Trash into Treasure: δ‐FAPbI3 Polymorph Stabilized MAPbI3 Perovskite with Power Conversion Efficiency beyond 21%

Effective passivation and stabilization of both the inside and interface of a perovskite layer are crucial for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), in terms of efficiency, reproducibility, and stability. Here, the first formamidinium lead iodide (δ‐FAPbI₃) polymorph passivated and stabilized MAPbI₃ PSCs are reported. This novel MAPbI₃/δ‐FAPbI₃ structure is realized via treating a mixed organic cation MA _x FA_{1‐ x} PbI₃ perovskite film with methylamine (MA) gas. In addition to the morphology healing, MA gas can also induce the formation of δ‐FAPbI₃ phase within the perovskite film. The in situ formed 1D δ‐FAPbI₃ polymorph behaves like an organic scaffold that can passivate the trap state, tunnel contact, and restrict organic‐cation diffusion. As a result, the device efficiency is easily boosted to 21%. Furthermore, the stability of the MAPbI₃/δ‐FAPbI₃ film is also obviously improved. This δ‐FAPbI₃ phase passivation strategy opens up a new direction of perovskite structure modification for further improving stability without sacrificing efficiency.     

In Situ Encapsulating α‐MnS into N,S‐Codoped Nanotube‐Like Carbon as Advanced Anode Material: α → β Phase Transition Promoted Cycling Stability and Superior Li/Na‐Storage Performance in Half/Full Cells

Incorporation of N,S‐codoped nanotube‐like carbon (N,S‐NTC) can endow electrode materials with superior electrochemical properties owing to the unique nanoarchitecture and improved kinetics. Herein, α‐MnS nanoparticles (NPs) are in situ encapsulated into N,S‐NTC, preparing an advanced anode material (α‐MnS@N,S‐NTC) for lithium‐ion/sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). It is for the first time revealed that electrochemical α → β phase transition of MnS NPs during the 1st cycle effectively promotes Li‐storage properties, which is deduced by the studies of ex situ X‐ray diffraction/high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and electrode kinetics. As a result, the optimized α‐MnS@N,S‐NTC electrode delivers a high Li‐storage capacity (1415 mA h g^?1 at 50 mA g^?1), excellent rate capability (430 mA h g^?1 at 10 A g^?1), and long‐term cycling stability (no obvious capacity decay over 5000 cycles at 1 A g^?1) with retained morphology. In addition, the N,S‐NTC‐based encapsulation plays the key roles on enhancing the electrochemical properties due to its high conductivity and unique 1D nanoarchitecture with excellent protective effects to active MnS NPs. Furthermore, α‐MnS@N,S‐NTC also delivers high Na‐storage capacity (536 mA h g^?1 at 50 mA g^?1) without the occurrence of such α → β phase transition and excellent full‐cell performances as coupling with commercial LiFePO₄ and LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ cathodes in LIBs as well as Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂O₂F cathode in SIBs.     

Anisotropic Excitation Polarization Response from a Single White Light‐Emitting β‐NaYF4:Yb3+,Pr3+ Microcrystal

Precise knowledge about optical and structural performance of individual rare earth (RE)‐doped particles is extremely important for the optimization of luminescent particles and for fully exploiting their capability as multifunctional probes for interdisciplinary applications. In this work, optical and structural anisotropy of individual particles through RE‐doped single fluoride microcrystals with controllable morphology is reported. Unique luminescent phenomena, for example, white light‐emission from Pr³⁺ at single particle level and different photoluminescent spectra variation dependence on excitation polarization orientation at different excitation direction are observed upon excitation with a 980 nm linearly polarized laser. Based on the analysis of local site symmetry and electron cloud distribution of REs in hexagonal structure by density functional theory calculations, an exciting mechanism of excitation polarization response anisotropy is given for the first time, providing a guidance for emission polarization simultaneously. The structural anisotropy is presented in Raman spectra with obvious differing Raman curves, revealing the reason why there are differences between powder groups. Taking advantage of anisotropic crystals, potential applications in microscopic multi‐information transportation are suggested for the optical and structural performance anisotropy from RE‐doped fluoride single nano/microcrystals to ordered nano/microcrystal arrays, such as local rate probing in a flowing liquid.     

A variationally consistent αFEM (VCαFEM) for solution bounds and nearly exact solution to solid mechanics problems using quadrilateral elements

A variationally consistent alpha finite element method (VC αFEM) for quadrilateral isoparametric elements is presented by constructing an assumed strain field in which the gradient of the compatible strain field is scaled with a free parameter α. The assumed strain field satisfies the orthogonal condition and the Hellinger–Reissner variational principle is used to establish the discretized system of equations. It is shown that the strain energy is a second‐order continuous function of α, and the VC αFEM can produce both lower and upper bounds to the exact solution in the strain energy for all elasticity problems by choosing a proper α∈[0, α_upper]. Based on this bound property, an exact‐α approach has been devised to give an ultra‐accurate solution that is very close to the exact one in the strain energy. Furthermore, the exact‐α approach also works well for volumetric locking problems, by simply replacing the strain gradient matrix by a stabilization matrix. In addition, a regularization‐α approach has also been suggested to overcome possible hourglass instability. Intensive numerical studies have been conducted to confirm the properties of the present VC αFEM, and a very good performance has been found in comparing to a large number of existing FEM models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Core–Shell Structure and Interaction Mechanism of γ‐MnO2 Coated Sulfur for Improved Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

Lithium‐sulfur batteries have attracted worldwide interest due to their high theoretical capacity of 1672 mAh g^?1 and low cost. However, the practical applications are hampered by capacity decay, mainly attributed to the polysulfide shuttle. Here, the authors have fabricated a solid core–shell γ‐MnO₂‐coated sulfur nanocomposite through the redox reaction between KMnO₄ and MnSO₄. The multifunctional MnO₂ shell facilitates electron and Li⁺ transport as well as efficiently prevents polysulfide dissolution via physical confinement and chemical interaction. Moreover, the γ‐MnO₂ crystallographic form also provides one‐dimensional (1D) tunnels for the Li⁺ incorporation to alleviate insoluble Li₂S₂/Li₂S deposition at high discharge rate. More importantly, the MnO₂ phase transformation to Mn₃O₄ occurs during the redox reaction between polysulfides and γ‐MnO₂ is first thoroughly investigated. The S@γ‐MnO₂ composite exhibits a good capacity retention of 82% after 300 cycles (0.5 C) and a fade rate of 0.07% per cycle over 600 cycles (1 C). The degradation mechanism can probably be elucidated that the decomposition of the surface Mn₃O₄ phase is the cause of polysulfide dissolution. The recent work thus sheds new light on the hitherto unknown surface interaction mechanism and the degradation mechanism of Li‐S cells.     

Sequential Targeting TGF‐β Signaling and KRAS Mutation Increases Therapeutic Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy that strongly resists extant treatments. The failure of existing therapies is majorly attributed to the tough tumor microenvironment (TME) limiting drug access and the undruggable targets of tumor cells. The formation of suppressive TME is regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling, while the poor response and short survival of almost 90% of pancreatic cancer patients results from the oncogenic KRAS mutation. Hence, simultaneously targeting both the TGF‐β and KRAS pathways might dismantle the obstacles of pancreatic cancer therapy. Here, a novel sequential‐targeting strategy is developed, in which antifibrotic fraxinellone‐loaded CGKRK‐modified nanoparticles (Frax‐NP‐CGKRK) are constructed to regulate TGF‐β signaling and siRNA‐loaded lipid‐coated calcium phosphate (LCP) biomimetic nanoparticles (siKras‐LCP‐ApoE3) are applied to interfere with the oncogenic KRAS. Frax‐NP‐CGKRK successfully targets the tumor sites through the recognition of overexpressed heparan sulfate proteoglycan, reverses the activated cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), attenuates the dense stroma barrier, and enhances tumor blood perfusion. Afterward, siKras‐LCP‐ApoE3 is efficiently internalized by the tumor cells through macropinocytosis and specifically silencing KRAS mutation. Compared with gemcitabine, this sequential‐targeting strategy significantly elongates the lifespans of pancreatic tumor‐bearing animals, hence providing a promising approach for pancreatic cancer therapy.     

TGF‐β1 Conjugated to Gold Nanoparticles Results in Protein Conformational Changes and Attenuates the Biological Function

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used as carriers or therapeutic agents due to their great biocompatibility and unique physical properties. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), a member of the cysteine‐knot structural superfamily, plays a pivotal role in many diseases and is known as an immunosuppressive agent that attenuates immune response resulting in tumor growth. The results reported herein reflect strong interactions between TGF‐β1 and the surface of AuNPs when incubated with serum‐containing medium, and demonstrate a time‐ and dose‐dependent pattern. Compared with other serum proteins that can also bind to the AuNP surface, AuNP–TGFβ1 conjugate is a thermodynamically favored compound. Epithelial cells undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) upon treatment with TGF‐β1; however, treatment with AuNPs reverses this effect, as detected by cell morphology and expression levels of EMT markers. TGF‐β1 is found to bind to AuNPs through S–Au bonds by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is employed to analyze the conformational changes of TGF‐β1 on the surface of AuNPs. The results indicate that TGF‐β1 undergoes significant conformational changes at both secondary and tertiary structural levels after conjugation to the AuNP surface, which results in the deactivation of TGF‐β1 protein. An in vivo experiment also shows that addition of AuNPs attenuates the growth of TGF‐β1‐secreting murine bladder tumor 2 cells in syngeneic C3H/HeN mice, but not in immunocompromised NOD‐SCID mice, and this is associated with an increase in the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and a decrease in the number of intrasplenic Foxp3(+) lymphocytes. The findings demonstrate that AuNPs may be a promising agent for modulating tumor immunity through inhibiting immunosuppressive TGF‐β1 signaling.     

Mikrostruktur und mechanische Eigenschaften der reibgeschweißten γ‐TiAl‐Feingusslegierung Ti‐47Al‐3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)‐0.8(B+Si)

Microstructure and mechanical properties of friction welded γ‐TiAl based alloy Ti‐47Al‐3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)‐0.8(B+Si) in investment cast condition. This paper describes properties of joints produced by friction welding of the intermetallic γ‐TiAl based alloy Ti‐47Al‐3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)‐0.8(B+Si) in investment cast and hot‐isostatically pressed condition. The effect of friction welding parameters on microstructure and local properties are examined and discussed. It is found that the properties of the joint are essentially affected by properties of as‐cast Ti‐47Al‐3.5(Mn+Cr+Nb)‐0.8(B+Si) base material, both at room temperature and 700 °C.     

Dialysis patients treated with Epoetin α show improved exercise tolerance and physical function: A new analysis of the Canadian Erythropoietin Study Group trial

The risks/benefits of anemia treatment in dialysis patients have been redefined in the US Epoetin α label. This analysis was carried out to determine if increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels improve exercise tolerance and physical function in anemic dialysis patients. This is a new analysis of the Canadian Erythropoietin Study Group trial, a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in dialysis patients. Subjects were 18 to 75 years old, on hemodialysis for >3 months, and had a baseline Hb <9.0 g/dL. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, or severe/uncontrolled hypertension were excluded. Patients were randomized to receive Epoetin α to a target Hb of 9.5 to 11.0 g/dL (n=40) or a target of 11.5 to 13.0 g/dL (n=38), or receive placebo (n=40). Results from patients in the Epoetin‐α–treated arms were combined for this analysis. Hb level, exercise tolerance (Treadmill Stress Test and 6‐Minute Walk Test) and patient‐reported physical function measures (Physical Summary domain from the Kidney Disease Questionnaire, and 4 domains from the Sickness Impact Profile) were reported at baseline and months 2, 4, and 6. Differences in measures were statistically significant for exercise tolerance (Treadmill Stress, P=0.0001) and patient‐reported physical function (Kidney Disease Questionnaire Physical, P=0.0001; Sickness Impact Profile Physical, P=0.0015) across all time points for Epoetin‐α–treated patients compared with placebo. Improvements were seen at 2 months and were maintained through months 4 and 6. Dialysis patients receiving Epoetin α showed improved exercise tolerance and physical function. These findings should be considered as physicians weigh the risks and benefits of treatment.     

A study of tensile properties in Al–Si–Cu and Al–Si–Mg alloys: Effect of β-iron intermetallics and porosity

The effect of β-iron intermetallics and porosity on the tensile properties in cast Al–Si–Cu and Al–Si–Mg alloys were investigated for this research study, using experimental and industrial 319.2 alloys, and industrial A356.2 alloys. The results showed that the alloy ductility and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were subject to deterioration as a result of an increase in the size of β-iron intermetallics, most noticeable up to β-iron intermetallic lengths of 100 μm in 319.2 alloys, or 70 μm in A356.2 alloys. An increase in the size of the porosity was also deleterious to alloy ductility and UTS. Although tensile properties are interpreted by means of UTS vs. log elongation plots in the present study, the properties for all sample conditions were best interpreted by means of log UTS vs. log elongation plots, where the properties increased linearly between conditions of low cooling rate–high Fe and high cooling rate–low Fe. The results are explained in terms of the β-Al₅FeSi platelet size and porosity values obtained.     

Doping-induced microstructural, textural and optical properties of In2Ti1−xVxO5+δ semiconductors and their role in the photocatalytic splitting of water

The physicochemical properties of V-doped indium titanates (In₂Ti_1−xV_xO_5+δ, 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) were investigated by using XPS, powder XRD, UV–vis, SEM and luminescence spectroscopy techniques. The Rietveld refinement of XRD data revealed that even though the V-containing samples were isostructural with In₂TiO₅ (orthorhombic space group Pnma), a systematic x-dependent variation was noticeable in the Ti–O bond lengths in [TiO₆] octahedral units, cell parameters and in the value of δ. XPS results confirmed the coexistence of V⁵⁺ and V⁴⁺ states, leading thereby to an enhancement in oxygen non-stoichiometry in the doped samples. A loading-dependent progressive shift from 400 to 750 nm was also observed in the onset of the absorption edge, indicating a significant narrowing of the band gap. Furthermore, the samples with higher V-content were comprised of the grain clusters having larger size and an irregular shape. The UV–vis, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies indicate that the doping-induced lattice defects may give rise to certain closely spaced acceptor/donor energy levels in between the band gap of host matrix. The indium titanates are found to serve as stable photocatalysts for water splitting under visible light, where oxygen was the major reaction product. The role of microstructural and morphological properties in the photocatalytic activity is discussed.