Dynamic stress in a semi-infinite solid with a cylindrical nano-inhomogeneity considering nanoscale microstructure

In this paper, the dynamic stress around a cylindrical nano-inhomogeneity embedded in a semi-infinite solid under anti-plane shear waves is investigated. The surface/interface stress effects around the nano-inhomogeneity and at the straight edge of the semi-infinite solid are both considered. The boundary condition at the straight edge of the semi-infinite solid with surface/interface effects is satisfied by the image method. The incident, scattered and refracted displacement fields in the nano-sized composites are expressed by employing the wave function expansion method. The addition theorem for a cylindrical wave function is applied to accomplish the superposition of wave fields in the two semi-infinite solids. Analyzes show that the effect of interface properties, especially that at the straight edge, on the dynamic stress is significant, and the effect increases noticeably due to the nanoscale of the structure. The incident frequency and angle of waves and the shear modulus ratio of the nano-inhomogeneity to matrix also show a pronounced effect on the dynamic stress distribution if the semi-infinite solid shrinks to nanoscale.     

High-throughput positive-dielectrophoretic bioparticle microconcentrator

We introduce a new dielectrophoretic particle microconcentrator that combines interdigitated electrodes with a chaotic mixer to achieve high-throughput (>100 microL/min) particle concentration. The interdigitated electrodes use positive dielectrophoresis to attract particles to the surface, while the chaotic mixer circulates the particles to increase the number brought in proximity with the surface. We have used this microconcentrator to concentrate both beads and B. subtilis spores and have developed a microvolume concentration measurement method to determine the delivered off-chip concentration enhancement of the output sample. The resulting microconcentrator is sufficiently high throughput to serve as an interface between macroscale sample collectors and micro- or nanoscale detectors.     

聚合物复合电解质的界面结构与控制

本文主要讨论了聚合物固体电解质与聚合物、增塑剂和无机物等复合形成的多相聚合物复合电解质中 ,界面结构对离子电导率和机械性能的影响。指出选择适当的改性剂及复合方法 ,控制界面的结构和形态 ,形成尽可能多的高导电的界面 ,是获得电导率高和机械性能良好的聚合物固体电解质的有效途径。     

Predicting microdroplet force response using a multiscale modeling approach

An axisymmetric microscale finite element model of a microdroplet test specimen is developed where the structural response of the fiber–droplet interface is accounted for by surface-based cohesive behavior. In this study, the interface cohesive response is estimated using a nanoscale interface finite element model that explicitly includes the effects of fiber surface topography and the interphase region. The interphase behavior in the nanoscale interface model is calibrated using indirect experimental data. Once calibrated, the fiber surface topography in the nanoscale interface model is modified in order to estimate the parameters defining the surface-based cohesive behavior of similar fiber–matrix systems with different fiber topography. The effect of altering the fiber topography on the force response of the microdroplet test can then be predicted by the microdroplet FE model. Comparing the simulation results with experimental data from the literature shows that this multiscale modeling approach gives accurate predictions for the interfacial shear stress.     

Abnormal Graphitization Behavior in Near-Surface/Interface Region of Polymer-Derived Ceramics

The in situ free carbon generated in polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) plays a crucial role in their unique microstructure and resultant properties. This study advances a new phenomenon of graphitization of PDCs. Specifically, whether in micro-/nanoscale films or millimeter-scale bulks, the surface/interface radically changes the fate of carbon and the evolution of PDC nanodomains, promotes the graphitization of carbon, and evolves a free carbon enriched layer in the near-surface/interface region. Affected by the enrichment behavior of free carbon in the near-surface/interface region, PDCs exhibit highly abnormal properties such as the skin behavior and edge effect of the current. The current intensity in the near-surface/interface region of PDCs is orders of magnitude higher than that in its interior. Ultrahigh conductivity of up to 14.47 S cm⁻¹ is obtained under the action of the interface and surface, which is 5–8 orders of magnitude higher than that of the bulk prepared under the same conditions. Such surface/interface interactions are of interest for the regulation of free carbon and its resultant properties, which are the core of PDC applications. Finally, the first PDC thin-film strain gauge that can survive a butane flame with a high temperature of up to ≈1300 °C is fabricated.     

Effect of gold adsorption on the conductive properties of cyclo-octasulfur microcrystals

The formation of gold crystallites on the surface of S8 promotes diffusion of electrons and determines the conductive properties of the shell-core nanosystems. Conducting probe atomic microscopy and four-probe resistance measurements confirmed that Au/S8 shell-core systems exhibit electrical conductivity on the micro- as well as on the nanoscale in contrast to non-covered S8 crystals, which are insulating. The conductivity of Au/S8 systems on the microscale was measured to be 10+/-1 S cm(-1). In XPS measurements, a single peak at 163.6 eV was observed for bulk S8 whereas an additional peak corresponding to a binding energy of 161.4 eV appeared for S8 adsorbed on a Au substrate. This is interpreted to mean that a chemical reaction has taken place. A process which results in adsorption of uniform gold nanolayers on needle shaped or fibrous S8 crystallites is under investigation.     

High-resolution patterning of silver thin films with a water-mediated metal transfer printing

We report a direct printing method, water-mediated metal transfer printing (mTP), for generating Ag patterns with a wide range of feature sizes. Water-mediated mTP is based on the direct transfer of a metal thin film from a stamp to a substrate via a water-mediated surface bonding. An Ag thin film is used as a solid "ink" in the mTP, which can be used for the formation of micro- and nanoscale Ag structures. To demonstrate its usefulness, we used the water-mediated mTP to fabricate low voltage ZnO thin-film transistors.     

Superhydrophobic carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane composite coatings

This paper reports a method for fabricating carbon nanotube (CNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite superhydrophobic coatings. With toluene as a solvent, the coating is obtained directly by spray of CNT/PDMS/toluene suspension. The hydrophobicity and micro-/nanostructure of the coatings are studied with respect to the mass ratio (MR) of CNT to PDMS. Based on the multiscale morphology analysis, it is shown that the nanoscale roughness is essential for achieving superhydrophobicity. To form nanoscale rough surface and obtain a stable superhydrophobic coating, MR>0·3 is recommended. In addition, such coatings also show small slide angle, low adhesion strength and long term stability of the coated surface. The method reported in this study is low cost and especially suitable for engineering applications.     

Modulating contact angle hysteresis to direct fluid droplets along a homogenous surface

The shape and motion of drops on surfaces is governed by the balance between the driving and the pinning forces. Here we demonstrate control over the motion of droplets on an inclined surface by exerting control over the contact angle hysteresis. The external modulation of contact angle hysteresis is achieved through a voltage-induced local molecular reorganization within the surface film at the solid-liquid interface. We show that tuning contact angle hysteresis alone is sufficient to direct and deform drops when subjected to a constant external driving force, here gravity, in the absence of a pre-defined surface energy gradient or pattern. We also show that the observed stretching and contraction of the drops mimic the motion of an inchworm. Such reversible manipulation of the pinning forces could be an attractive means to direct drops, especially with the dominance of surface forces at micro-/nanoscale.     

Selective trapping and manipulation of microscale objects using mobile microvortices

Controlled manipulation of individual micro- and nanoscale objects requires the use of trapping forces that can be focused and translated with high spatial and time resolution. We report a new strategy that uses the flow of mobile microvortices to trap and manipulate single objects in fluid with essentially no restrictions on their material properties. Fluidic trapping forces are generated toward the center of microvortices formed by magnetic microactuators, that is, rotating nanowire or self-assembled microbeads, actuated by a weak rotating magnetic field (|B|< 5 mT). We demonstrate precise manipulation of single microspheres and microorganisms near a solid surface in water.     

Electrokinetic transport in nanochannels. 2. Experiments

We present an experimental study of nanoscale electrokinetic transport in custom-fabricated quartz nanochannels using quantitative epifluorescence imaging and current monitoring techniques. One aim is to yield insight into electrical double layer physics and study the applicability of continuum theory to nanoscale electrokinetic systems. A second aim is to explore a new separation modality offered by nanoscale electrophoretic separations. We perform parametric variations of applied electric field, channel depth, background buffer concentration, and species valence to impose variations on zeta potential, effective mobility, and Debye length among other parameters. These measurements were used to validate a continuum theory-based analytical model presented in the first of this two-paper series. Our results confirm the usefulness of continuum theory in predicting electrokinetic transport and electrophoretic separations in nanochannels. Our model leverages independent measurements of zeta potential performed in a microchannel system at electrolyte concentrations of interest. These data yield a zeta potential versus concentration relation that is used as a boundary condition for the nanochannel electrokinetic transport model. The data and model comparisons together show that the effective mobility governing electrophoretic transport of charged species in nanochannels depends not only on ion mobility values but also on the shape of the electric double layer and analyte ion valence. We demonstrate a method we term electrokinetic separation by ion valence, whereby both ion valence and mobility may be determined independently from a comparison of micro- and nanoscale transport measurements.     

A macroscopic solids-stabilized emulsion droplet model in reduced gravity

The presence of solid nano-scale particles affects the stability of emulsions but it is difficult to make direct observations of these particles because of their dimensions. By reducing the gravitational force exerted on the droplets and particles, it is possible to enlarge the emulsion droplet system and optically observe the particles on the interface. Such a macroscopic model of a solidsstabilized emulsion droplet has been developed using silicone oil, water and glass beads. The macroscopic system behaved similarly to colloidal scale emulsion systems in that beads protruding from the interface prevented coalescence. The behavior observed in the model system helps explain some previously published nanoscale solids-stabilized emulsion results and is consistent with the location of particles at fluid interfaces being influenced by: hydrophobicity, starting phase, line tension and van der Waals attraction.     

Boundary element analysis of nanoinhomogeneities of arbitrary shapes with surface and interface effects

In this paper, a boundary element method (BEM) is proposed to analyze the stress field in nanoinhomogeneities with surface/interface effect. To consider this effect, the continuity conditions along the internal interfaces between the matrix and inhomogeneities are modeled by the well-known Gurtin–Murdoch constitutive relation. In the numerical analysis, the interface elastic moduli and the geometry of the nanoscale inhomogeneity are varied to show their influence on the induced stress field. The interaction between nanoscale inhomogeneities and the effect of different geometric shapes of inhomogeneities, including ellipse, triangle, and square are also investigated for different interface material parameters. It is shown that the elastic field can be greatly influenced by the interfacial energy and geometry of nanoscale inhomogeneities. The proposed BEM formulation is very general, including the complete Gurtin–Murdoch model and is further convenient for arbitrary shapes of inhomogeneity.     

Memristive switching mechanism for metal/oxide/metal nanodevices

Nanoscale metal/oxide/metal switches have the potential to transform the market for nonvolatile memory and could lead to novel forms of computing. However, progress has been delayed by difficulties in understanding and controlling the coupled electronic and ionic phenomena that dominate the behaviour of nanoscale oxide devices. An analytic theory of the 'memristor' (memory-resistor) was first developed from fundamental symmetry arguments in 1971, and we recently showed that memristor behaviour can naturally explain such coupled electron-ion dynamics. Here we provide experimental evidence to support this general model of memristive electrical switching in oxide systems. We have built micro- and nanoscale TiO2 junction devices with platinum electrodes that exhibit fast bipolar nonvolatile switching. We demonstrate that switching involves changes to the electronic barrier at the Pt/TiO2 interface due to the drift of positively charged oxygen vacancies under an applied electric field. Vacancy drift towards the interface creates conducting channels that shunt, or short-circuit, the electronic barrier to switch ON. The drift of vacancies away from the interface annilihilates such channels, recovering the electronic barrier to switch OFF. Using this model we have built TiO2 crosspoints with engineered oxygen vacancy profiles that predictively control the switching polarity and conductance.     

Numerical simulation of breakup and detachment of an axially stretching Newtonian liquid bridge with a moving contact line phase field method

The extensional, breakup and detachment dynamics of an axially stretching Newtonian liquid bridge are investigated numerically with a dynamic domain multiphase incompressible flow solver. The multiphase flow solver employs a Cahn–Hilliard phase field model to describe the evolution of the diffuse interface separating the liquid bridge fluid from the surrounding medium. The governing axisymmetric Navier–Stokes and Cahn–Hilliard phase field equations are discretized on a continuously expanding domain, the boundaries of which coincide with the planar solid surfaces containing the liquid bridge. The entire formulation, including the fast pressure correction for high density ratios and the semi-implicit discretization that overcomes the numerical stiffness of the fourth-order spatial operators, is performed on a fixed simplified computational domain using time-dependent transformation. Simulations reveal that the dynamic domain interface capturing technique effectively captures the deformation dynamics of the stretching liquid bridge, including the capillary wave formation, necking and interface evolution post breakup and detachment. It is found that the liquid bridge detachment is strongly influenced by the contact angle prescribed at the stationary and moving solid surfaces. At relatively small pulling speeds, the entire liquid is found to preferentially adhere to the less hydrophobic surface. When the prescribed contact angles are equal, however, the liquid bridge undergoes complete detachment so that no liquid resides either on the stationary or on the moving solid surface.     

Asymmetric Air Cathode Design for Enhanced Interfacial Electrocatalytic Reactions in High-Performance Zinc–Air Batteries

The rechargeable zinc–air battery (ZAB) is a promising energy storage technology owing to its high energy density and safe aqueous electrolyte, but there is a significant performance bottleneck. Generally, cathode reactions only occur at multiphase interfaces, where the electrocatalytic active sites can participate in redox reactions effectively. In the conventional air cathode, the 2D multiphase interface on the surface of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) inevitably results in an insufficient amount of active sites and poor interfacial contact, leading to sluggish reaction kinetics. To address this problem, a 3D multiphase interface strategy is proposed to extend the reactive interface into the interior of the GDL. Based on this concept, an asymmetric air cathode is designed to increase the accessible active sites, accelerate mass transfer, and generate a dynamically stabilized reactive interface. With a NiFe layered-double-hydroxide electrocatalyst, ZABs based on the asymmetric cathode deliver a small charge/discharge voltage gap (0.81 V at 5.0 mA cm⁻²), a high power density, and a stable cyclability (over 2000 cycles). This 3D reactive interface strategy provides a feasible method for enhancing the air cathode kinetics and further enlightens electrode designs for energy devices involving multiphase electrochemical reactions.     

Friction-formed liquid droplets

The formation of nanoscale liquid droplets by friction of a solid is observed in real-time. This is achieved using a newly developed in situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) triboprobe capable of applying multiple reciprocating wear cycles to a nanoscale surface. Dynamical imaging of the nanoscale cyclic rubbing of a focused-ion-beam (FIB) processed Al alloy by diamond shows that the generation of nanoscale wear particles is followed by a phase separation to form liquid Ga nanodroplets and liquid bridges. The transformation of a two-body system to a four-body solid-liquid system within the reciprocating wear track significantly alters the local dynamical friction and wear processes. Moving liquid bridges are observed in situ to play a key role at the sliding nanocontact, interacting strongly with the highly mobile nanoparticle debris. In situ imaging demonstrates that both static and moving liquid droplets exhibit asymmetric menisci due to nanoscale surface roughness. Nanodroplet kinetics are furthermore dependent on local frictional temperature, with solid-like surface nanofilaments forming on cooling. TEM nanotribology opens up new avenues for the real-time quantification of cyclic friction, wear and dynamic solid-liquid nanomechanics, which will have widespread applications in many areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.     

Interface kinetics and morphology on the nanoscale

Diffusion on the nanoscale in multilayer, thin films has many challenging features even if the role of structural defects can be neglected and ‘only’ the effects related to the nanoscale arise. Recently, we have discovered different examples for diffusional nanoscale effects, which are summarized in this contribution. Interface shift kinetics may be different from the ones predicted by continuum approximations (anomalous kinetics). Moreover we show that in solid state reactions, reaction layers form and start to grow highly non-stoichiometrically and an initially existing stoichiometric compound layer may dissolve then re-form non-stoichiometrically. Our findings are of primary importance for nanotechnologies where early stages of solid state reaction (SSR) are utilized. We also show that an initially diffused interface may sharpen even in completely miscible systems. This phenomenon could provide a useful tool for the improvement of interfaces and offer a way to fabricate, for example, better X-ray or neutron mirrors, microelectronic devices, or, multilayers with giant magnetic resistance.A variety of different UHV-based techniques (AES/XPS and synchrotron facilities) have been used to prove the above theoretical findings in different systems (e.g. Ni/Cu, Ni/Au, Si/Ge, Co/Si).     

Inlaying nanoscale surface recess patterns with nanoscale objects

A simple and versatile approach to constructing patterns on a solid surface using nanoscale objects is demonstrated. The approach is essentially an inlaying process, in which recess patterns fabricated on a surface are selectively filled with nanoscale objects. The objects are anchored firmly on the surface due to the spatial confinement provided by the recess structures. Protein molecules and inorganic nanoparticles are used in this demonstration. Cyclic voltammetry is used to detect electron transfer signals from patterns of protein molecules. The approach suggests a potentially fast, high-throughput and versatile technique for constructing architectural structures on a solid surface using nanoscale objects.