tune their properties for device applications. Here, we report a facile solution-based method for morphology-controlled synthesis of rod-like and plate-like organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals using binary capping agents. The morphology control is likely due to an interplay between surface binding kinetics of the two capping agents at different crystal facets. By high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, we show that the obtained nanocrystals are monocrystalline. Moreover, long photoluminescence decay times of the nanocrystals indicate long charge diffusion lengths and low trap/defect densities. Our results pave the way for large-scale solution synthesis of organolead halide perovskite nanocrystals with controlled morphology for future device applications.

Abstract: By using density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function-based methods, we investigated the electronic and transport properties of a TiS3 monolayer p-n junction. We constructed a lateral p-n junction on a TiS3 monolayer using Li and F adatoms. An applied bias voltage caused significant variability in the electronic and transport properties of the TiS3 p-n junction. In addition, the spin-dependent current-volt-age characteristics of the constructed TiS3 p-n junction were analyzed. Important device characteristics were found, such as negative differential resistance and rectifying diode behaviors for spin-polarized currents in the TiS3 p-n junction. These prominent conduction properties of the TiS3 p-n junction offer remarkable opportunities for the design of nanoelectronic devices based on a recently synthesized single-layered material.

Abstract: Excessive CO2 emissions in the atmosphere from anthropogenic activity can be divided into point sources and diffuse sources. The capture of CO2 from flue gases of large industrial installations and its conversion into fuels and chemicals with fast catalytic processes seems technically possible. Some emerging technologies are already being demonstrated on an industrial scale. Others are still being tested on a laboratory or pilot scale. These emerging chemical technologies can be implemented in a time window ranging from 5 to 20 years. The massive amounts of energy needed for capturing processes and the conversion of CO2 should come from low-carbon energy sources, such as tidal, geothermal, and nuclear energy, but also, mainly, from the sun. Synthetic methane gas that can be formed from CO2 and hydrogen gas is an attractive renewable energy carrier with an existing distribution system. Methanol offers advantages as a liquid fuel and is also a building block for the chemical industry. CO2 emissions from diffuse sources is a difficult problem to solve, particularly for CO2 emissions from road, water, and air transport, but steady progress in the development of technology for capturing CO2 from air is being made. It is impossible to ban carbon from the entire energy
supply of mankind with the current technological knowledge, but a transition to a mixed carbon–hydrogen economy can reduce net CO2 emissions and ultimately lead to a CO2-neutral world.

Abstract: Low-temperature plasmas are gaining a lot of interest for environmental and energy applications. A large research field in these applications is the conversion of CO2 into chemicals and fuels. Since CO2 is a very stable molecule, a key performance indicator for the research on plasma-based CO2 conversion is the energy efficiency. Until now, the energy efficiency in atmospheric plasma reactors is quite low, and therefore we employ here a novel type of plasma reactor, the gliding arc plasmatron (GAP). This paper provides a detailed experimental and computational study of the CO2 conversion, as well as the energy cost and efficiency in a GAP. A comparison with thermal conversion, other plasma types and other novel CO2 conversion technologies is made to find out whether this novel plasma reactor can provide a significant contribution to the much-needed efficient conversion of CO2. From these comparisons it becomes evident that our results are less than a factor of two away from being cost competitive and already outperform several other new technologies. Furthermore, we indicate how the performance of the GAP can still be improved by further exploiting its non-equilibrium character. Hence, it is clear that the GAP is very promising for CO2 conversion.

Abstract: Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are mixtures of naturally derived compounds with a significantly decreased melting point due to the specific interactions among the constituents. NADES have benign properties (low volatility, flammability, toxicity, cost) and tailorable physicochemical properties (by altering the type and molar ratio of constituents), hence they are often considered as a green alternative to common organic solvents. Modeling the relation between their composition and properties is crucial though, both for understanding and predicting their behavior. Several efforts were done to this end, yet this review aims at structuring the present knowledge as an outline for future research. First, we reviewed the key properties of NADES and relate them to their structure based on the available experimental data. Second, we reviewed available modeling methods applicable to NADES. At the molecular level, density functional theory and molecular dynamics allow interpreting density differences and vibrational spectra, and computation of interaction energies. Additionally, properties at the level of the bulk media can be explained and predicted by semi-empirical methods based on ab initio methods (COSMO-RS) and equation of state models (PC-SAFT). Finally, methods based on large datasets are discussed; models based on group contribution methods and machine learning. A combination of bulk media and dataset modeling allows qualitative prediction and interpretation of phase equilibria properties on the one hand, and quantitative prediction of melting point, density, viscosity, surface tension and refractive indices on the other hand. In our view, multiscale modeling, combining the molecular and macroscale methods, will strongly enhance the predictability of NADES properties and their interaction with solutes, yielding truly tailorable solvents to accommodate (bio)chemical reactions.

Abstract: The emergence of new psychoactive drugs in the market demands rapid and accurate tools for the on‐site classification of illegal and legal compounds with similar structures. Herein, a novel method for the classification of synthetic cathinones (SC) is presented based on their electrochemical profile. First, the electrochemical profile of five common SC (i.e., mephedrone, ethcathinone, methylone, butylone and 4‐chloro‐alpha‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is collected to build calibration curves using square wave voltammetry on graphite screen‐printed electrodes (SPE). Second, the elucidation of the oxidation pathways, obtained by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry, allows the pairing of the oxidation products to the SC electrochemical profile, providing a selective and robust classification. Additionally, the effect of common adulterants and illicit drugs on the electrochemical profile of the SC is explored. Interestingly, a cathodic pretreatment of the SPE allows the selective detection of each SC in presence of electroactive adulterants. Finally, the electrochemical approach is validated with gas‐chromatography‐mass spectrometry by analyzing 26 confiscated samples from seizures and illegal webshops. Overall, the electrochemical method exhibits a successful classification of SC including structural derivatives, a crucial attribute in an ever‐diversifying drug market.

Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('We show the possibility to tune the pore size of mesoporous TiO2 templated by non-ionic block copolymers by adding different inorganic acids at well-chosen concentration. The effect of the inorganic anions on both the TiO2 cluster formation and the non-ionic block copolymers micelles is investigated to explain the experimental results.'));

Abstract: Surface coating is a crucial method to mitigate the aging problem of high-Ni cathode active materials (CAMs). By avoiding the direct contact of the CAM and the electrolyte, side reactions are hindered. Commonly used techniques like wet or ALD coating are time consuming and costly. Therefore, a more cost-effective coating technique is desirable. Herein, a facile and fast dry powder coating process for CAMs with nanostructured fumed metal oxides are reported. As the model case, the coating of high-Ni NMC (LiNi0.7Mn0.15Co0.15O2) by nanostructured fumed Al2O3 is investigated. A high coverage of the CAM surface with an almost continuous coating layer is achieved, still showing some porosity. Electrochemical evaluation shows a significant increase in capacity retention, cycle life and rate performance of the coated NMC material. The coating layer protects the surface of the CAM successfully and prevents side reactions, resulting in reduced solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and charge transfer impedance during cycling. A mechanism on how the coating layer enhances the cycling performance is hypothesized. The stable coating layer effectively prevents crack formation and particle disintegration of the NMC. In depth analysis indicates partial formation of LixAl2O3/LiAlO2 in the coating layer during cycling, enhancing lithium ion diffusivity and thus, also the rate performance.

Abstract: This research study reports the assessment of complementary split ring resonators based on Gielis transformation as basic elements for the design of high‐performance microwave components in printed technology. From the electromagnetic simulation of said structures, suitable equivalent circuit models are extracted and analyzed. Physical prototypes are fabricated and tested for design validation. The obtained results confirm that the adoption of supershaped geometries enables the synthesis of very compact scalable microwave filters.

Abstract: This paper demonstrates that the CO2 conversion in a dielectric barrier discharge rises drastically upon addition of Ar or He, and the effect is more pronounced for Ar than for He. The effective CO2 conversion, on the other hand, drops upon addition of Ar or He, which is logical due to the lower CO2 content in the gas mixture, and the same is true for the energy efficiency, because a considerable fraction of the energy is then consumed into ionization/excitation of Ar or He atoms. The higher absolute CO2 conversion upon addition of Ar or He can be explained by studying in detail the Lissajous plots and the current profiles. The breakdown voltage is lower in the CO2/Ar and CO2/He mixtures, and the discharge gap is more filled with plasma, which enhances the possibility for CO2 conversion. The rates of electron impact excitationdissociation of CO2, estimated from the electron densities and mean electron energies, are indeed higher in the CO2/Ar and (to a lower extent) in the CO2/He mixtures, compared to the pure CO2 plasma. Moreover, charge transfer between Ar+ or Ar2+ ions and CO2, followed by electron-ion dissociative recombination of the CO2+ ions, might also contribute to, or even be dominant for the CO2 dissociation. All these effects can explain the higher CO2 conversion, especially upon addition of Ar, but also upon addition of He.

Abstract: The penetration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) across the stratum corneum (SC) is a necessary and crucial process in many skin‐related plasma medical applications. To gain more insights into this penetration behavior, we combined experimental measurements of the permeability of dry and moist SC layers with computer simulations of model lipid membranes. We measured the permeation of relatively stable molecules, which are typically generated by plasma, namely H2O2, NO3−, and NO2−. Furthermore, we calculated the permeation free energy profiles of the major plasma‐generated RONS and their derivatives (i.e., H2O2, OH, HO2, O2, O3, NO, NO2, N2O4, HNO2, HNO3, NO2−, and NO3−) across native and oxidized SC lipid bilayers, to understand the mechanisms of RONS permeation across the SC. Our results indicate that hydrophobic RONS (i.e., NO, NO2, O2, O3, and N2O4) can translocate more easily across the SC lipid bilayer than hydrophilic RONS (i.e., H2O2, OH, HO2, HNO2, and HNO3) and ions (i.e., NO2− and NO3−) that experience much higher permeation barriers. The permeability of RONS through the SC skin lipids is enhanced when the skin is moist and the lipids are oxidized. These findings may help to understand the underlying mechanisms of plasma interaction with a biomaterial and to optimize the environmental parameters in practice in plasma medical applications.

Abstract: Thumbnail image of graphical abstract To investigate nanoassemblies in three dimensions, electron tomography is an important tool. For large nanoassemblies, it is not straightforward to obtain quantitative results in three dimensions. An optimized acquisition technique, incoherent bright field scanning transmission electron microscopy, is combined with an advanced 3D reconstruction algorithm. The approach is applied to quantitatively analyze large nanoassemblies in three dimensions.

Abstract: Reliable quantification of 3D results obtained by X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (XEDS) tomography is currently hampered by the presence of shadowing effects and poor spatial resolution. Here, we present a method that overcomes these problems by synergistically combining quantified XEDS data and High Angle Annular Dark Field – Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HAADF-STEM) tomography. As a proof of principle, the approach is applied to characterize a complex Au/Ag nanorattle obtained through a galvanic replacement reaction. However, the technique we propose here is widely applicable to a broad range of nanostructures.