Showing papers by "Dong Wang published in 2021"

Features and futures of X-ray free-electron lasers.

Abstract: Linear accelerator-based free-electron lasers (FELs) are the leading source of fully coherent X-rays with ultra-high peak powers and ultra-short pulse lengths. Current X-ray FEL facilities have proved their worth as useful tools for diverse scientific applications. In this paper, we present an overview of the features and future prospects of X-ray FELs, including the working principles and properties of X-ray FELs, the operational status of different FEL facilities worldwide, the applications supported by such facilities, and the current developments and outlook for X-ray FEL-based research.

A Covalent Organic Framework Film for Three‑State Near‑Infrared Electrochromism and a Molecular Logic Gate

Abstract: A Kagome structure covalent organic framework (COF) film with three-state near-infrared (NIR) electrochromic properties was designed and synthesized. The morphology and structure characterization revealed that the COFTPDA-PDA film was composed of hexagonal nanosheets with high crystallinity. The COFTPDA-PDA film exhibit three reversible color states at different applied potentials, and high absorption spectra changes in the NIR region, which can be ascribed to the strong intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) interaction of the Class III mixed-valence systems of the conjugated triphenylamine species. The COFTPDA-PDA film showed the sub-second response time (1.3 s for coloring and 0.7 s for bleaching at 1050 nm) and the long retention time in the NIR region. In comparison with the amorphous film with the same monomers, COFTPDA-PDA film show superior NIR electrochromic properties in term of response time and stability, which could be attributed to the highly ordered porous structure and the π-π stacking structure of the COFTPDA-PDA architecture. Furthermore, the COFTPDA-PDA film was successfully applied in mimicking flip-flop logic gate with optical memory functions.

Sub-5 nm single crystalline organic p-n heterojunctions.

Abstract: The cornerstones of emerging high-performance organic photovoltaic devices are bulk heterojunctions, which usually contain both structure disorders and bicontinuous interpenetrating grain boundaries with interfacial defects. This feature complicates fundamental understanding of their working mechanism. Highly-ordered crystalline organic p–n heterojunctions with well-defined interface and tailored layer thickness, are highly desirable to understand the nature of organic heterojunctions. However, direct growth of such a crystalline organic p–n heterojunction remains a huge challenge. In this work, we report a design rationale to fabricate monolayer molecular crystals based p–n heterojunctions. In an organic field-effect transistor configuration, we achieved a well-balanced ambipolar charge transport, comparable to single component monolayer molecular crystals devices, demonstrating the high-quality interface in the heterojunctions. In an organic solar cell device based on the p–n junction, we show the device exhibits gate-tunable open-circuit voltage up to 1.04 V, a record-high value in organic single crystalline photovoltaics. Realizing organic p–n junctions based on ordered crystalline materials with dimensions comparable to the exciton diffusion length of most organic semiconductors remains a challenge. Here, the authors report a strategy to form molecular monolayer crystal-based p–n junctions with thickness below 5 nm.

High Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) on China’s First Mars Exploration Tianwen-1 Mission

Abstract: The High-Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) is one major payload of China’s first Mars exploration mission, and its main objective is to obtain the detailed observation images of the key areas on the Martian surface. In this paper, the leading group of HiRIC shows a full blueprint of the HiRIC. The HiRIC can achieve a high resolution (0.5 m at an altitude of 265 km) with a wide swath width of 9 km. The HiRIC adopts an Off-Axis Three-Mirror Astigmatic (TMA) optical system with a focal length of 4640 mm, an F-number of 12 and a Field of View (FOV) of 2° × 0.693°. In order to reduce the instrument weight, carbon-based material is widely used in the opto-mechanical structure which is in ultra-lightweight design, thus, a light-weight camera with a total mass of 42 kg is obtained. The Time Delay and Integration (TDI) Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) and Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistor (CMOS) detectors are all set on the imaging plane to achieve the push-broom imaging and frame imaging, respectively. And the high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) >100:1 can achieve in multi observation types for various scientific imaging tasks. After 4-year design and fabricate, the HiRIC has been assembly. The testing results show that the instrument is in good condition, and the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) can achieve 0.18 at Nyquist frequency. The HiRIC can achieve a well image on China first Mars exploration mission.

Insights into electrocatalysis by scanning tunnelling microscopy

Abstract: Understanding the mechanism of electrocatalytic reaction is important for the design and development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for energy technology. Investigating the surface structures of electrocatalysts and the surface processes in electrocatalytic reactions at the atomic and molecular scale is helpful to identify the catalytic role of active sites and further promotes the development of emerging electrocatalysts. Since it was invented, scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) has become a powerful technique to investigate surface topographies and electronic properties at the nanoscale resolution. STM can be operated in diversified environments. Electrochemical STM can be used to investigate the surface processes during electrochemical reactions. Moreover, the critical intermediates in catalysis on catalyst surfaces can be identified by STM at low temperature or ultrahigh vacuum. STM has been extensively utilized in electrocatalysis research, including the structure–activity relationship of electrocatalysts, the distribution of active sites, and surface processes in electrocatalytic reactions. In this review, progress in the application of STM in electrocatalysis is systematically discussed. The construction of model electrocatalysts and electrocatalytic systems are summarized. Then, we present the STM investigation of electrocatalyst structures and surface processes related to electrocatalysis. Challenges and future developments in the field are discussed in the outlook.

Self-Amplification of Coherent Energy Modulation in Seeded Free-Electron Lasers.

Abstract: The spectroscopic techniques for time-resolved fine analysis of matter require coherent x-ray radiation with femtosecond duration and high average brightness. Seeded free-electron lasers (FELs), which use the frequency up-conversion of an external seed laser to improve temporal coherence, are ideal for providing fully coherent soft x-ray pulses. However, it is difficult to operate seeded FELs at a high repetition rate due to the limitations of present state-of-the-art laser systems. Here, we report a novel self-modulation method for enhancing laser-induced energy modulation, thereby significantly reducing the requirement of an external laser system. Driven by this scheme, we experimentally realize high harmonic generation in a seeded FEL using an unprecedentedly small external laser-induced energy modulation. An electron beam with a laser-induced energy modulation as small as 1.8 times the slice energy spread is used for lasing at the seventh harmonic of a 266-nm seed laser in a single-stage high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) setup and the 30th harmonic of the seed laser in a two-stage HGHG setup. The results mark a major step toward a high-repetition-rate, fully coherent x-ray FEL.

An Extremely Stretchable and Self-Healable Supramolecular Polymer Network.

Abstract: The construction of a single polymer network with extreme stretchability, relatively high mechanical strength, and fast and facile autonomous room-temperature self-healing capability still remains a challenge. Herein, supramolecular polymer networks are fabricated by synergistically incorporating metal-ligand and hydrogen bonds in poly(propylene glycol) (PPG). The representative specimen, PPG-Im-MDA-1.5-0.25-Cu, shows a combination of notable mechanical properties involving an extreme stretching ratio of 346 ± 14× and a Young's modulus of 2.10 ± 0.14 MPa, which are superior to the previously reported extremely stretchable polymeric materials. Notably, the destroyed specimen can fully recover mechanical performances within 1 h. The tunability of mechanical properties and self-healing capability has been actualized by merely tailoring the content of a chain extender. The application of the as-prepared supramolecular PPG network in constructing a flexible and self-healable conductor has been demonstrated. This strategy provides some insights for preparing extremely stretchable and self-healable polymeric materials.

INDITTO2 transposon conveys auxin-mediated DRO1 transcription for rice drought avoidance.

Abstract: Transposable elements exist widely throughout plant genomes and play important roles in plant evolution. Auxin is an important regulator that is traditionally associated with root development and drought stress adaptation. The DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene is a key component of rice drought avoidance. Here, we identified a transposon that acts as an autonomous auxin-responsive promoter and its presence at specific genome positions conveys physiological adaptations related to drought avoidance. Rice varieties with high and auxin-mediated transcription of DRO1 in the root tip show deeper and longer root phenotypes and are thus better adapted to drought. The INDITTO2 transposon contains an auxin response element and displays auxin-responsive promoter activity; it is thus able to convey auxin regulation of transcription to genes in its proximity. In the rice Acuce, which displays DRO1-mediated drought adaptation, the INDITTO2 transposon was found to be inserted at the promoter region of the DRO1 locus. Transgenesis-based insertion of the INDITTO2 transposon into the DRO1 promoter of the non-adapted rice variety Nipponbare was sufficient to promote its drought avoidance. Our data identify an example of how transposons can act as promoters and convey hormonal regulation to nearby loci, improving plant fitness in response to different abiotic stresses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Development of calcium coke for CaC 2 production using calcium carbide slag and coking coal

Abstract: A type of calcium coke was developed for use in the oxy-thermal process of calcium carbide production. The calcium coke was prepared by the co-pyrolysis of coking coal and calcium carbide slag, which is a solid waste generated from the chlor-alkali industry. The characteristics of the calcium cokes under different conditions were analyzed experimentally and theoretically. The results show that the thermal strength of calcium coke increased with the increase in the coking coal proportion, and the waterproof property of calcium coke also increased with increased carbonation time. The calcium coke can increase the contact area of calcium and carbon in the calcium carbide production process. Furthermore, the pore structure of the calcium coke can enhance the diffusion of gas inside the furnace, thus improving the efficiency of the oxy-thermal technology.

Oxidation behavior of high Hf nickel-based superalloy in air at 900, 1000 and 1100°C

Abstract: To investigate the oxidation behavior of a nickel-based superalloy with high hafnium content (1.34wt%), this study performed isothermal oxidation tests at 900, 1000, and 1100°C for up to 200 h. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were applied to study the oxidation behavior. The weight gain of the high Hf nickel-based superalloy exhibited a parabolalike curve, and no spallation of the oxide scale was observed during the oxidation tests. The alloy presented excellent oxidation resistance, and no HfO2 was observed in the oxide scale at 900°C. With the increase of the oxidation temperature to 1000°C, HfO2 particles formed in the spinel phases of the scale, and “peg-like” HfO2 was observed within and beneath the inner layer of Al2O3 after 200 h. As the oxidation temperature rose to 1100°C, “peg-like” HfO2 was observed at the early stage of the oxidation test (within 25 h). The formation mechanism of HfO2 and its impact on oxidation resistance were investigated based on the analysis of the oxidation test results at different temperatures.

Coordination-directed self-assembly of molecular motors: towards a two-wheel drive nanocar.

Abstract: Designing and constructing hierarchical and stimuli-responsive motorized nanocar systems to perform useful tasks on-demand is highly imperative towards molecular nanotechnology. In this work, a most simplified two-wheel nanocar was successfully prepared through a facile strategy of coordination-directed self-assembly. The nanocar meso-AgL2 features a central pseudo square-planar Ag(I) which was bridged by two enantiomeric motors as the wheels that ensure the car moves in the same direction when observed externally. Thanks to the electronic push–pull characteristic of L and 3ILCT triplet sensitization, this nanocar can be driven by visible light up to 500 nm. Furthermore, it could be disassembled into individual motor elements through the addition of pyridine, thus allowing dynamic regulation over the function of the nanocar. Importantly, our STM imaging results showed very organized tilted layered structures for meso-AgL2 on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) that are quite similar to its crystalline ones, paving the way for future single molecule manipulations. The nanocar reported here represents the first example of integrating individual motors into a hierarchical motorized nanocar system via the facile coordination-directed self-assembly method and may offer a good starting point to realize its robotic functions, e.g., metal transportation and release.

AFM-IR probing the influence of polarization on the expression of proteins within single macrophages.

Abstract: Macrophages are essential in innate immunity and are involved in a variety of biological functions. Due to high plasticity, macrophages are polarized in different phenotypes depending on different microenvironments to perform specific functions. Although many studies have focused on macrophage polarization, few have explored the polarization characteristics of macrophages at the subcellular level, even at nanoscale resolution. Here, we utilize AFM-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to investigate the influence of an inducer on the expressed proteins of M1/M2 macrophages (induced by LPS and IL-13, respectively). The results from AFM-IR combined with principal component analysis revealed that the characteristic proteins within M1 contain about 35% antiparallel β-sheets (due to the high expression of TNF-α), while the proteins within M2 are made up of approximately 38.8% α-helices. The corresponding nanoscale chemical mapping demonstrates a remarkably heterogeneous distribution of expressed proteins inside single macrophages. Beside the biochemical properties, the biomechanical properties of macrophages were found to be softened in response to the polarization process.