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To spread information and knowledge and to promote collaboration in the area of Materials Research, Engineering
and Technology amongst the members of MRS-S
Vol 6
w No. 3 w Jan. - Mar., 2012 | ISSN 1793-3609
Ø MRS-S Activities: Past, Present and Future
The Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) organized six International and four
National Conferences in Singapore since 2001. The biennial 'International Conference on
Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT)' series were held in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009
and 2011.
The biennial National Conferences were held in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
MRS-S also sponsored/supported several other conferences, workshops, symposia and public
lectures. To reach out to the public, MRS-S has organized number of public lectures by Nobel
Laureates and also an Astronaut.
MRS-S recently instituted the 'MRS-S Medal' with the School of Materials Science & Engineering,
and the 'Book Prize' with the Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) at the Nanyang
Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
CONTENTS
Highlights
Highlights of previous ICMAT
ICMAT
Conferences
page 109...
Highlights
Highlights of previous National
Conferences
page 110...
110...
Highlights
Highlights of the Recent
Literature
page 11
111...
Recent Books and Review
Articles
page 119...
119...
MRS-S Membership
page 151...
MRS-S recently instituted Student Bursaries for 8 students with the Faculty of Science at the
National University of Singapore (NUS).
Prof. B. V. R. Chowdari, President, MRS-S has been elected as a Member of the 'International
Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)' for a two-year term with effect from Jan., 2012. Prof.
Chowdari is a professor of Physics at NUS and is also Executive Director, NUS-India Research
Initiatives and GEM4.
Prof. Andrew Wee T.S., Vice President, MRS-S has been elected as a Fellow of the 'Singapore
National Academy of Sciences (SNAS)', in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the
areas of Physics and Materials Science. Prof. Andrew is a professor of Physics and Dean, Faculty
of Science at NUS.
Prof. Jagadese J. Vittal has co-authored the book entitled, 'Crystal Engineering: A Textbook', along
with Profs. Gautam R. Desiraju and Arunachalam Ramanan. The book was published by IISc
Press & World Sci. Publ., India, 2011. Prof. Vittal is a professor of Chemistry at NUS.
Hearty Congratulations to the above three MRS-S Committee Members.
A report on the ACCMS-6 Conference held in Sept., 2011 in Singapore is included in this Issue.
The second Trilateral Conference on 'Advances in Nanoscience- Energy, Water & Healthcare' was
held at Donghua University in Shanghai, China during 9-12, Nov., 2011. It was organized by
Chinese MRS in association with the MRS-S and MRS-I (India) with Prof. Zhu Meifang as Chair.
The International Conference of Young Researchers on Advanced Materials (ICYRAM) under the
aegis of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) will be organized by the
MRS-S during 1-6 July, 2012 in Singapore.
Ø Highlights of previous ICMAT Conferences
Conference Report
page 151...
Forthcoming Conferences
page 157...
Materials Education &
Research in Singapore
page 161...
Invitation
Invitation to MRS-S Members
page 161...
© 2012 MRS-S, Singapore. All rights reserved.
Year 2001: 1-6, July 2001; 16 Symposia; 10 Plenary Lectures; 4 Public Lectures by Nobel Laureates;
1400 delegates; 18 Best Poster Awards; 36 Exhibitors.
Year 2003: 7-12, Dec., 2003; 16 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Public Lectures by Nobel Laureates;
1500 delegates; 19 Best Poster Awards ; 29 Exhibitors.
Year 2005: 3-8, July 2005; 25 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Theme Lectures; 3 Public Lectures by Nobel
Laureates; 2200 Delegates; 28 Best Poster Awards ; 43 Exhibitors.
Year 2007: 1-6, July 2007; 18+6 Symposia; 9 Plenary Lectures; 2 Theme Lectures; 2 Public Lectures
by Nobel Laureates; 2300 Delegates; 25 Best Poster Awards; 41 Exhibitors.
Year 2009: 28 June -3, July 2009; 23 Symposia, 9 Plenary and 3 Theme Lectures, 3 Public Lectures
by Nobel Laureates; 2170 Participants; 37 Best Poster Awards; 43 Exhibitors.
Year 2011: 26 June -1, July 2011; 40 Symposia, 9 Plenary and 3 Theme Lectures; 2 Public Lectures
by Nobel Laureates; 3139 Papers; 3212 Participants from 64 countries; 48 Best Poster Awards;
68 Exhibitors.
MRS-S OUTLOOK
MRS-S Activities
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Highlights of Previous National Conferences
MRS-S Executive Committee
(For 2012–2013)
Year 2004: 6 Aug., 2004; 20 Invited Talks; 130 Poster
Papers; 4 Best Poster Awards.
Year 2006: 18–20, Jan., 2006; Includes the Symposium on ‘Physics and Mechanic of Advanced
Materials’; 60 Invited Talks; 200 Poster Papers; 1
Public Lecture; 5 Best Poster Awards.
Year 2008: Feb., 25–27, 2008. Incorporated the MRS-I
Mumbai (India)-Chapter Joint Indo-Singapore Meeting; 2 Keynote Talks, 60 Invited Talks; 211 Poster
Papers; 10 Best Poster Awards.
Year 2010: March, 17–19, 2010. 1 Keynote Talk, 26
Invited Talks; 137 Poster Papers; 7 Best Poster Awards.
President
B. V. R. Chowdari, NUS
Founding President
Shih Choon Fong, KAUST
Vice Presidents
Andrew Wee, T.S. , NUS
Ma Jan, NTU
Secretary
Joachim S.C. Loo, NTU
Joint Secretary
Ding Jun, NUS
Treasurer
FENG Yuan Ping, NUS
Joint Treasurer
Ramam, Akkipeddi, IMRE
Members
Chia Ching Kean, IMRE
Ho Ghim Wei, NUS
Liu Zishun, IHPC
Ng Teng Yong, NTU
S. Shannigrahi, IMRE
Shen Ze Xiang, NTU
J.J. Vittal, NUS
Wan Andrew Chwee Aun, IBN
P.K. Wong, ICES
Honorary Auditors
Karen CHONG, IMRE
Stefan ADAMS, NUS
Highlights of MRS-S Trilateral Conference on
‘Advances in Nanoscience- Energy,
Water & Healthcare’ held in Singapore
Year 2010: Aug., 11–13, 2010. Incorporated the
Chinese MRS and MRS-I (India); 1 Keynote Talk;
34 Invited Talks; 98 Poster Papers; 5 Best Poster
Awards.
Highlights of ACCMS-6 Conference Jointly
Organized by MRS-S in Singapore
NUS: National University of Singapore
NTU: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
IBN: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore
ICES: Institute of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, Singapore
IHPC: Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore
IMRE: Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, Singapore
KAUST: King Abdulla University of Science & Technology,
Saudi Arabia
Year 2011: Sept., 6–9, 2011. Jointly organized by
the National University of Singapore (NUS), Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), Institute
of High Performance Computing (IHPC), and Institute
of Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Nanyang Technological University, MRS-I (India); 180 participants from
19 countries; 2 Plenary Talks; 1 ACCMS Award lecture; Several Invited Talks; 84 Poster Papers; 5 Best
Poster Awards.
MRS-S OUTLOOK (ISSN 1793-3609) is published quarterly by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S),
c/o Institute of Materials Research & Engineering, 3, Research Link, Singapore 117 602.
Editor: G.V. Subba Rao. Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’ are solely those of the
authors, and do not reflect those of MRS-S, nor the editor and staff. Permissions: The subject matter contained in ‘MRS-S
OUTLOOK’ can be freely reproduced for not-for-profit use by the readers; however, a word of acknowledgement will be
appreciated.
page 110
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Highlights of Recent Literature
(Contributed by the Editor)
Synthesis and Structure Determination of the
Hierarchical Meso-Microporous
Zeolite ITQ-43
The formation of mesopores in microporous zeolites is
generally performed by postsynthesis acid, basic, and
steam treatments. The hierarchical pore systems thus
formed allow better adsorption, diffusion, and reactivity of these materials.
By combining organic and inorganic structuredirecting agents and high-throughput methodologies,
Jiang et al.1 were able to synthesize a zeolite with a
hierarchical system of micropores and mesopores, with
channel openings delimited by 28 tetrahedral atoms
(Fig.1). Its complex crystalline structure was solved
with the use of automated diffraction tomography.
basis for its puzzling adsorption behavior, which
appears to be intermediate between that of a medium(10-ring) and a large-pore (12-ring) zeolite.
By applying advanced crystallographic techniques
(structure solution in four-dimensional (4D) space and
interpretation of three-dimensional (3D) diffuse scattering by Monte Carlo simulation) and crystal chemistry considerations to high-quality single-crystal x-ray
diffraction data collected on a microcrystal (∼2µm×
2µm×8 µm), Baerlocher et al.1 have been able to
derive a comprehensive description of its silicate
framework structure. The framework is related to that
of ZSM-11 but is commensurately modulated along the
c axis (P 4̄m2), a = b = 20.091Å, c = 110.056 Å) to
yield a structure with a 12-ring:10-ring ratio of 1:15.
Disorder of the 12-rings results in a 3D 10-ring channel system with large isolated pockets. The structure
helps to clarify the material’s catalytic activity.
Highlights of Recent Literature
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Reference
1. C. Baerlocher, T. Weber, L. B. McCusker, L. Palatinus
and S. I. Zones, Science, 333(6046), 1134–1137 (2011)
(26 Aug., Issue).
Femtoscale Magnetically Induced Lattice
Distortions in Multiferroic TbMnO3
Fig.1. The 28-ring channnel of Zeolite ITQ-43 (oxygens omitted for clarity, except those in the silanol
groups). It adopts an orthoromnic structure.
Reference
1. J. Jiang, J. L. Jorda, J. Yu, L. A. Baumes, E. Mugnaioli,
M. J. Diaz-Cabanas, U. Kolb and A. Corma, Science,
333(6046), 1131–1134 (2011) (26 Aug., Issue).
Unraveling the Perplexing Structure of the
Zeolite SSZ-57
Previous high-resolution x-ray powder diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy studies of the zeolite, SSZ-57 could not fully elucidate the structural
Magneto-electric multiferroics exemplified by
TbMnO3 possess both magnetic and ferroelectric longrange order. The magnetic order is mostly understood,
whereas the nature of the ferroelectricity has remained
more elusive. Competing models proposed to explain
the ferroelectricity are associated respectively with
charge transfer and ionic displacements.
Exploiting the magneto-electric coupling, Walker
et al.1 used an electric field to produce a single magnetic domain state, and a magnetic field to induce
ionic displacements. Under these conditions, interference between charge and magnetic x-ray scattering
arose, encoding the amplitude and phase of the displacements. When combined with a theoretical analysis, the data allowed the authors to resolve the ionic
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 111
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Highlights of Recent Literature
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
displacements at the femtosecond scale, and show that
such displacements make a substantial contribution to
the zero-field ferroelectric moment.
Reference
1. H. C. Walker, F. Fabrizi, L. Paolasini, F. de Bergevin,
J. Herrero-Martin, A. T. Boothroyd, D. Prabhakaran and
D. F. McMorrow, Science, 333(6047), 1273–1276 (2011)
(2 Sept., Issue).
Rational Design and Enhanced
Biocompatibility of a Dry Adhesive
Medical Skin Patch
A new type of medical skin patch has been developed
by Kwak et al.1 that contains high-density, mushroomlike micropillars. The latter are made of soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. Such dry-adhesive
micropillars are highly biocompatible, have minimized
side effects, and provide reasonable normal adhesion
strength.
To arrive at optimal conditions for the dry adhesive skin patch, the proper design of various structural
and material parameters of micropillars is investigated.
The authors state that, ‘the dry adhesive patch would be
useful as an alternative to the current wet medical skin
patch as well as a fixation unit in a U-health system’.
Reference
1. M. K. Kwak, H. –E. Jeong and K. Y. Suh, Adv. Mater.,
23(34), 3949–3953 (2011).
Magnetic-Field-Induced Charge-Stripe Order
in the High-Temperature Superconductor
YBa2 Cu3 Oy
Electronic charges introduced in copper-oxide (CuO2 )
planes
generate
high-transition-temperature(Tc )
superconductivity but, under special circumstances,
they can also order into filaments called stripes.
Whether an underlying tendency towards charge order
is present in all copper oxides and whether this has
any relationship with superconductivity are, however,
two highly controversial issues. To uncover underlying electronic order, magnetic fields strong enough to
destabilize superconductivity can be used. Such experiments, including quantum oscillations in YBa2 Cu3 Oy
(an extremely clean copper oxide in which charge
order has not until now been observed) have suggested
page 112
that superconductivity competes with spin, rather than
charge, order.
Here, Wu et al.1 report nuclear magnetic resonance measurements showing that high magnetic fields
actually induce charge order, without spin order, in
the CuO2 planes of YBa2 Cu3 Oy (y = 6.54; p =
0.108, where p is the hole concentration per planar
Cu). The observed static, unidirectional, modulation of
the charge density breaks translational symmetry, thus
explaining quantum oscillation results, and the authors
argue that it is most probably the same 4a-periodic
modulation as in stripe-ordered copper oxides. That it
develops only when superconductivity fades away and
near the same 1/8 hole doping as in La2− x Bax CuO4 ,
suggests that charge order, although visibly pinned by
CuO chains in YBa2 Cu3 Oy , is an intrinsic propensity of the superconducting planes of high-Tc copper
oxides.
Reference
1. T. Wu, H. Mayaffre, S. Krämer, M. Horvatić, C. Berthier,
W. N. Hardy, R. Liang, D. A. Bonn and M. –H. Julien,
Nature, 477(7363), 191–194 (2011) (8 Sept., Issue).
A Simple, Multidimensional Approach to
High-Throughput Discovery of
Catalytic Reactions
Transition metal complexes catalyze many important
reactions that are employed in medicine, materials science, and energy production. Although highthroughput methods for the discovery of catalysts that
would mirror related approaches for the discovery of
medicinally active compounds have been the focus of
much attention, these methods have not been sufficiently general or accessible to typical synthetic laboratories to be adopted widely.
Here, Robbins and Hartwig1 report a method to
evaluate a broad range of catalysts for potential coupling reactions with the use of simple laboratory equipment. Specifically, they screened an array of catalysts
and ligands with a diverse mixture of substrates and
then used mass spectrometry to identify reaction products that, by design, exceed the mass of any single
substrate. With this method, they discovered a coppercatalyzed alkyne hydro-amination and two nickelcatalyzed hydro-arylation reactions, each of which
displayed excellent functional-group tolerance.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
1. D. W. Robbins and J. F. Hartwig, Science, 333(6048),
1423–1427 (2011) (9 Sept., Issue).
A Lithium Superionic Conductor
Kamaya et al.1 reported the synthesis and properties
of a new lithium superionic conductor (also called,
Li-fast ion conductor or Li-solid electrolyte), namely,
Li10 GeP2 S12 that has a three-dimensional framework
structure, consisting of (Ge0.5 P0.5 )S4 tetrahedra, PS4
tetrahedra, LiS4 tetrahedra, and LiS6 octahedra. It
exhibits an extremely high Li-ionic conductivity of
1.2×10− 2 S cm− 1 at room temperature (300 K). This
value is comparable to or higher than those of organic
liquid electrolytes currently used in practical Li-ion
systems, like the Li-ion batteries. Structure determination showed a tetragonal unit cell with cell parameters of a = 8.71771(5) Å and c = 12.63452(10) Å
(space group, P42 /nmc), and a highly anisotropic conduction of Li-ions along one crystal direction, namely
through partially occupied LiS4 tetrahedra and interstitial positions that are connected by a common edge.
It has a low activation energy for ionic conduction
(Ea ) = 24 kJ mol− 1 , which leads to a conductivity of
∼1×10− 3 S cm− 1 at 245 K.
The authors fabricated an all-solid-state Li-ion
battery, which consisted of a LiCoO2 cathode, a
Li10 GeP2 S12 electrolyte and an In-metal anode.
The battery exhibited a discharge capacity of over
120 mA h g− 1 and an excellent discharge efficiency of
about 100% after the second cycle, at a current density
of 14 mA g− 1 , in the voltage range, 2–3.6V, demonstrating that Li10 GeP2 S12 is applicable as a practical
solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries.
Reference
1. N. Kamaya, K. Homma, Y. Yamakawa, M. Hirayama,
R. Kanno, M. Yonemura, T. Kamiyama, Y. Kato,
S. Hama, K. Kawamoto and A. Mitsui, Nature Mater.,
10(9), 682–686 (2011).
Superconductivity up to 35 K in the Iron
Platinum Arsenides (CaFe1− x Ptx As)10
Pt4− y As8 with Layered Structures
The family of iron arsenide superconductors is
expanded by the synthesis of new iron platinum compounds, (CaFe1− x Ptx As10 )Pt4−y As8 with novel crystal structures by Löhnert et al.1 Layers of FeAs4/4
tetrahedra and of nearly planar PtAs4/2 squares with
(As2 )4− dumbbells are stacked in different ways,
resulting in polytypes with triclinic or tetragonal symmetry. Superconductivity up to 35 K is induced either
by Pt-doping of the Fe site or by electron transfer from
PtAs to FeAs layers.
Reference
1. C. Löhnert, T. Stürzer, M. Tegel, R. Frankovsky,
G. Friederichs and D. Johrendt, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,
50(39), 9195–9199 (2011).
Efficient Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid
Using an Iron Catalyst
Hydrogen is one of the essential reactants in the chemical industry, though its generation from renewable
sources and storage in a safe and reversible manner
remain challenging. Formic acid (HCO2 H or FA) is a
promising source and storage material in this respect.
Here, Boddien et al.1 present a highly active
iron catalyst system for the liberation of H2 from
FA. Applying 0.005 mole percent of Fe(BF4 )2 6H2 O
and tris [(2-diphenylphosphino)ethyl] phosphine
[P(CH2 CH2 PPh2 )3 , PP3 ] to a solution of FA in environmentally benign propylene carbonate, with no further additives or base, affords turnover frequencies
up to 9425 per hour and a turnover number of more
than 92,000 at 80◦ C. The authors used in situ nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy, kinetic studies, and
density functional theory calculations to explain possible reaction mechanisms.
Highlights of Recent Literature
Reference
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Reference
1. A. Boddien, D. Mellmann, F. Gärtner, R. Jackstell,
H. Junge, P. J. Dyson, G. Laurenczy, R. Ludwig and
M. Beller, Science, 333(6050), 1733–1736 (2011) (23
Sept., Issue).
Oxygen Rich Titania: A Dopant Free, High
Temperature Stable, and Visible-Light Active
Anatase Photocatalyst
The simultaneous existence of visible light photocatalytic activity and high temperature anatase phase stability up to 900◦ C in undoped titania (TiO2 ) is reported
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 113
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Highlights of Recent Literature
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
for the first time by Etacheri et al.1 These properties are
achieved by the in-situ generation of oxygen through
the thermal decomposition of peroxo-titania complex,
formed by the precursor modification with H2 O2 . TiO2
containing the highest amount of oxygen (16 H2 O2 TiO2 ) retains 100% anatase phase even at 900◦ C,
whereas the control sample exists as 100% rutile at this
temperature. The same composition exhibits a six-fold
and two-fold increase in visible light photocatalytic
activities in comparison to the control sample and the
standard photocatalyst Degussa P-25, respectively.
Among the various parameters affecting the photocatalytic action, such as band gap narrowing, textural
properties, crystallite size, and anatase phase stability,
band gap narrowing was identified as the major factor
responsible for the visible light photocatalytic activity.
Increased Ti–O–Ti bond strength and upward shifting
of the valence band (VB) maximum, which is responsible for the high temperature stability and visible light
activity, respectively are identified from FT–IR, XPS,
and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic studies. It
is therefore proposed that the oxygen excess defects
present in these TiO2 -samples are responsible for the
high temperature stability and enhanced visible light
photocatalytic activities.
Reference
1. V. Etacheri, M. K. Seery, S. J. Hinder and S. C. Pillai,
Adv. Funct. Mater., 21(19), 3744–3752 (2011).
Dispersible Exfoliated Zeolite Nanosheets and
Their Application as a Selective Membrane
Thin zeolite films are attractive for a wide range of
applications, including molecular sieve membranes,
catalytic membrane reactors, permeation barriers, and
low-dielectric-constant materials. Synthesis of thin
zeolite films using high-aspect-ratio zeolite nanosheets
is desirable because of the packing and processing
advantages of the nanosheets over isotropic zeolite
nanoparticles. Attempts to obtain a dispersed suspension of zeolite nanosheets via exfoliation of their
lamellar precursors have been hampered because of
their structure deterioration and morphological damage
(fragmentation, curling, and aggregation).
Here, Varoon et al.1 demonstrated the synthesis and structure determination of highly crystalline
nanosheets of zeolite frameworks, MWW and MFI.
page 114
The purity and morphological integrity of these
nanosheets allow them to pack well on porous supports, facilitating the fabrication of molecular sieve
membranes.
Reference
1. K. Varoon, X. Zhang, B. Elyassi, D. D. Brewer,
M. Gettel, S. Kumar, J. A. Lee, S. Maheshwari, A.
Mittal, C. –Y. Sung, M. Cococcioni, L. F. Francis,
A. V. McCormick, K. A. Mkhoyan and M. Tsapatsis, Science, 334(6052), 72–75 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue).
A Major Constituent of Brown Algae for Use
in High-Capacity Li-Ion Batteries
The identification of similarities in the material
requirements for applications of interest and those of
living organisms provides opportunities to use renewable natural resources to develop better materials and
design better devices. In this work, Kovalenko et al.1
harness this strategy to build high-capacity silicon
(Si) nanopowder–based lithium (Li)–ion batteries with
improved performance characteristics. Si offers more
than one order of magnitude higher capacity than
graphite, but it exhibits dramatic volume changes during electrochemical alloying and de-alloying with Li,
which typically leads to rapid anode degradation.
The authors show that mixing Si nanopowder with
Na-alginate (a natural polysaccharide extracted from
brown algae) as a binder, yields a stable battery anode
possessing reversible capacity eight times higher than
that of the state-of-the-art graphitic anodes.
Reference
1. I. Kovalenko, B. Zdyrko, A. Magasinski, B. Hertzberg,
Z. Milicev, R. Burtovyy, I. Luzinov and G. Yushin, Science, 334(6052), 75–79 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue).
A Self-Quenched Defect Glass in a
Colloid-Nematic Liquid
Crystal Composite
Colloidal particles immersed in liquid crystals frustrate
orientational order. This generates defect lines known
as disclinations. At the core of these defects, the orientational order drops sharply.
Wood et al.1 have discovered a class of soft solids,
with shear moduli up to 104 pascals (Pa), containing
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and are found
for a novel, highly microporous copper-based MOF as
reported by Lassig et al.1 Thermal analyses showed a
stability of the flexible framework up to 250◦ C.
Reference
1. D. Lässig, J. Lincke, J. Moellmer, C. Reichenbach,
A. Moeller, R. Gläser, G. Kalies, K. A. Cychosz,
M. Thommes, R. Staudt and H. Krautscheid, Angew.
Chem. Int. Ed., 50(44), 10344–10348 (2011).
Reference
1. T. A. Wood, J. S. Lintuvuori, A. B. Schofield,
D. Marenduzzo and W. C. K. Poon, Science, 334(6052),
79–83 (2011) (7 Oct., Issue).
Nanoparticle Superlattice Engineering
with DNA
A current limitation in nanoparticle superlattice engineering is that the identities of the particles being
assembled often determine the structures that can be
synthesized. Therefore, specific crystallographic symmetries or lattice parameters can only be achieved
using specific nanoparticles as building blocks (and
vice versa).
Here, Macfarlane et al.1 present six design rules
that can be used to deliberately prepare nine distinct colloidal crystal structures, with control over lattice parameters on the 25- to 150-nm length scale.
These design rules outline a strategy to independently
adjust each of the relevant crystallographic parameters, including particle size (5 to 60 nm), periodicity,
and inter-particle distance. The authors state that, ‘this
work represents an advance in synthesizing tailorable
macroscale architectures comprising nanoscale materials in a predictable fashion.’
Reference
1. R. J. Macfarlane, B. Lee, M. R. Jones, N. Harris,
G. C. Schatz and C. A. Mirkin, Science, 334 (6053),
204–208 (2011) (14 Oct., Issue).
A Microporous Copper Metal–Organic
Framework with High H2 and CO2
Adsorption Capacity at Ambient Pressure
Uptakes of 9.2 mmol g−1 (40.5 wt%) for CO2 at 273 K
and at 0.1 MPa and 15.23 mmol g−1 (3.07 wt%) for H2
at 77 K and at 0.1 MPa are among the highest reported
Torsional Carbon Nanotube Artificial Muscles
Rotary motors of conventional design can be rather
complex and are therefore difficult to miniaturize. Previous carbon nanotube (CNT) -artificial muscles provide contraction and bending, but not rotation.
Here, Foroughi et al.1 show that an electrolytefilled twist-spun CNT yarn, much thinner than a human
hair, functions as a torsional artificial muscle in a simple three-electrode electrochemical system, providing
a reversible 15,000◦ rotation and 590 rev. per min. A
hydrostatic actuation mechanism, as seen in muscular
hydrostats in nature, explains the simultaneous occurrence of lengthwise contraction and torsional rotation
during the yarn volume increase caused by electrochemical double-layer charge injection. The use of a
torsional yarn muscle as a mixer for a fluidic chip is
demonstrated.
Highlights of Recent Literature
high concentrations of colloidal particles (volume fraction, >20%) directly dispersed into a nematic liquid
crystal. Confocal microscopy and computer simulations show that the mechanical strength derives from
a percolated network of defect lines entangled with the
particles in three dimensions. The authors state that,
‘such a “self-quenched glass” of defect lines and particles can be considered as a self-organized analog of
the “vortex glass” state in type II superconductors.’
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Reference
1. J. Foroughi, G. M. Spinks, G. G.Wallace, J. Oh,
M. E. Kozlov, S. Fang, T. Mirfakhrai, J. D. W. Madden,
M. K. Shin, S. J. Kim and R. H. Baughman, Science, 334
(6055), 494–497 (2011) (28 Oct., Issue).
Electrical Control of the Ferromagnetic Phase
Transition in Cobalt at Room Temperature
Electrical control of magnetic properties is crucial for
device applications in the field of spintronics. Although
the magnetic coercivity or anisotropy has been successfully controlled electrically in metals as well as in
semiconductors, the electrical control of Curie temperature (TC ) has been realized only in semiconductors at
low temperature.
Here, Chiba et al.1 demonstrate the roomtemperature electrical control of the ferromagnetic
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Highlights of Recent Literature
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
phase transition in cobalt, one of the most representative transition-metal ferromagnets. Solid-state field
effect devices consisting of a ultrathin cobalt film covered by a dielectric layer and a gate electrode were fabricated. The authors prove that the TC of cobalt can
be changed by up to 12 K by applying a gate electric
field of about ±2 MV cm− 1 . The two-dimensionality
of the cobalt film may be relevant to the observations.
The authors state that, ‘the demonstrated electric field
effect in the ferromagnetic metal at room temperature
is a significant step towards realizing future low-power
magnetic applications.’
Reference
1. D. Chiba, S. Fukami, K. Shimamura, N. Ishiwata,
K. Kobayashi and T. Ono, Nature Mater., 10(11),
853–856 (2011).
Porphyrin-Sensitized Solar Cells with Cobalt
(II/III)–Based Redox Electrolyte Exceed 12%
Efficiency
The I2 /I3 − redox shuttle has limited the efficiencies
accessible in dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, Yella
et al.1 report mesoscopic solar cells that incorporate a Co( I I/I I I ) tris (bipyridyl)–based redox electrolyte in conjunction with a custom synthesized
donor-π-bridge-acceptor, zinc porphyrin dye as sensitizer (designated YD2-o-C8). The specific molecular design of YD2-o-C8 greatly retards the rate of
interfacial back electron transfer from the conduction
band of the nanocrystalline TiO2 -film to the oxidized
cobalt mediator, which enables attainment of strikingly high photovoltages approaching 1 V. Because
the YD2-o-C8 porphyrin harvests sunlight across the
visible spectrum, large photocurrents are generated.
Co-sensitization of YD2-o-C8 with another organic
dye further enhances the performance of the device,
leading to a measured power conversion efficiency of
12.3% under simulated air mass (AM) 1.5 global sunlight.
Reference
1. A. Yella, H. –W. Lee, H. N. Tsao, C. Yi, A. K. Chandiran,
Md. K. Nazeeruddin, E. W. –G. Diau, C. –Y. Yeh,
S. M. Zakeeruddin and M. Grätzel, Science, 334(6056),
629–634 (2011) (4 Nov., Issue).
page 116
Ionic Liquid–Mediated Selective Conversion of CO2 to CO at Low
Overpotentials
Electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2 )—a key component of artificial photosynthesis—has largely been
stymied by the impractically high overpotentials necessary to drive the process.
Here, Rosen et al.1 report an electrocatalytic system that reduces CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO)
at overpotentials below 0.2 V. The system relies
on an ionic liquid electrolyte, namely, 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM-BF4 ) to
lower the energy of the (CO2 )− intermediate, most
likely by complexation, and thereby lower the initial
reduction barrier. The silver cathode then catalyzes formation of the final products. Formation of gaseous CO
is first observed at an applied voltage of 1.5 V, just
slightly above the minimum (i.e., equilibrium) voltage
of 1.33 V. The system continued producing CO for at
least 7h at Faradaic efficiencies >96%.
Reference
1. B. A. Rosen, Amin Salehi-Khojin, Michael R. Thorson,
Wei Zhu, Devin T. Whipple, Paul J. A. Kenis, and Richard
I. Masel, Science, 334(6056), 643–644 (2011) (4 Nov.,
Issue).
Wireless Solar Water Splitting Using
Silicon-Based Semiconductors and
Earth-Abundant Catalysts
Here, Reece et al.1 describe the development of solar
water-splitting cells, both with and without connecting
wires. The cells consist of a triple junction, amorphous
silicon (Si) photovoltaic interfaced to hydrogen- evolving and oxygen-evolving catalysts, a ternary alloy,
NiMoZn and cobalt|borate catalyst, respectively. The
devices carry out the solar-driven water-splitting reaction at efficiencies of 4.7% for a wired- configuration
and 2.5% for a wireless- configuration when illuminated with 1 sun (100 mW cm−2 ) of air mass 1.5 simulated sunlight. The authors state that, ‘fuel-forming
catalysts interfaced with light-harvesting semiconductors afford a pathway to direct solar-to-fuels conversion
that captures many of the basic functional elements of
a leaf.’
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
1. S. Y. Reece, J. A. Hamel, K. Sung, T. D. Jarvi,
A. J. Esswein, J. J. H. Pijpers and D. G. Nocera, Science,
334(6056), 645–648 (2011) (4 Nov., Issue).
Hot Carrier–Assisted Intrinsic Photoresponse
in Graphene
Here, Gabor et al.1 report on the intrinsic optoelectronic response of high-quality dual-gated monolayer
and bilayer graphene p-n junction devices. Local laser
excitation (λ = 850 nm) at the p-n interface leads
to striking six-fold photovoltage patterns as a function of bottom- and top-gate voltages. These patterns,
together with the measured spatial and density dependence of the photoresponse, provide strong evidence
that nonlocal hot carrier transport, rather than the photovoltaic effect, dominates the intrinsic photoresponse
in graphene. The authors state that, ‘this regime, which
features a long-lived and spatially distributed hot carrier population, may offer a path to hot carrier-assisted
thermoelectric technologies for efficient solar energy
harvesting.’
Reference
1. N. M. Gabor, J. C. W. Song, Q. Ma, N. L. Nair,
T. Taychatanapat, K. Watanabe, T. Taniguchi, L. S. Levitov and P. Jarillo-Herrero, Science, 334(6056), 648–652
(2011) (4 Nov., Issue).
Electrically Driven Directional Motion of a
Four-Wheeled Molecule on a Metal Surface
Propelling single molecules in a controlled manner
along an unmodified surface remains extremely challenging because it requires molecules that can use
light, chemical or electrical energy to modulate their
interaction with the surface in a way that generates
motion. Nature’s motor proteins have mastered the
art of converting conformational changes into directed
motion, and have inspired the design of artificial systems such as DNA walkers and light- and redox-driven
molecular motors. But although controlled movement
of single molecules along a surface has been reported,
the molecules in these examples act as passive elements that either diffuse along a preferential direction with equal probability for forward and backward
movement or are dragged by an STM (scanning tunnelling microscopy) tip.
Here, Kudernac et al.1 present a molecule with
four functional units-the previously reported rotary
motors- that undergoes continuous and defined conformational changes upon sequential electronic and
vibrational excitation. STM confirms that activation
of the conformational changes of the rotors through
inelastic electron tunnelling propels the molecule unidirectionally across a Cu(111) surface. The system can
be adapted to follow either linear or random surface
trajectories or to remain stationary, by tuning the chirality of the individual motor units. The authors state
that, ‘the design provides a starting point for the exploration of more sophisticated molecular mechanical systems with directionally controlled motion.’
Reference
1. T. Kudernac, N. Ruangsupapichat, M. Parschau, B. Maci,
N. Katsonis, S. R. Harutyunyan, K. –H. Ernst and
B. L. Feringa, Nature, 479(7372), 208–211 (2011) (10
Nov., Issue).
Highlights of Recent Literature
Reference
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
N2 Reduction and Hydrogenation to Ammonia
by a Molecular Iron-Potassium Complex
The most common catalyst in the Haber-Bosch process for the hydrogenation of dinitrogen (N2 ) to ammonia (NH3 ) is an iron surface promoted with potassium
cations (K+ ), but soluble iron complexes have neither
reduced the N-N bond of N2 to nitride (N3− ) nor produced large amounts of NH3 from N2 .
Here, Rodriguez et al.1 report a molecular iron
complex that reacts with N2 and a K- reductant to give
a complex with two nitrides, which are bound to Fe and
K cations. The product has a Fe3 N2 core, implying that
three iron atoms cooperate to break the N-N triple bond
through a six-electron reduction. The nitride complex
reacts with acid and with H2 to give substantial yields
of N2 -derived ammonia. The authors state that, ‘these
reactions, although not yet catalytic, give structural and
spectroscopic insight into N2 cleavage and N-H bondforming reactions of iron.’
Reference
1. M. M. Rodriguez, E. Bill, W. W. Brennessel and
P. L. Holland, Science, 334(6057), 780–783 (2011) (11
Nov., Issue).
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 117
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Highlights of Recent Literature
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Giant Piezoelectricity on Si for Hyperactive
MEMS
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) incorporating active piezoelectric layers offer integrated
actuation, sensing, and transduction. The broad
implementation of such active MEMS has long
been constrained by the inability to integrate materials with giant piezoelectric response, such as
Pb(Mg1/3 Nb2/3 )O3 -PbTiO3 (PMN-PT).
Here, Baek, et al.1 synthesized high-quality PMNPT epitaxial thin films on vicinal (001) Si wafers with
the use of an epitaxial (001) SrTiO3 template layer with
superior piezoelectric coefficients (e31, f = –(27 ±
3 C/m2 ) and figures of merit for piezoelectric energyharvesting systems. The authors have incorporated
these heterostructures into micro-cantilevers that are
actuated with extremely low drive voltage due to thinfilm piezoelectric properties that rival bulk PMN-PT
single crystals. The authors state that, ‘these epitaxial
heterostructures exhibit very large electromechanical
coupling for ultrasound medical imaging, microfluidic
control, mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting.’
Reference
1. S. H. Baek, J. Park, D. M. Kim, V. A. Aksyuk, R. R. Das,
S. D. Bu, D. A. Felker, J. Lettieri, V. Vaithyanathan,
S. S. N. Bharadwaja, N. Bassiri-Gharb, Y. B. Chen,
H. P. Sun, C. M. Folkman, H. W. Jang, D. J. Kreft,
S. K. Streiffer, R. Ramesh, X. Q. Pan, S. TrolierMcKinstry, D. G. Schlom, M. S. Rzchowski, R. H. Blick
and C. B. Eom, Science, 334(6058), 958–961 (2011) (18
Nov., Issue).
Ultralight Metallic Microlattices
Ultralight (<10 mg/cm3 ) cellular materials are desirable for thermal insulation; battery electrodes; catalyst supports; and acoustic, vibration, or shock energy
damping. Here, Schaedler et al.1 present ultralight
materials based on periodic hollow-tube microlattices. These materials are fabricated by starting with
a template formed by self-propagating photopolymer waveguide prototyping, coating the template by
electroless nickel plating, and subsequently etching
away the template. The resulting metallic microlattices
exhibit densities ρ ≥ 0.9 mg/cm3 , complete recovery
after compression exceeding 50% strain, and energy
absorption similar to elastomers. Young’s modulus,
page 118
E scales with density as E ∼ ρ2 , in contrast to the
E ∼ ρ3 scaling observed for ultralight aerogels and
carbon nanotube foams with stochastic architecture.
The authors attribute these properties to structural hierarchy at the nm, µm and mm- scales.
Reference
1. T. A. Schaedler, A. J. Jacobsen, A. Torrents,
A. E. Sorensen, J. Lian, J. R. Greer, L. Valdevit and
W. B. Carter, Science, 334(6058), 962–965 (2011) (18
Nov., Issue).
Silica-Like Malleable Materials from
Permanent Organic Networks
Permanently cross-linked materials have outstanding
mechanical properties and solvent resistance, but they
cannot be processed and reshaped once synthesized.
Non–cross-linked polymers and those with reversible
cross-links are processable, but they are soluble.
Here, Montarnal et al.1 designed epoxy networks
that can rearrange their topology by exchange reactions
without depolymerization and showed that they are
insoluble and processable. Unlike organic compounds
and polymers whose viscosity varies abruptly near
the glass transition, these networks show Arrheniuslike gradual viscosity variations like those of vitreous
silica. Like silica, the materials can be wrought and
welded to make complex objects by local heating without the use of molds. The authors state that ‘the concept of a glass made by reversible topology freezing in
epoxy networks can be readily scaled up for applications and generalized to other chemistries.’
Reference
1. D. Montarnal, M. Capelot, F. Tournilhac and L. Leibler,
Science, 334(6058), 965–968 (2011) (18 Nov., Issue).
Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Activity in
Water Splitting by Tailoring Li+ -Ni(OH)2 -Pt
Interfaces
Improving the sluggish kinetics for the electrochemical reduction of water to molecular hydrogen (H2 ) in
alkaline environments is one key to reducing the high
overpotentials and associated energy losses in wateralkali and chlor-alkali electrolyzers.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Here, the authors found that a controlled arrangement of nm-scale Ni(OH)2 clusters on platinum (Pt)
electrode surfaces manifests a factor of 8 activity
increase in catalyzing the H2 evolution reaction relative
to state-of-the-art metal and metal-oxide catalysts. In a
bifunctional effect, the edges of the Ni(OH)2 clusters
promoted the dissociation of water and the production
of hydrogen-intermediates that then adsorbed on the
nearby Pt surfaces and recombined into H2 . The generation of these hydrogen-intermediates could be further
enhanced via Li+ -induced destabilization of the HO–H
bond, resulting in a factor of 10 total increase in activity.
Reference
1. R. Subbaraman, D. Tripkovic, D. Strmcnik, K.–C. Chang,
M. Uchimura, A. P. Paulikas, V. Stamenkovic and N.
M. Markovic, Science, 334(6060), 1256–1260 (2011) (2
Dec., Issue).
Recent Books and Review Articles
in the Area of Materials Science, Engineering and Technology
(Contributed by the Editor)
Books
• Statistical Physics of Liquids at Freezing and
Beyond By Shankar P. Das. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback. 584 pages.
$130, £80. ISBN 9780521858397.
• Handbook of Battery Materials Edited by Daniel,
Claus/Besenhard, J. O. Two Volumes. Second and
completely revised and enlarged Edition. WileyVCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 989 pages. Euro
349. ISBN-10: 3-527-32695-2. ISBN-13: 978-3527-32695-2 - Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.
Recent Books and Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Self-Healing Polymers and Polymer Composites
By Zhang, Ming Qiu/Rong, Min Zhi. Wiley-VCH,
Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 440 pages. Euro 109.
ISBN-10: 0-470-49712-2. ISBN-13: 978-0-47049712-8 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Phase Transitions By Ricard V. Solé. Princeton
University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2011.Paperback:
237 pages. $39.50, £27.95. ISBN 9780691150758.
• Principles of Solar Cells, LEDs and Diodes The role
of the PN junction. By Kitai, Adrian. Wiley-VCH,
Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 334 pages. Euro 142.
ISBN 978-1-4443-1834-0; Softcover. Euro 55.90.
ISBN-10: 1-4443-1833-0. ISBN-13: 978-1-44431833-3 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Crystal Engineering: A Textbook By Gautam
R. Desiraju, Jagadese J. Vittal and Arunachalam
Ramanan. IISc Press & World Sci. Publ., India,
2011. 216 pages. £65.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 119
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Recent Books and Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
For a review, see, M. Zaworotko, Nature Chem.,
3(9), 653, (2011).
For a review, see, M. Zaworotko,
• Introductory Nanoscience – Physical and Chemical Concepts. By Masaru Kuno. Garland Science
(Taylor and Francis), New York, 2011. Paperback:
463 pp. $110. ISBN 9780815344247.
• New Trends in the Physics and Mechanics of Biological Systems –École de Physique des Houches,
Session XCII, 6–31 July 2009. Edited by Martine Ben Amar et al. Oxford University Press,
Oxford, 2011. Hardback: 379 pp., $72, £40.
ISBN 9780199605835.
• Principles
of
Multiscale
Modeling
By
Weinan E. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 484 pp., $75, £45.
ISBN 9781107096547.
• Engineering Strategies for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation By Ian S. F. Jones. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 182 pp., illus. $85, 55.
ISBN 9780521516020. Paperback: 182 pp., illus.
$40, £24.99. ISBN 9780521731591.
Nanocomposites Edited by Vikas Mittal. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 405 pp., $130, £80. ISBN 9780521190756.
• Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Fundamentals, Technologies and Applications Edited by Detlev Stolten.
Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2010. 878 pp. Hardcover.
Euro 249.00. ISBN 978-3527327119.
For a review, see, Ludwig Jörissen, Angew. Chem.
Int. Ed., 50(42), 9787(2011).
• Computational Methods for Large Systems – Electronic Structure Approaches for Biotechnology and
Nanotechnology. By Reimers, Jeffrey R. WileyVCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 688 pages. Euro
119. ISBN-10: 0-470-48788-7. ISBN-13: 978-0470-48788-4 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Dendrimers
–Towards
Catalytic,
Material
and Biomedical Uses. By Turrin, CedricOlivier/Laurent, Regis/Ouali, Arnelle/DelavauxNicot, Beatrice. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011.
Hardcover. 566 pages. Euro 155. ISBN-10: 0470-74881-8. ISBN-13: 978-0-470-74881-7 - John
Wiley & Sons.
• Holographic Microscopy of Phase Microscopic
Objects By Tatyana Tishko, Tishko Dmitry, and
Titar Vladimir. World Scientific, Hackensack,
NJ, 2011.Hardback: 107 pp., illus. $74, £49.
ISBN 9789814289542.
• Fundamentals of Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites By
Gary W. Beall and Clois E. Powell. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2011. Hardback: 193 pp.,
$120, £70. ISBN 9780521876438.
• Thermally Stable and Flame Retardant Polymer
page 120
• Encyclopedia of Polymer Blends – Volume 2. Edited
by Isayev, Avraam I. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011.
Hardcover. 404 pages. Euro 139. ISBN-10: 3-52731930-1. ISBN-13: 978-3-527-31930-5 - WileyVCH, Weinheim.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Advanced Materials and Processing 2010 – Proceedings of the 6th Intl. Conf. on ICAMP. Lijiang,
Yunnan, P. R. China, 19–23 July 2010 Edited by
Y. F. Zhang et al. World Scientific, Hackensack,
NJ, 2011. Hardback: 358 pp., $140, £87. ISBN
9789814322782.
• Supramolecular Photochemistry –Controlling Photochemical Processes. By Ramamurthy, V. WileyVCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 640 pages. Euro
129. ISBN-10: 0-470-23053-3. ISBN-13: 978-0470-23053-4 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Advances in Atomic Physics – An Overview. By
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and David Guéry-Odelin.
World Scientific, Hackensack, NJ, 2011. Paperback:
791 pp., $48, £30. ISBN 9789812774972.
• Dynamical Heterogeneities in Glasses, Colloids and
Granular Media By Ludovic Berthier et al. Oxford
University Press, Oxford, 2011.Hardback: 464 pp.,
$135, £75. ISBN 9780199691470.
• Molecular Machines Edited by Benoı̂t Roux.
World Scientific, Hackensack, NJ, 2011. Hardback:
287 pp., $118, £77. ISBN 9789814343442.
• Introduction to Membrane Science and Technology By Strathmann, Heinrich. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 524 pages. Euro 75. ISBN10: 3-527-32451-8. ISBN-13: 978-3-527-32451-4 Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.
• Viscoelastic Behavior of Rubbery Materials By
C. M. Roland. Oxford University Press, Oxford,
2011. Hardback: 340 pp., $98.50, £55. ISBN
9780199571574.
Recent Books and Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• The Physics Book – From the Big Bang to Quantum Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History
of Physics. By Clifford A. Pickover. Sterling, New
York, 2011. Hardback. 528 pages. $29.95, C$32.95.
ISBN 9781402778612.
• Introduction to Modeling and Simulation of Technical and Physical Systems with Modelica By Fritzson, Peter. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Softcover.
232 pages. Euro 51.90. ISBN-10: 1-118-01068-X.
ISBN-13: 978-1-118-01068-6 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Translational Dynamics and Magnetic Resonance
– Principles of Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo NMR.
By Paul T. Callaghan. Oxford University Press,
New York, 2011. Hardback: 565 pp., illus. $94.95,
£49.95. ISBN 9780199556984.
• Supramolecular Soft Matter –Applications in Materials and Organic Electronics. By Nakanishi,
Takashi. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover.
504 pages. Euro 109. ISBN-10: 0-470-55974-8.
ISBN-13: 978-0-470-55974-1 - John Wiley & Sons.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 121
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Recent Books and Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Biopolymers – Biomedical and Environmental
Applications. By Kalia, Susheel/Avérous, Luc.
Wiley-Scrivener, 2011. Hardcover. 642 pages. Euro
169. ISBN-10: 0-470-63923-7. ISBN-13: 978-0470-63923-8 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Introduction to Surface Engineering and Functionally Engineered Materials By Martin, Peter. WileyScrivener 2011. Hardcover. 584 pages. Euro 155.
ISBN-10: 0-470-63927-X. ISBN-13: 978-0-47063927-6 - John Wiley & Sons.
• Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine
Edited by Harold S. Bernstein. Humana (Springer),
New York, 2011. Hardback: 440 pp. $239. ISBN
9781617793219.
• Laser Welding of Plastics – Materials, Processes
and Industrial Applications. By Klein, Rolf. WileyVCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover. 252 pages. Euro
99. ISBN-10: 3-527-40972-6. ISBN-13: 978-3-52740972-3 - Wiley-VCH, Berlin.
• Terpyridine-based Materials – For Catalytic, Optoelectronic and Life Science Applications. By Schubert, Ulrich S. / Winter, Andreas / Newkome,
George R. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.2011. Hardcover.
522 pages. Euro 149. ISBN-10: 3-527-33038-0.
ISBN-13: 978-3-527-33038-6 - Wiley-VCH, Weinheim.
page 122
• Plasma Processing of Nanomaterials Edited by
R. Mohan Sankaran. CRC Press-Taylor & Francis Group, 2011. Catalogue No: K12993. Hardback:
432 pages. £82.00. ISBN: 9781439866764. ISBN
10: 1439866767.
• Introduction to Photovoltaic System Design By
John Balfour, Michael Shaw and Nichole Nash.
Jones and Bartlett India Pvt Ltd.Ansari Road,
Daryaganj. New Delhi-110002. 2011. Hardcover. 556 Pages. ISE Price for India US$ 42.00
(Rs 2180). 9781449624675-PB-2013. Website:
www.jblearning.com.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Multifunctional Polymer Particles with Distinct
Compartments. By J. Yoon, K. J. Lee and J. Lahann,
J. Mater. Chem., 21(24), 8502–8510, (2011).
Abstract
Polymer particles with controlled internal architecture are currently under development for a number
of emerging applications. In compartmentalized particles, well-defined pockets of distinct materials can be
designed that can give rise to a set of orthogonal (i.e.,
dissimilar) properties within the same particle. While
this aspect appears crucial, when multifunctional particles for sensing, imaging or drug delivery are sought
after, their experimental realization has only recently
been explored in broader terms.
In this review, the authors highlight current
progress related to the design and fabrication of multicompartmental particles and discuss potential benefits
and experimental challenges associated with different
synthetic routes. 121 References.
• Fabrication of Molecular Sieve Fibers by Electrospinning. By J. Di, Y. Zhao and J. Yu, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(24), 8511–8520, (2011).
• Biosensors based on One-Dimensional Nanostructures. By I. M. Feigel, H. Vedala and A. Star, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(25), 8940–8954, (2011).
Abstract
Over the past decade, one-dimensional nanostructures
(1D-NS) have been studied for the detection of biological molecules. These nanometre-scale materials,
with diameters comparable to the size of individual
biomolecules, offer the advantage of high sensitivity.
In this article, the authors discuss different techniques
of biosensing using 1D-NS, namely electrical, electrochemical, optical, and mechanical methods, with a
focus on the advancement of these techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of various synthesis and functionalization methods of 1D-NS, as well as biosensor
device fabrication procedures are discussed. The main
focus of this review is to demonstrate the progress of
protein and DNA sensors based on 1D-NS over the
past decade, and in addition present an outlook for the
future of this technology. 173 References.
Review Articles
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Formation, Morphology Control and Applications
of Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays. By Z. Su and
W. Zhou, J. Mater. Chem., 21(25), 8955–8970,
(2011).
Abstract
Abstract
Molecular sieves, such as zeolites and mesoporous
materials, have been widely used in the fields of
catalysis, adsorption, ion-exchange, and are finding
new applications in optics, electronics, magnetism,
medicine, etc. Molecular sieves with different morphologies or aggregation states, such as spheres, films,
and fibers have been prepared to fulfil the need for
various applications. Electrospinning offers a simple
and straightforward way for generating ultrafine fibers
with diameter in the range of nanometres to micrometres from a variety of materials. In recent decades,
electrospinning has been introduced to prepare molecular sieve fibers. In this review, fibrous molecular
sieves including zeolite fibers, siliceous and nonsiliceous mesoporous fibers prepared by electrospinning are summarized, and their prominent applications
in optics, adsorptions, catalysis, etc. are highlighted.
99 References.
Anodic titanium dioxide films, especially anodic TiO2
nanotube arrays, have attracted extensive interest in the
past decade. A number of electrolytes, either aqueous
or non-aqueous, fluoride containing or fluoride free,
have been chosen to grow anodic titanium oxide films.
With great improvements in the morphology control on
porosity, pore size, nanotube length and pore ordering, anodic titanium oxide films have been widely
applied in photochemical water splitting, hydrogen
sensing, dye-sensitized solar cells, templating for low
dimensional nanomaterials and biomedical research.
This article presents a brief review of the progress to
date in the formation mechanism, morphology control and some applications of these smart materials.
173 References.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 123
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Silicate Cathodes for Lithium Batteries: Alternatives to Phosphates?. By M. S. Islam, R. Dominko,
C. Masquelier, C. Sirisopanaporn, A. R. Armstrong
and P. G. Bruce, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27),
9811–9818, (2011).
Abstract
Polyoxyanion compounds, particularly the olivinephosphate LiFePO4 , are receiving considerable attention as alternative cathodes for rechargeable lithium
batteries. More recently, an entirely new class of
polyoxyanion cathodes based on the orthosilicates,
Li2 MSiO4 (M = Mn, Fe, and Co), has been attracting growing interest. In the case of Li2 FeSiO4 , iron
and silicon are among the most abundant and lowest
cost elements, and hence offer the tantalising prospect
of preparing cheap and safe cathodes from rust and
sand! This article presents an overview of recent
developments and future challenges of silicate cathode materials focusing on their structural polymorphs,
electrochemical behaviour and nanomaterials chemistry. 36 References.
• Mitigating the Initial Capacity Loss (ICL) Problem
in High-Capacity Lithium Ion Battery Anode Materials. By G. Ji, Y. Ma and J. Y. Lee, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(27), 9819–9824, (2011).
Abstract
This review highlights the research progress on the mitigation of the ICL of high capacity non-carbonaceous
anode materials. For completeness, it begins with a
short account of the ICL of carbon anodes. The origin of ICL in non-carbonaceous anode materials is then
introduced next. Since Sn, SnO2 and Si have attracted
the most research interest, they are the focus of the
discussion. This is followed by a survey of reported
methods on mitigating the ICL of these materials. The
literature on this subject matter is rather limited, and
some of the methods have not been replicated besides
the original work. Nonetheless, the authors provide
their perspectives and approach to solving this pertinacious material deficiency. 41 References.
• One Dimensional Si/Sn - based Nanowires and Nanotubes for Lithium-ion Energy Storage Materials.
By N. –S. Choi, Y. Yao, Y. Cui and J. Cho, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(27), 9825–9840, (2011).
page 124
Abstract
There has been tremendous interest in using
nanomaterials for advanced Li-ion battery electrodes, particularly to increase the energy density by
using high specific capacity materials. Recently, it
was demonstrated that one dimensional (1D) Si/Sn
nanowires (NWs) and nanotubes (NTs) have great
potential to achieve high energy density as well as long
cycle life for the next generation of advanced energy
storage applications. In this article, the authors review
recent progress on Si-based NWs and NTs as high
capacity anode materials. Fundamental understanding
and future challenges on one dimensional nanostructured anode are also discussed. 108 References.
• Transition Metal Vanadium Oxides and Vanadate
Materials for Lithium Batteries. By F. Cheng
and J. Chen, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27), 9841–9848,
(2011).
Abstract
Transition metal vanadium oxides and vanadates have
been widely investigated as possible active materials for primary and rechargeable lithium batteries. As
compared to the classic lithium-insertion compounds
such as LiCoO2 , the composite vanadium oxides and
vanadates have the prominent advantages of high theoretical capacities owing to multistep reductions and
more electron transfer upon lithium intercalation.
This review presents a survey of recent advances
made in the application of transition metal vanadium
oxides and vanadates. Particularly, the structure,
synthesis and electrochemical properties of silver
vanadium oxides (e.g., AgVO3 , Ag2 V4 O11 and
Ag4 V2 O6 F2 ) and copper vanadates (e.g., CuV2 O6 ,
Cu2.33 V4 O11 and Cu1.1 V4 O11 ) are discussed, with the
illustration of the effect of crystal structure, composition, and morphology on the battery performance. Benefits gained from reducing the particle size have been
particularly demonstrated. 62 References.
• Interfacing Electrolytes with Electrodes in Li Ion
Batteries. By K. Xu and A. von Cresce, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(27), 9849–9864, (2011).
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Since its birth in early 1990s, Li ion battery technology has been powering the rapid digitization of our
daily life and finally made its debut in 2010 into the
large format application for electrified vehicles such
as the Nissan Leaf and GM Chevrolet Volt. However,
much of the chemistry and processes underneath this
amazing energy storage device still remain to be understood, among which is the interphase between electrolyte and electrodes. Interphases are formed in situ
on electrode surfaces from sacrificial decomposition
of electrolytes. Their ad hoc chemistry supports the
reversible Li+ -intercalation in both anode and cathode
materials at extreme potentials, while preventing parasitic reductions/oxidations on the reactive surfaces of
those electrodes. But, their existence places restrictions
on energy and power densities of the device by impeding Li+ -transport and setting operating voltage limits,
respectively. It has been the dream of battery engineers
to maximize the former and minimize the latter.
This review summarizes the most recent knowledge about the chemistry and formation mechanism
of this elusive battery component on both anode and
cathode surfaces. The attempts to tailor a desired interphasial chemistry via diversified means are also discussed. 124 References.
• 3D-Lithium Ion Batteries – From Fundamentals to
Fabrication. By M. Roberts, P. Johns, J. Owen,
D. Brandell, K. Edstrom, G. E. Enany, C. Guery,
D. Golodnitsky, M. Lacey, C. Lecoeur, H. Mazor,
E. Peled, E. Perre, M. M. Shaijumon, P. Simon and
P. –L. Taberna, J. Mater Chem., 21(27), 9876–9890,
(2011).
Abstract
Three dimensional (3D)-microbatteries are proposed
as a step change in the energy and power per footprint
of surface mountable rechargeable batteries for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and other small
electronic devices. Within a battery electrode, a 3D
nanoarchitecture gives mesoporosity, increasing power
by reducing the length of the diffusion path; in the
separator region it can form the basis of a robust but
porous solid, isolating the electrodes and immobilising
an otherwise fluid electrolyte. 3D microarchitecture of
the whole cell allows fabrication of interdigitated or
interpenetrating networks that minimise the ionic path
length between the electrodes in a thick cell.
This article outlines the design principles for
3D microbatteries and estimates the geometrical and
physical requirements of the materials. It then gives
selected examples of recent progress in the techniques
available for fabrication of 3D battery structures by
successive deposition of electrodes, electrolytes and
current collectors onto microstructured substrates by
self-assembly methods. 45 References.
Review Articles
Abstract
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• SnO2 Hollow Structures and TiO2 Nanosheets for
Lithium-ion Batteries. By J. S. Chen, L. A. Archer
and X. W. (David) Lou, J. Mater Chem., 21(27),
9912–9924, (2011).
Abstract
As an important energy storage platform for portable
electronics, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been
challenged by steadily growing demands for better performance, improved safety, and enhanced reliability. A
variety of nanomaterials has emerged with good electrochemical properties and can be regarded as promising electrode materials for LIBs.
In this article, the authors specifically discuss two
nanomaterials systems with unique structures, which
show particular promise as anode materials for LIBs:
tin dioxide (SnO2 ) hollow spheres and anatase titanium
dioxide (TiO2 ) nanosheets (NSs) with exposed (001)
high-energy facets. For both systems, the approaches
for synthesizing the unique nanostructured materials
required for improved LIB performance are given, and
subsequently their Li-storage properties are reviewed.
By focusing on SnO2 and TiO2 , the authors seek
to provide rational understanding of the relationship
between proper nanostructuring and enhanced physicochemical properties of the active anode material in
LIBs, hopefully uncovering new possibilities to generate advanced materials for next generation rechargeable batteries. 129 References.
• Nanostructured Negative Electrodes Based on Titania for Li-Ion Microbatteries. By T. Djenizian,
I. Hanzu and P. Knauth, J. Mater. Chem., 21(27),
9925–9937, (2011).
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 125
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Abstract
This article reviews recent developments on Li-ion
microbatteries. After a short literature overview, use
of TiO2 as an alternative anode for Li-ion batteries and enhanced electrochemical performances of
nanostructured titania electrodes is introduced. Principle and formation mechanism of self-organized
TiO2 nanotubes by electrochemical anodization and
electrochemical fabrication of metallic nanowires are
discussed in detail. Electrochemical performance of
negative electrodes for Li-ion microbatteries composed of self-organized TiO2 nanotubes and composite TiO2 nanotubes–oxide nanowires is presented.
184 References.
• A Review of Advanced and Practical Lithium Battery Materials. BY R. Marom, S. F. Amalraj,
N. Leifer, D. Jacob and D. Aurbach, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(27), 9938–9954, (2011).
Abstract
Presented herein is a discussion of the forefront in
research and development of advanced electrode materials and electrolyte solutions for the next generation
of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The main challenge
of the field today is in meeting the demands necessary to make the electric vehicle (EV) fully commercially viable. This requires high energy and power
densities with no compromise in safety. Three families of advanced cathode materials (the limiting factor
for energy density in the Li battery systems) are discussed in detail: LiMn1.5 Ni0.5 O4 high voltage spinel
compounds, Li2 MnO3 –LiMO2 high capacity composite layered compounds, and LiMPO4 , where M = Fe,
Mn. Graphite, Si, Lix TOy , and MO (conversion reactions) are discussed as anode materials. The electrolyte
is a key component that determines the ability to use
high voltage cathodes and low voltage anodes in the
same system. Electrode–solution interactions and passivation phenomena on both electrodes in LIBs also
play significant roles in determining stability, cycle life
and safety features.
This presentation is aimed at providing an overall
picture of the road map necessary for the future development of advanced high energy density LIBs for EV
applications. 85 References.
page 126
• Engineering Nanostructured Electrodes Away from
Equilibrium for Lithium-Ion Batteries. By Y. Liu,
D. Liu, Q. Zhang and G. Cao, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(27), 9969–9983, (2011).
Abstract
Boosted by the rapid advances of science and technology in the field of energy materials, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have achieved significant progress in energy
storage performance since their commercial debut in
1991. The development of nanostructured electrode
material is regarded as one of the key potentials for the
further advancement in LIBs.
This article summarizes the authors’ recent efforts
in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured electrode materials for high-performance LIBs.
The electrode materials include manganese oxide
nanowall arrays, vanadium oxide nanofibers and films,
vanadium oxide–carbon nanocomposites, lithium iron
phosphate–carbon nanocomposite films, and titanium
oxide nanotube arrays. Enhanced Li+ intercalation
capacities, improved rate capabilities and better cyclic
stability were achieved by constructing micro- or
nanostructure, controlling materials crystallinity and
introducing desired defects on the surface and/or in the
bulk. The fabrication of binderless and additive-free
nanostructured electrodes for LIBs via sol–gel processing is also highlighted. 118 References.
• 3D Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering.
By J. M. Holzwarth and P. X. Ma, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(28), 10243–10251, (2011).
Abstract
Combining the efforts of numerous fields, tissue engineering is tackling the most significant and widespread
clinical issues. One of the key aspects of tissue engineering is the scaffold. Recently, advancements at the
interface of materials science and cell biology have led
to the development of synthetic polymer nanofibrous
scaffolds. These novel constructs enhance cell adhesion, differentiation, and tissue formation by serving
as a biomimetic extracellular matrix.
This review covers the modern advancements of
the three major fabrication techniques currently used to
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Biotemplating Routes to Three-Dimensional Photonic Crystals. By M. R. Jorgensen and M. H. Bartl,
J. Mater. Chem., 21(28), 10583–10591, (2011).
Abstract
The strikingly colorful world of insects is in large part
the result of light interacting with periodically organized biopolymeric structures incorporated into wings,
hairs and exoskeletons. Such structural colors have
recently gained tremendous interest as photonic crystals with their ability to control the behavior of light in
revolutionary new ways.
This article reviews recent developments in
employing biological structures as unique templates
for the fabrication of inorganic photonic crystals. Different biotemplating methods, including atomic layer
deposition, conformal-evaporated-film-by-rotation and
sol–gel chemistry, are introduced and discussed. Under
optimized conditions these methods produce highfidelity inorganic replica structures with improved
sensing, light emission and photonic band gap properties. 65 References.
• Iodine-Free Redox Couples for Dye-Sensitized
Solar Cells. By H. Tian and L. Sun, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(29), 10592–10601, (2011).
Abstract
Redox couples, as one of the crucial components of
dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs), have been investigated for many years. Due to the many drawbacks
of I− /I3 − electrolyte, scientists have paid more attention to seeking other alternative electrolyte systems.
Up to now, the best efficiency of iodine-free redox
couple-based DSCs, 7.5%, has been achieved by ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple under AM 1.5 G,
100 mW cm− 2 light illumination and other redox couples also show the promising future in DSCs.
In this article, the authors systematically present
three series of iodine-free redox couples including
metal-complexes, inorganic and pure organic redox
couples, and further compare the different photovoltaic
and photo-physical properties of these redox couples.
As a consequence, the goals of this article are to show
the important progress achieved in the redox couples
research area of DSCs and analyze the advantages as
well as the disadvantages of these redox couples to
speed up the further development of iodine-free redox
couples in the future. 76 References.
Review Articles
create nanofibrous scaffolds: electrospinning, molecular self-assembly, and thermally induced phase separation. Additionally, developments in the biological
applications, with a focus on bone and cartilage tissue
engineering, are surveyed by looking at the various
adult and stem cell sources, the ability of the scaffolds to support the differentiation of various stem cells
down multiple lineages, and the capacity of the constructs to form clinically relevant three dimensional
(3D) tissue. 117 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Carboxylic Group Functionalized Ordered Mesoporous Silicas. By L. Han, O. Terasaki and S. Che,
J. Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11033–11039, (2011).
Abstract
Many research efforts have focused on the synthesis of
organic and inorganic hybrid ordered mesoporous silicas (MSs) with functionalization of the exterior and/or
interior surfaces aiming for applications in separation,
adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, and nanotechnology. Among the organic groups, the carboxylic group
is a particularly useful reactive group for many applications. This article provides a brief overview of the
carboxylic group functionalized MSs and the recent
progress in synthetic strategies and applications have
been reviewed. 49 References.
• Nanostructured cathode materials: a key for better performance in Li-ion batteries. By R. Pitchai,
V. Thavasi, S. G. Mhaisalkar and S. Ramakrishna, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11040–11051, (2011).
Abstract
Battery technology plays critical role under clean
energy systems because it contributes for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Breakthroughs in
cathodes, anodes, and electrolyte materials are needed
to reach high power and energy density in lithium
ion batteries (LIBs). The electrochemical performance
(cycling stability, power density, and reversibility)
depends on the morphological and compositional characteristics of the electrode materials, which could be
controlled during the synthesis and also the annealing process. Enormous leverage can result from the
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
advances in nanostructured electrode materials. Nano
sized electrodes exhibit minimal impedance growth,
which means no substantial loss of power with cycling,
also increase the electrode/electrolyte contact area,
which in turn increase the charge/discharge rate to
achieve maximum power.
This article reviews novel nanostructured cathode
materials and their influence on the electrochemical
performance of LIBs. 85 References.
• Chemical Functionalisation of Silicon And Germanium Nanowires. By G. Collins and J. D. Holmes, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(30), 11052–11069 (2011).
Abstract
The reduced dimensionality of nanowires implies that
surface effects significantly influence their properties,
which has important implications for the fabrication of
nanodevices such as field effect transistors and sensors. This review explores the strategies available for
wet chemical functionalisation of silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) nanowires. The stability and electrical
properties of surface modified Si and Ge nanowires is
explored.
While this review focuses primarily on nanowire
surfaces, much has been learned from work on planar
substrates and differences between two dimensional
(2D) and nanowire surfaces are high-lighted. The
possibility of band gap engineering and controlling
electronic characteristics through surface modification provides new opportunities for future nanowire
based applications. Nano-sensing is emerging as a
major application of modified Si nanowires and the
progress of these devices to date is also discussed.
198 References.
• Formation and Morphology Control of Nanoparticles Via Solution Routes in an Autoclave. By
Y. Zhu, T. Mei, Y. Wang and Y. Qian, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(31), 11457–11463, (2011).
Abstract
Formation and morphology control of nanomaterials is
a crucial issue in nanoscience research in the exploitation of novel properties. This article presents a review
of some research activities on the formation and morphology control of nanoparticles via solution routes in
page 128
an autoclave over the last decade. Several solution systems, including hydrothermal, solvothermal and mixed
solvothermal routes, are specifically discussed and
highlighted.
A helical belt template mechanism was proposed
for the formation of the Te nanotubes in aqueous ammonia. Assisted by the surfactant of sodium
dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), nickel nanobelts
were hydrothermally synthesized. Ethylenediamine
(En) and n-butylamine can be used as shape controllers to one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor nanostructures in the solvothermal process. The phase of
metastable and stable MnS crystallites can be controlled by solvothermal reaction in various solvents.
Selective preparation of 1D to 3D CdS nanostructures was achieved by controlling the volume ratio
of the mixed solvents. With poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
(PVP) serving as a soft template, the transformation
from nanowires to nanotubes, then to nanowires was
observed in the mixed solvents of distilled water and
ethanolamine (EA). 74 References.
• Mesoporous Titania Photocatalysts: Preparation,
Characterization and Reaction Mechanisms. By
A. A. Ismail and D. W. Bahnemann, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(31), 11686–11707, (2011).
Abstract
Titanium dioxide, TiO2 is a very important semiconductor with a high potential for applications in
photocatalysis, solar cells, photochromism, sensoring,
and various other areas of nanotechnology. Increasing attention has recently been focused on the simultaneous achievement of high bulk crystallinity and
the formation of ordered mesoporous TiO2 frameworks with high thermal stability. Mesoporous TiO2
has continued to be highly active in photocatalytic
applications because it is beneficial for promoting the
diffusion of reactants and products, as well as for
enhancing the photocatalytic activity by facilitating
access to the reactive sites on the surface of photocatalyst. This steady progress has demonstrated that
mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles are playing and will
continue to play an important role in the protection of
the environment and in the search for renewable and
clean energy technologies.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Recent Progress of High Performance Organic
Thin Film Field-Effect Transistors. By Q. Meng,
H. Dong, W. Hu and D. Zhu, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(31), 11708–11721, (2011).
Abstract
During the past few decades, thousands of organic
semiconductors have been designed and synthesized for organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs).
However, most of them exhibit non-ideal performance. After carefully reviewing recent OTFTs with
high performance, e.g., OTFTs with mobility over
1.0 cm2 V− 1 s− 1 , guidelines for device fabrication
are highlighted, especially the importance in finding
promising compounds and regulating molecular properties for OTFTs, as well as in modifying surfaces
of dielectric and electrodes for high-quality devices.
121 References.
• Transition Metal Hydrogenophosphates: A Potential
Source of New Protonic and Lithium Conductors.
By V. Pralong, V. Caignaert and B. Raveau, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(33), 12188–12201, (2011).
Abstract
The research of new frameworks with excellent protonic and lithium ion conduction properties is a topic
of high interest for the development of energy storage, as materials in fuel cells and batteries. The
authors review herein, the investigations that have been
performed on transition metal hydrogenophosphates,
whose hydroxyl (OH) group or (H2 O) molecules or
(H3 O+ ) cations allow protonic conduction but also
precursors for Li ion conduction to be generated,
using both H-Li exchange and direct lithium insertion.
107 References.
• Polymorphous Transformations of Nanometric
Iron(III) Oxide: A Review. By L. Machala, J. Tucek,
and R. Zboril, Chem. Mater., 23(14), 3255–3272,
(2011).
Abstract
There is great interest in iron oxides, especially in
nanosized form, for both fundamental and practical
reasons. Because of its polymorphism, ferric oxide,
Fe2 O3 is one of the most interesting and potentially
useful phases of the iron oxides. Each of the four different known crystalline Fe2 O3 polymorphs (alpha-, beta, gamma-, and epsilon-Fe2 O3 ) has unique biochemical,
magnetic, catalytic, and other properties that make it
suitable for specific technical and biomedical applications. High temperature treatment is a key step in most
syntheses of iron(III) oxides but often triggers polymorphous transformations that result in the formation
of undesired mixtures of Fe2 O3 polymorphs.
This review discusses the dependence of the
mechanism and kinetics of the polymorphous transformations of Fe2 O3 on the intrinsic properties of
the material (polymorph structure, particle size, particle morphology, surface coating, particle aggregation,
incorporation of particles within a matrix) and external parameters of synthetic and/or natural. The use of
selected analytical tools in studying the polymorphous
transformations of Fe2 O3 is also discussed, with particular emphasis on in situ approaches. Finally, key
objectives for future research in this area are highlighted: (i) the development of more sophisticated
kinetic control of the γ-Fe2 O3 → ε-Fe2 O3 phase transformation; (ii) investigation of particle morphology
changes during the polymorphous transformations of
Fe2 O3 ; and (iii) the study of high-pressure induced
phase transformations of Fe2 O3 polymorphs other than
α-Fe2 O3 . 165 References.
Review Articles
This review focuses on the preparation and
characterisation of mesoporous TiO2 , noble metals
nanoparticles, transition metal ions, non-metal/doped
mesoporous titania networks. The photocatalytic activity of mesoporous titania materials upon visible
and UV illumination are reviewed, summarized and
discussed, in particular, concerning the influence of
preparation and solid-state properties of the materials. Reaction mechanisms that are being discussed to
explain these effects are presented and critically evaluated. 155 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Electron Transfer Dynamics in Dye-Sensitized Solar
Cells. By A. Listorti, B. O’Regan and J. R Durrant,
Chem. Mater., 23(15), 3381–3399, (2011).
Abstract
In this review, the authors address the materials design
parameters that control the processes of charge separation, and thereby device efficiency, in dye-sensitized
photoelectrochemical solar cells. The review starts
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 129
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
with an overview of the structure, energetics and
kinetics of dye-sensitized solar cells. The parameters
determining the efficiency of the two primary charge
separation steps in these devices are described in detail:
electron injection from the dye excited state into the
metal oxide electrode, and regeneration of the dye
ground state by the redox electrolyte. They consider
the kinetic competition between these desired charge
separation steps and the undesired loss pathways of
excited state decay to ground and electron recombination with dye cations.
The review avoids detailed mathematical and spectroscopic discussion, but rather tries to summarize
the key conclusions relevant to materials design. A
recurring theme is the energy cost of achieving charge
separation, and how this limits device performance. A
further factor addressed is, real as opposed to ideal
materials behavior, including, for example, consideration of the implications of empirical observations of
an exponential density of acceptor states in the metal
oxide, as well as identification of unresolved issues.
211 References.
• Synthesis, Assembly and Applications of Semiconductor Nanomembranes. By J. A. Rogers,
M. G. Lagally and R. G. Nuzzo, Nature, 477, 45–53,
(2011).
Abstract
Research in electronic nanomaterials, historically
dominated by studies of nanocrystals/fullerenes and
nanowires/nanotubes, now incorporates a growing
focus on sheets with nanoscale thicknesses, referred
to as nanomembranes. Such materials have practical
appeal because their two-dimensional geometries facilitate integration into devices, with realistic pathways to
manufacturing. Recent advances in synthesis provide
access to nanomembranes with extraordinary properties in a variety of configurations, some of which
exploit quantum and other size-dependent effects. This
progress, together with emerging methods for deterministic assembly, leads to compelling opportunities
for research, from basic studies of two-dimensional
physics to the development of applications of heterogeneous electronics. 99 References.
page 130
• Beyond the Shine: Recent Progress in Applications
of Nanodiamond. By A. Krueger, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(34), 12571–12578, (2011).
Abstract
In the past few years a variety of new fields for the
use of nanoscale diamond have emerged. In this article newly developed applications such as the use of
nanodiamond in composites or for catalytic, electrochemical and biomedical purposes are discussed. Furthermore, nanodiamond can be used as a sensitive and
stable luminescent label when suitable lattice defects
are present in the nanoparticles. Those defects are also
the basis for magnetic and quantum applications of this
carbon material. 69 References.
• Pt-based Composite Nanoparticles for Magnetic,
Catalytic, and Ciomedical Applications. By Y. Liu,
D. Li and S. Sun, J. Mater. Chem., 21(34),
12579–12587, (2011).
Abstract
This article highlights the recent advances in the synthesis of Pt-based binary alloy and core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) for magnetic, catalytic and biomedical
applications. These composite NPs are made by thermal decomposition and reduction of metal precursors
in a high boiling point organic solvent with their size,
shape, composition and shell thickness controlled by
metal precursor concentrations, surfactant concentrations and reaction temperatures. The as-synthesized
alloy NPs adopt typically the face centered cubic (fcc)
structure and can be further converted into the face
centered tetragonal (fct) structure upon high temperature annealing. The NP size, shape, composition and
structure dependent magnetism and catalysis are further illustrated. The studies show that the fct structured
NPs are ferromagnetic and are promising components
for magnetic data storage media, and that the core–
shell NPs are better catalysts for fuel cell reactions with
much enhanced activity and durability, and that the
fcc structured FePt NPs have great potential for multimodality imaging and for therapeutic applications.
97 References.
• Mimicking Tricks from Nature with Sensory Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials. By
R. Martı́nez-Máñez, F. Sancenón, M. Biyikal,
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Abstract
Design strategies for (bio) chemical systems that are
inspired by nature’s accomplishments in system design
and operation on various levels of complexity are
increasingly gaining in importance. Within the broad
field of biomimetic chemistry, this article highlights
various attempts toward improved and sophisticated
sensory materials that rely on the combination of
supramolecular (bio) chemical recognition principles
and nanoscopic solid structures.
Examples range from more established concepts
such as hybrid sensing ensembles with improved
sensitivity and selectivity or for target analytes
to very recent approaches relying on target-gated
amplified signalling with functionalised mesoporous
inorganic supports and the integration of native biological sensory species such as trans-membrane proteins in spherically supported bilayer membranes.
Besides obvious mimicry of recognition-based processes, selected approaches toward chemical transduction junctions utilizing artificially organized synapses,
hybrid ensembles for improved antibody generation and uniquely colour changing systems are discussed. All of these strategies open up exciting new
prospects for the development of sensing concepts and
sensory devices at the interface of nanotechnology,
smart materials and supramolecular (bio) chemistry.
135 References.
• Recent Advances in Photofunctional Guest/Layered
Double Hydroxide Host Composite Systems and
their Applications: Experimental and Theoretical Perspectives. By D. Yan, J. Lu, M. Wei,
D. G. Evans and X. Duan, J. Mater. Chem., 21(35),
13128–13139, (2011).
In this article, recent advances in the field of photoactive guest/layered double hydroxide (LDH) host composite systems and their prospective applications are
reviewed.
Firstly, several chromophore/LDH solid-state powdered materials with attractive photophysical properties are introduced. Attention is then focused on
ordered photoemissive LDH-based thin films, and
their polarized luminescence properties and stimuliresponsive behavior as sensors. Finally, theoretical
investigations of the geometric and electronic structure
of the photofunctional guest/LDH host supramolecular architecture employing molecular dynamics simulations and periodic density functional calculations are
briefly reviewed. 74 References.
Review Articles
M. Hecht and K. Rurack, J. Mater. Chem., 21(34),
12588–12604, (2011).
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• A Journey in Search of Single-Walled Metal–
Organic Nanotubes. By P. Thanasekaran, T.–T. Luo,
C.–H. Lee and K.–L. Lu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(35),
13140–13149, (2011).
Abstract
Single-walled metal–organic nanotubes (SWMONTs)
represent a family of new structured porous materials. Metal–organic nanotubes (MONTs) offer an attractive alternative to carbon nanotubes because cationic
metal ions are incorporated into the backbones of
MONTs. However, efforts regarding the preparation
of metal–organic nanotubes have been few in number, compared with the focus on carbon nanotubes
(CNTs) and synthetic nanotubes (SNTs). In particular, the preparation of single-walled metal–organic
nanotubes (SWMONTs) remains largely unexplored.
The goal of this article is to highlight synthetic strategies, the structural characteristics of this unique class
of SWMONTs materials and explore possible applications. 35 References.
• Nitridosilicates and Oxonitridosilicates: From
Ceramic Materials to Structural and Functional
Diversity. By M. Zeuner, S. Pagano and W. Schnick,
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 50(35), 7754–7775, (2011).
Abstract
Incorporation of organic photofunctional guests into
host matrices has attracted considerable interest as
a means of achieving controllable luminescence and
other photofunctional properties for application in the
next generation of light-emitting materials and sensors.
Abstract
Silicates are one of the most important classes of compounds on this planet, and more than 1000 silicates
have been identified in the mineral kingdom. Additionally, several hundreds of artificial silicates have been
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
synthesized. The substitution of oxygen by nitrogen
leads to the structurally diverse and manifold class of
nitridosilicates. Silicon nitride, one of the most important non-oxidic ceramic materials, is the binary parent compound of nitridosilicates, and it symbolizes the
inherent material properties of these refractory compounds. However, prior to the last decades, a broad
systematic investigation of nitridosilicates had not been
accomplished. In the meantime, these and related compounds have reached a remarkable level of industrial
application.
This review illustrates recent progress in synthesis
and structure–property relationships and also applications of nitridosilicates, oxonitridosilicates, and related
SiAlONs. 212 References.
• Advanced Organic Optoelectronic Materials: Harnessing Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) Process. By J. E. Kwon and S. Y. Park,
Adv. Mater., 23(32), 3615–3642, (2011).
Abstract
Recently, organic fluorescent molecules harnessing the
excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)
process are drawing great attention due to their unique
photophysical properties which facilitate novel optoelectronic applications. After a brief introduction to
the ESIPT process and related photophysical properties, molecular design strategies towards tailored
emission are discussed in relation to their theoretical aspects. Subsequently, recent studies on advanced
ESIPT molecules and their optoelectronic applications are surveyed, particularly focusing on chemical sensors, fluorescence imaging, proton transfer
lasers, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs.
116 References.
• Recent Progress in Synergistic Catalysis over Heterometallic Nanoparticles. By H.–L. Jiang and
Q. Xu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(36), 13705–13725,
(2011).
Abstract
Heterometallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been emerging as a type of important catalyst. Bimetallic NPs
with alloyed and core–shell structures have higher
activities than monometallic counterparts in catalysis
due to the synergistic effects between the two metals.
page 132
Compared to the straightforward synthesis of bimetallic alloy NPs, the preparation strategies for bimetallic
core–shell NPs are flexible and diversified. In addition,
synergistic catalysis over trimetallic and multimetallic
NPs has also received considerable interest in recent
years.
In this article, the authors provide an overview
of the recent developments of heterometallic NPs for
improved catalytic performance. 169 References.
• Structure–Property Relationships of Iron Arsenide
Superconductors. By D. Johrendt, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(36), 13726–13736, (2011).
Abstract
Iron based superconductors sent material scientists into
a renewed excitement reminiscent of the time when
the first high-Tc superconductors were discovered 25
years ago. This article reviews relationships between
structural chemistry and magnetic as well as superconducting properties of iron arsenide compounds, which
are outstandingly rich and uniquely coupled. Particular
attention is paid to the nature of the structural phase
transitions of the parent compounds and their possible
origins, on effects of doping on the crystal structures
and on the coexistence of magnetic ordering and superconductivity. In spite of the many fascinating insights
that have already enriched the research on superconductivity, many questions are still open and prove iron
based superconductors to be a good recipe for future
discoveries in this lively field. 95 References.
• Solid State Synthesis of Nitride, Carbide and Boride
Nanocrystals in an Autoclave. By Y. Zhu, Q. Li,
T. Mei and Y. Qian, J. Mater. Chem., 21(36),
13756–13764, (2011).
Abstract
This article provides a brief overview of the latest
developments in the solid state synthesis of various
nitride, carbide and boride nanocrystals in an autoclave
at mild temperatures. An additive assisted route was
developed for nitride, carbide and boride nanocrystals. In the presence of S powder, 3C–SiC nanocrystals
were obtained utilizing waste plastics and Si powder at
350–500◦C. With the assistance of I2 , rare-earth and
alkaline-earth hexaboride nanocrystals were prepared
at temperatures below 400◦ C. As N-aminothiourea and
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Progress in Non-Volatile Memory Devices based on
Nanostructured Materials and Nanofabrication. By
J. –S. Lee, J. Mater. Chem., 2(37), 14097–14112,
(2011).
Abstract
Semiconductor device technology has continuously
advanced through active research and the development
of innovative technologies during the past decades.
Semiconductor devices are expected to descend below
the 10 nm scale within the next ten years. Meanwhile,
nanofabrication technology and the synthesis of nanostructured materials for novel device applications have
made considerable progress too.
This review discusses new technologies that make
this continuous device scaling possible. The recent
efforts and research activities are discussed regarding the fabrication and characterization of non-volatile
memory devices made of nanostructured materials and
by nanofabrication. The review concludes with an
analysis of device fabrication strategies and device
architectures beyond the device scaling limit with
an emphasis on some promising technologies from
bottom-up approaches. 117 References.
• Toward Flexible Polymer and Paper-Based Energy
Storage Devices. By L. Nyholm, G. Nyström,
A. Mihranyan and M. Strømme, Adv. Mater., 23(33),
3751–3769, (2011).
Abstract
All-polymer and paper-based energy storage devices
have significant inherent advantages in comparison
with many currently employed batteries and supercapacitors regarding environmental friendliness, flexibility, cost and versatility. The research within this field
is currently undergoing an exciting development as
new polymers, composites and paper-based devices are
being developed.
The authors review recent progress concerning
the development of flexible energy storage devices
based on electronically conducting polymers and cellulose containing composites with particular emphasis on paper-based batteries and supercapacitors. They
discuss recent progress in the development of the
most commonly used electronically conducting polymers used in flexible device prototypes, the advantages and disadvantages of this type of energy storage
devices, as well as the two main approaches used in the
manufacturing of paper-based charge storage devices.
166 References.
Review Articles
iodine were added to the system containing Si and
NaN3 , β-Si3 N4 nanorods and α,β-Si3 N4 nanoparticles could be prepared at 60◦ C. A ternary nitride of
MgSiN2 can also be prepared at 350–500◦C using Si,
Mg, and NaN3 as reactants. 100 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Bipolar Host Materials: A Chemical Approach for
Highly Efficient Electrophosphorescent Devices. By
A. Chaskar, H. –F. Chen and K. –T. Wong, Adv.
Mater., 23(34), 3876–3895, (2011).
Abstract
The future of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs)
is drifting from electrofluorescence toward electrophosphorescence due to the feasibility of realizing
100% internal quantum efficiency. There is limited
availability of transition metals (TMs) such as Ir, Os,
and Pt, which are used for color-tunable phosphorescent emitters, and the use of the host-guest strategy
is necessary for suppressing the detrimental triplettriplet annihilation inherently imparted by the TMcentered emitters. The inevitable demands of organic
host materials provide organic chemists with tremendous opportunities to contribute their expertise to this
technology. With suitable molecular design and judicious selection of chemical structures featured with
different electronic nature, the incorporation of holetransporting (HT) and electron-transporting (ET) moieties combines the advantages of both functional units
into bipolar host materials, which perform balanced
injection/transportation/recombination of charge carriers and consequentially lead the OLEDs to have higher
performances and low roll-off efficiencies.
This review highlights recently developed bipolar host materials with the focus on molecular design
strategies and the structure-property-performance relationships of various classes of bipolar host materials,
which are classified into several categories according
to the structural features of their constituents (HT/ET
blocks and spacers). 109 References.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• One-Dimensional Nanostructures of Ferroelectric
Perovskites. By P. M. Rørvik, T. Grande and
M. –A. Einarsrud, Adv. Mater., 23(35), 4007–4034,
(2011).
Abstract
Nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes of ferroelectric
perovskites have recently been studied with increasing intensity due to their potential use in nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory devices,
nano-electromechanical systems, energy-harvesting
devices, advanced sensors, and in photocatalysis. This
review summarizes the current status of these onedimensional(1D) nanostructures and gives a critical overview of synthesis routes with emphasis on
chemical methods. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the 1D nanostructures are discussed
and possible applications are highlighted. Finally,
prospects for future research within this field are outlined. 202 References.
• Shape Matters: Anisotropy of the Morphology of
Inorganic Colloidal Particles — Synthesis and Function. By S. Polarz, Adv. Funct. Mater., 21(17),
3214–3230, (2011).
are discussed that can be found for the synthesis
of anisotropic metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles.
194 References.
• Role of Molecular Order and Solid-State Structure in Organic Field-Effect Transistors. By
M. Mas-Torrent and C. Rovira, Chem Rev., 111(8),
4833–4856, (2011).
Abstract
This review highlights the influence of the molecular organization on the mobility of the organic fieldeffect transistors (OFETs), with emphasis on some of
the factors that should be born in mind, such as polymorphism, intermolecular interactions, and interfaces.
It is imperative to gain a better insight into the influence of the intermolecular interactions on the solidstate structure and the transport properties so that it will
be feasible to design materials for specific applications.
181 References.
• Electroluminescent Materials for White Organic
Light Emitting Diodes. By G. M. Farinola and
R. Ragni, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3467–3482,
(2011).
Abstract
Abstract
The shape of a crystalline particle can be defined by
a characteristic set and abundance of surfaces corresponding to the lattice planes [hkl] of the crystal. The
structure, the density, the electronic system, and the
energy of each [hkl]-surface is different from the others. Consequently, every morphology is also characterized by a unique free energy compared to alternative
shapes at a constant surface-to-volume ratio.
Using tools from geometrical crystallography, an
attempt is made to describe the systems in terms of
morphology energy landscapes. It is obvious that, similar to surface phenomena, shape-related properties
are also apparent, in particular at the nanometer-scale.
However, morphology effects go much beyond surface
effects. It is shown that not only catalytic properties
differ with particle shape, but also magnetic, optical, electronic, mechanical, and self-assembly properties are influenced. In addition, analytical methods
are highlighted that are suitable for the determination
of the shape of the particles. Different methods
page 134
White organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs) are
promising devices for application in low energy consumption lighting since they combine the potentialities of high efficiency and inexpensive production
with the appealing features of large surfaces emitting good quality white light. However, lifetime, performances and costs still have to be optimized to
make WOLEDs commercially competitive as alternative lighting sources. Development of efficient and stable emitters plays a key role in the progress of WOLED
technology.
This review discusses the main approaches to
obtain white electroluminescence with organic and
organometallic emitters. Representative examples of
each method are reported highlighting the most significant achievements together with open issues and challenges to be faced by future research. 67 References.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Abstract
This tutorial review presents some recent
developments in the design, synthesis and implementation of organic solution-processable molecular
fluorophores for non-doped electroluminescent lightemitting devices. After a brief presentation of the basic
principles of operation and main characteristics of
electroluminescent devices, some examples of active
emitters representative of the main classes of nondoped molecular electrofluorophores will be discussed.
Emphasis is placed on the relationships between the
molecular structure and the electronic properties of
molecular emitters, in which high photoluminescence
efficiency, synthetic accessibility and processability
are combined by design with additional functions such
as hole and/or electron injection and transport. 50 References.
• Metal-organic Complex Ferroelectrics. By T. Hang,
W. Zhang, H. –Y. Ye and R. –G. Xiong, Chem. Soc.
Rev., 40 (7), 3577–3598, (2011).
Abstract
Ferroelectric materials are of importance and interest in both fundamental scientific research and various
technological applications. Metal-organic complexes
(MOCs) represent a class of molecule-based ferroelectrics, which have shown various properties or functionalities due to their hybrid inorganic–organic nature.
This article reviews the recent developments of the
MOC ferroelectrics with particular emphases on the
mechanism of ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transition, symmetry consideration, and multifunctionality.
29 References.
• Electron Transporting Semiconducting Polymers in
Organic Electronics. By X. Zhao and X. Zhan,
Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3728–3743, (2011).
Abstract
Significant progress has been achieved in the preparation of semiconducting polymers over the past two
decades, and successful commercial devices based on
them are slowly beginning to enter the market. However, most of the conjugated polymers are hole transporting, or p-type, semiconductors that have seen a
dramatic rise in performance over the last decade.
Much less attention has been devoted to electron
transporting, or n-type, materials that have lagged
behind their p-type counterparts. Organic electron
transporting materials are essential for the fabrication of organic p–n junctions, organic photovoltaic
cells (OPVs), n-channel organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)
and complementary logic circuits. In this review the
authors focus upon recent developments in several
classes of electron transporting semiconducting polymers used in OLEDs, OFETs and OPVs, and survey and analyze what is currently known concerning
electron transporting semiconductor architecture, electronic structure, and device performance relationships.
87 references.
Review Articles
• Solution-Processable Single-Material Molecular
Emitters for Organic Light-Emitting Devices. By
X.–H. Zhu, J. Peng, Y. Cao and J. Roncali, Chem.
Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3509–3524, (2011).
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Electronic Conduction in Polymers, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene. By A. B. Kaiser and
V. Skákalová, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3786–3801,
(2011).
Abstract
In the years since the discovery of organic polymers that exhibited electrical conductivities comparable to some metals, other novel carbon-based conductors have been developed, including carbon nanotubes and graphene (monolayers of carbon atoms).
In this review the authors discuss the common features and the differences in the conduction mechanisms
observed in these carbon-based materials, which range
from near ballistic and conventional metallic conduction to fluctuation-assisted tunnelling, variable-range
hopping and more exotic mechanisms. For each category of material, they discuss the dependence of conduction on the morphology of the sample. The presence of heterogeneous disorder is often particularly
important in determining the overall behavior, and can
lead to surprisingly similar conduction behavior in
polymers, carbon nanotube networks and chemicallyderived graphene. 122 References.
• Application of Carbon Fibers to Biomaterials:
A New Era of Nano-Level Control of Carbon
Fibers after 30-Years of Development. By N. Saito,
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
page 135
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
K. Aoki, Y. Usui, M. Shimizu, K. Hara, N. Narita,
N. Ogihara, K. Nakamura, N. Ishigaki, H. Kato,
H. Haniu, S. Taruta, Y. A. Kim and M. Endo, Chem.
Soc. Rev., 40(7), 3824–3834, (2011).
Abstract
Carbon fibers are state-of-the-art materials with properties that include being light weight, high strength,
and chemically stable, and are applied in various
fields including aeronautical science and space science.
Investigation of applications of carbon fibers to biomaterials was started 30 or more years ago, and various products have been developed. Because the latest
technological progress has realized nano-level control
of carbon fibers, applications to biomaterials have also
progressed to the age of nano-size. Carbon fibers with
diameters in the nano-scale (carbon nanofibers) dramatically improve the functions of conventional biomaterials and make the development of new composite
materials possible. Carbon nanofibers also open possibilities for new applications in regenerative medicine
and cancer treatment. The first three-dimensional constructions with carbon nanofibers have been realized,
and it has been found that the materials could be used
as excellent scaffolding for bone tissue regeneration.
In this review, the authors summarize the history
of carbon fiber application to the biomaterials and
describe future perspectives in the new age of nanolevel control of carbon fibers. 122 References.
• Ordered Mesoporous Non-oxide Materials. By
Y. Shi, Y. Wan and D. Zhao, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7),
3854–3878, (2011).
Abstract
Ordered mesoporous inorganic non-oxide materials
attract increasing interest due to their plenty of unique
properties and functionalities and potential applications. Lots of achievements have been made on their
synthesis and structural characterization, especially
in the last five years. In this review, the ordered
mesoporous non-oxide materials are categorized by
compositions, including non-oxide ceramics, metal
chalcogenides, metal nitrides, carbides and fluorides,
and systematically summarized on the basis of their
synthesis approaches and mechanisms, as well as properties.
page 136
Two synthesis routes such as hard-templating
(nanocasting) and soft-templating (surfactant assembly) routes are demonstrated. The principal issues in
the nanocasting synthesis including the template composition and mesostructure, pore surface chemistry,
precursor selection, processing and template removal
are emphatically described. A great number of successful cases from the soft-templating method are
focused on the surfactant liquid-crystal mesophases
to synthesize mesostructured metal chalcogenide
composites and the inorganic-block-organic copolymer self-assembly to obtain non-oxide ceramics.
296 References.
• Ternary and Higher Pnictides; Prospects for New
Materials and Applications. By J. M. Cameron,
R. W. Hughes, Y. Zhao and D. H. Gregory, Chem.
Soc. Rev., 40(7), 4099–4118, (2011).
Abstract
Discoveries of complex solid compounds of the group
15 elements have risen dramatically over the past two
decades and within the last ten years, the potential
offered by unusual and unexpected physical and chemical properties and phenomena are beginning to be
realised in a materials context.
This review highlights some of the many areas
in which ternary and higher pnictides are making
an impact. A growing understanding of synthesisstructure-property relationships in nitrides, phosphides, arsenides and antimonides in particular has led
to amazing progress over a very short space of time
and provided insight that has proved to be transferrable
to other areas of solid state and materials chemistry.
254 References.
• Nanomaterials of High Surface Energy with Exceptional Properties in Catalysis and Energy Storage.
By Z. –Y. Zhou, N. Tian, J. –T. Li, I. Broadwell
and S. –G. Sun, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(7), 4167–4185,
(2011).
Abstract
The properties of nanomaterials for use in catalytic and
energy storage applications strongly depends on the
nature of their surfaces. Nanocrystals with high surface energy have an open surface structure and possess
a high density of low-coordinated step and kink atoms.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Construction of Heterostructure Materials Toward
Functionality. By H. Zheng, Y. Li, H. Liu, X. Yin
and Y. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 40(9), 4506–4524,
(2011).
Abstract
One- and zero-dimensional organic/inorganic
heterostructure materials have been attracting considerable attention in materials science because of their
outstanding optical and electrical properties and high
tailorability in terms of composition, structure, and
morphology. Strong interactions between the organic
and inorganic units can lead to novel or improved
physical or chemical performance relative to that of
the individual components, thereby realizing synergistic (“1 + 1 > 2”) performance.
In this review, the authors discuss the synthetic
methods available for preparing heterostructures incorporating diverse components; the functionality of the
heterostructure materials; and their potential applications in the fields of electronics, optics, biology,
and catalysis. The future development of such heterostructure materials will require deeper understanding of organic–inorganic or organic–organic interfaces
on the nanoscale, collective phenomena, and interparticle coupling. 91 References.
• Development of Hafnium based High-k Materials
— A Review. By J. H. Choi, Y. Mao, J. P. Chang,
Mater. Sci. & Engg., R 72(6), 97–136, (2011).
Abstract
The move to implement metal oxide based gate
dielectrics in a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect
transistor (MOS-FET) is considered one of the most
dramatic advances in materials science since the invention of silicon based transistors. Metal oxides are superior to SiO2 in terms of their higher dielectric constants
that enable the required continuous down-scaling of the
electrical thickness of the dielectric layer while providing a physically thicker layer to suppress the quantum
mechanical tunneling through the dielectric layer. Over
the last decade, hafnium based materials have emerged
as the designated dielectrics for future generation of
nano-electronics with a gate length less than 45 nm,
though there exists no consensus on the exact composition of these materials, as evolving device architectures
dictate different considerations when optimizing a gate
dielectric material. In addition, the implementation of
a non-silicon based gate dielectric means a paradigm
shift from diffusion based thermal processes to atomic
layer deposition processes.
Here, the authors review how HfO2 emerges from
all likely candidates to become the new gold standard
in the microelectronics industry, its different phases,
reported electrical properties, and materials processing
techniques. Then they use specific examples to discuss
the evolution in designing hafnium based materials,
from binary to complex oxides and to non-oxide forms
as gate dielectric, metal gates and diffusion barriers. To
address the impact of these hafnium based materials,
their interfaces with silicon as well as a variety of semiconductors are discussed. Finally, the integration issues
are highlighted, including carrier scattering, interface
state passivation, phonon engineering, and nano-scale
patterning, which are essential to realize future generations of devices using hafnium-based high-k materials.
302 References.
Review Articles
Possession of such features can lead to exceptional catalytic properties. The current barrier for widespread
industrial use is found in the difficulty to synthesise
nanocrystals with high-energy surfaces.
A review of the progress made for producing
shape-controlled synthesis of nanomaterials of high
surface energy using electrochemical and wet chemistry techniques is presented. Important nanomaterials such as nanocrystal catalysts based on Pt, Pd,
Au and Fe, metal oxides TiO2 and SnO2 , as well as
lithium Mn-rich metal oxides are covered. Emphasis
of current applications in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, gas sensor and lithium ion batteries are extensively
discussed. Finally, a future synopsis about emerging
applications is given. 139 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Current-Induced Domain Wall Motion in Nanoscale
Ferromagnetic Elements. By O. Boulle, G. Malinowski, M. Kläui, Mater. Sci. & Engg., R72(9),
159–187, (2011).
Abstract
The manipulation of a magnetic domain wall (DW)
by a spin polarized current in ferromagnetic nanowires
has attracted tremendous interest during the last few
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
years due to fundamental questions in the fields of
spin dependent transport phenomena and magnetization dynamics but also due to promising applications,
such as DW based magnetic memory concepts and
logic devices.
Here, the authors comprehensively review recent
developments in the field of geometrically confined
domain walls and in particular, current- induced DW
dynamics. They focus on the influence of the magnetic
and electronic transport properties of the materials on
the spin transfer effect in DWs. After considering the
different DW structures in ferromagnetic nanowires,
the theory of magnetization dynamics induced by a
spin polarized current is presented. They first discuss
the different current induced torques and their origin in the light of recent theories based on a simple
s-d exchange model and beyond. Experimental results
illustrating the effects of spin transfer in different ferromagnetic materials and geometries constitute the body
of the review. The case of soft in-plane magnetized
nanowires is described first, as it is the most widely
studied class of ferromagnetic materials in this field.
High perpendicular anisotropy materials characterized
by narrow domain walls have also raised considerable interest. These materials with only a few nanometer wide DWs combined several key advantages over
soft magnetic materials such as higher non-adiabatic
effects leading to lower critical current densities and
high domain wall velocities. The authors also review
the recent experimental results obtained in this class of
materials and discuss the important implications they
entail for the nature of the spin torque effect acting on
DWs. 312 References.
• Simple Rules for the Understanding of Heusler
Compounds. By T. Graf, C. Felser and
S. S. P. Parkin, Progr. Solid State Chem., 39(1),
1–50, (2011).
Abstract
Heusler compounds are a remarkable class of intermetallic materials with 1:1:1 (often called HalfHeusler) or 2:1:1 composition comprising more than
1500 members. Today, more than a century after their
discovery by Fritz Heusler, they are still a field of
active research. New properties and potential fields of
page 138
applications emerge constantly; the prediction of topological insulators is the most recent example. Surprisingly, the properties of many Heusler compounds can
easily be predicted by the valence electron count. Their
extremely flexible electronic structure offers a toolbox
which allows the realization of demanded but apparently contradictory functionalities within one ternary
compound. Devices based on multifunctional properties, i.e., the combination of two or more functions
such as superconductivity and topological edge states
will revolutionize technological applications. The subgroup of more than 250 semiconductors is of high
relevance for the development of novel materials for
energy technologies. Their band gaps can readily be
tuned from zero to ≈4 eV by changing the chemical
composition. Thus, great interest has been attracted in
the fields of thermoelectrics and solar cell research.
The wide range of their multifunctional properties is
also reflected in extraordinary magneto-optical, magnetoelectronic, and magnetocaloric properties. The
most prominent example is the combination of magnetism and exceptional transport properties in spintronic devices.
To take advantage of the extremely high potential of Heusler compounds, simple rules for the understanding of the structure, the electronic structure and
the relation to the properties are reviewed. 437 References.
• Rare-earth Hexaborides Nanostructures: Recent
Advances in Materials, Characterization and Investigations of Physical Properties. By X. H. Ji,
Q. Y. Zhang, J. Q. Xu and Y. M. Zhao, Progr. Solid
State Chem., 39(2), 51–69, (2011).
Abstract
Nanostructured rare-earth hexaborides (REB6 ) are
promising materials for photonic and electronic applications due to their unique characteristic. These
include high melting point, hardness, chemical
stability, low work function, low volatility at high
temperatures, superconductivity, magnetic properties,
efficiency, thermionic emission, and narrow band
semiconductivity.
This article focuses on recent developments regarding the synthesis, characterization, and applications
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Electronic Properties of Oxides: Chemical and Theoretical Approaches. By S. F. Matar, G. Campet and
M. A. Subramanian, Progr. Solid State Chem., 39(2),
70–95, (2011).
Abstract
An original analysis of the electronic and chemical
properties of oxides is proposed based on the electronegativity χ and the chemical hardness η. This
model which has been applied to various oxide based
metals, degenerate semiconductors and optical properties of transition metal oxides allows explaining
their electronic behaviors: Strong electronegativity and
weak chemical hardness characterize oxides of transition elements with high oxidation state. Strong electronegativity and strong chemical hardness feature
insulators with a large optical gap. Weak electronegativity and moderate chemical hardness describe alkali
and alkaline earth oxides and weak electronegativity
and strong chemical hardness are for ionic oxides with
a relatively large optical gap. For a few illustrative
case studies, ab intio electronic band structure calculations within the density functional theory framework
are used. 64 References.
• Microstructural Evolution of Oxides and Semiconductor Thin Films. By Z. W. Chen, Z. Jiao,
M. H. Wu, C. H. Shek, C. M. L. Wu and J. K. L. Lai,
Progr. Mater. Sci., 56(7), 901–1029, (2011).
Abstract
This review article introduces the preparation methodologies and the microstructural characteristics of semiconductor thin films, including SnO2 thin films, Au/Ge
bilayer films, and Pd–Ge alloy thin films, and metal
oxides, including SnO, SnO2 , Mn2 O3 and Mn3 O4
nanocrystals which can be in the form of nanoparticles,
nanowires, nanorods, and nanofractals.
Firstly, the preparation methodologies and the
microstructural characteristics of tin oxides have been
investigated in detail. Secondly, the crystallization
of amorphous Ge, and the formation of nanocrystals and compounds developed with improved microand nanostructured features are described. Thirdly,
a novel selective synthesis route for various morphologies of manganese oxides nanocrystals, including nanoparticles, nanorods and nanofractals, and their
unique microstructural characteristics are presented.
Intricate fundamental properties of manganese oxides
nanocrystals are studied in detail. To sum up, it is
expected that the fabrication methodologies developed and the knowledge of microstructural evolution gained in semiconductor thin films, will provide
an important fundamental basis underpinning further interdisciplinary (physics, chemistry and materials science) research in this field leading to promising
exciting opportunities for future technological applications involving these oxide and thin film materials.
392 References.
Review Articles
of REB6 nanostructures. The authors first summarize information regarding the classification and crystal chemistry of REB6 . Next, they examine the means
by which researchers have successfully synthesized
REB6 . The structural properties and morphology of
REB6 , and the growth mechanism involved in their
fabrication are considered. Finally, the authors offer
suggestions for the use of REB6 nanostructures in
photonic and electronic applications, and identify four
areas for further research. 88 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Shape-memory Polymers and their Composites:
Stimulus Methods and Applications. By J. Leng,
X. Lan, Y. Liu and S. Du, Progr. Mater. Sci., 56(7),
1077–1135, (2011).
Abstract
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) undergo significant
macroscopic deformation upon the application of an
external stimulus (e.g., heat, electricity, light, magnetism, moisture and even a change in pH value). They
have been widely researched since the 1980s and are
an example of a promising smart material.
This article provides a comprehensive review of
SMPs, encompassing a fundamental understanding of
the shape-memory effect, fabrication, modeling and
characterization of SMPs, various actuation methods
and multifunctional properties of SMP composites, and
potential applications for SMP structures. A definition
of SMPs and their fundamentals are first presented.
Next, a description of their fabrication, characterization and constitutive models of SMPs are introduced.
SMP composites, which act to improve a certain function as functional materials or the general mechanical
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
properties as structural materials, are briefly discussed.
Specially, the SMP composites can be developed into
multifunctional materials actuated by various methods, such as thermal-induced, electro-activated, lightinduced, magnetic-actuated and solution-responsive
SMPs. As smart materials, the applications of SMPs
and their composites receive much interest, including deployable structures, morphing structures, biomaterials, smart textiles and fabrics, SMP foams,
automobile actuators and self-healing composite systems. 313 References.
• Graphene based Materials: Past, Present and
Future. By V. Singh, D. Joung, L. Zhai, S. Das,
S. I. Khondaker and S. Seal, Progr. Mater. Sci.,
56(8), 1178–1271, (2011).
Abstract
Graphene, a two dimensional monoatomic thick building block of a carbon allotrope, has emerged as an
exotic material of the 21st century, and received worldwide attention due to its exceptional charge transport,
thermal, optical, and mechanical properties. Graphene
and its derivatives are being studied in nearly every
field of science and engineering. Recent progress has
shown that the graphene-based materials can have
a profound impact on electronic and optoelectronic
devices, chemical sensors, nanocomposites and energy
storage.
The aim of this review article is to provide a
comprehensive scientific progress of graphene to date
and evaluate its future perspective. Various synthesis
processes of single layer graphene, graphene nanoribbons, chemically derived graphene, and graphenebased polymer and nano particle composites are
reviewed. Their structural, thermal, optical, and electrical properties were also discussed along with their
potential applications. The article concludes with a
brief discussion on the impact of graphene and related
materials on the environment, its toxicological effects
and its future prospects in this rapidly emerging field.
465 References.
• Mechanical and Electronic Properties of Diborides
of Transition 3d–5d Metals from First Principles:
Toward Search of Novel Ultra-Incompressible and
Superhard Materials. By A. L. Ivanovskii, Progr.
Mater. Sci., 57(1), 184–228, (2012).
page 140
Abstract
Currently, appreciable progress has been achieved in
the development of design principles, synthesis, investigations and predictions of various groups of ultraincompressible and superhard materials. One of the
recently proposed families of these promising materials is represented by the diborides of heavy 4d
and 5d metals. Along with experiments, the theoretical ab initio methods, which involve no a priori
assumptions about the electronic structure and intraatomic interactions, are very effective approaches in
the determination and prediction of structural, mechanical, magnetic, optical, dielectric and superconducting
properties of such materials.
This paper offers a review of the recent advances
in theoretical understanding and predictions of the
mechanical properties- as obtained by means of ab
initio calculations – for a broad family of metal
diborides MB2 , and their relations to electronic, cohesive and bonding characteristics of these materials.
332 References.
• Laser Sintering of Polyamides and other Polymers.
By R. D. Goodridge, C. J. Tuck and R. J. M. Hague,
Progr. Mater. Sci., 57(2), 229–267, (2012).
Abstract
With the evolution of additive techniques from prototyping tools (Rapid Prototyping; RP) to the production of actual end-use parts (Additive Manufacturing;
AM), there is a growing need to develop and be able to
process a much greater variety of materials than is currently possible. The handful of current polymeric materials that exist for processing by additive techniques
does not meet the requirements of the majority of commercial products. There is therefore considerable interest from industrial and academic organizations, who
realize the capabilities this technology has in the design
and implementation of products, to increase material
choice and to have a comprehensive understanding of
the fundamental material properties.
This review looks at the factors that need to be considered when selecting and processing polymers and
the research that has been carried out to date, focusing
on laser sintering, which is one of the most established
and widely used AM approaches. It also examines the
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Strong, Low Thermal Expansion Niobate Ceramics.
By M. J. Dejneka, C. L. Chapman and S. T. Misture,
J. Amer. Ceram. Soc., 94(8), 2249–2261, (2011).
Abstract
A new family of low thermal expansion niobate ceramics was discovered that sinter to form unusual high permeability microstructures. The coefficient of thermal
expansion (CTE) can be tailored from −4 × 10− 7 /◦ C
to +40 × 10− 7 /◦ C by control of composition and firing temperature. The inherent vapor-phase transport
sintering gives rise to low to negative firing shrinkage, more than 50% porosity, and a microstructure of
loosely packed interlocking acicular grains that result
in highly permeable porous filters with good strength
and low backpressure in clean and soot-loaded conditions. The acicular grains show extensive solid solution with multiple components that enables a large
compositional flexibility for engineering properties.
The low thermal expansion and high strength coupled with the low structural Young’s modulus of the
fibrous microstructure give these materials excellent
thermal shock resistance. Titanium and zirconium niobates are resistant to potassium-based NOx adsorbers
up to 900◦ C, are chemically durable, thermally stable,
and suitable for diesel particulate filters and catalyst
supports. 26 References.
• A Review of Accelerated Conditioning for a
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell. By
X. –Z. Yuan, S. Zhang, J. C. Sun and H. Wang, J.
Power Sources., 196(22), 9097–9106, (2011).
Abstract
A newly fabricated polymer electrolyte membrane
(PEM) fuel cell usually needs a so-called breakin/conditioning/incubation period to activate it and
reach its best performance. Typically, during this activation period the cell performance increases gradually,
and then reaches a plateau without further increase.
Depending on the membrane electrode assemblies, this
process can take hours and even days to complete,
which consumes a considerable amount of hydrogen
fuel, leading to a higher operating cost.
To provide for accelerated conditioning techniques
that can complete the process in a short time period,
this paper reviews established conditioning protocols
and reported methods to condition PEM single cells
and stacks, in an attempt to summarize available information on PEM fuel cell conditioning and the underlying mechanisms. Various techniques are arranged
into two categories: on-line conditioning and off-line
conditioning. For each technique, the experimental
procedure and outcomes are outlined. Finally, weaknesses of the currently used conditioning techniques
are indicated and further research efforts are proposed.
43 References.
Review Articles
limitations of current laser sintering systems in relation
to the processing of polymer materials. The effect this
has on the development of new and improved materials
for laser sintering is evaluated, in addition to the difficulties experienced in maintaining consistency with
current laser sintering polymers. 134 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• A Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel
Cell Durability Test Protocols. By X. –Z. Yuan,
H. Li, S. Zhang, J. Martin and H. Wang, J. Power
Sources., 196(22), 9107–9116, (2011).
Abstract
Durability is one of the major barriers to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) being accepted
as a commercially viable product. It is therefore important to understand their degradation phenomena and
analyze degradation mechanisms from the component
level to the cell and stack level so that novel component materials can be developed and novel designs
for cells/stacks can be achieved to mitigate insufficient fuel cell durability. It is generally impractical and
costly to operate a fuel cell under its normal conditions
for several thousand hours, so accelerated test methods are preferred to facilitate rapid learning about key
durability issues.
Based on the US Department of Energy (DOE)
and US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) accelerated test
protocols, as well as degradation tests performed by
researchers and published in the literature, the authors
review the degradation test protocols at both component and cell/stack levels (driving cycles), aiming to
gather the available information on accelerated test
methods and degradation test protocols for PEMFCs,
and thereby provide practitioners with a useful toolbox to study durability issues. These protocols help
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
prevent the prolonged test periods and high costs associated with real lifetime tests, assess the performance
and durability of PEMFC components, and ensure that
the generated data can be compared. 107 References.
• Fluorescent Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for
Bioimaging. By K. –Y. Pu and B. Liu, Adv. Funct.
Mater., 21(18), 3408–3423, (2011).
Abstract
This article summarizes the recent advances of watersoluble fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs)
in bioimaging. Apart from a brief overview of traditional linear CPEs, a special emphasis is placed
on CPEs that can self-assemble into or are born
with three-dimensional nano-architectures, including
grafted CPEs, hyperbranched CPEs, and polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)-based CPE derivatives. These CPEs naturally form nanoparticles with
sizes ranging from 3 to 100 nm in aqueous media,
and possess reactive functional groups for bioconjugation or complexation with desired biorecognition
elements. The tunable size, low cytotoxicity, good
photostability, and ease of surface modification ultimately enable these CPEs with wide applications in
in vitro intracellular protein sensing, cell detection,
in vivo cell imaging and drug tracking. Moreover,
traditional linear CPEs can be transformed into uniform nanoparticles by complexation with oppositely
charged biomolecules to allow for cell detection and
in situ drug release monitoring. The work featured
herein not only reveals the important molecular design
principles of CPEs for different imaging tasks, but
also highlights the promising directions for the further development of CPE-based imaging materials.
116 References.
• Towards the Next Level of Bioinspired Dry
Adhesives: New Designs and Applications. By
M. K. Kwak, C. Pang, H. –E. Jeong, H. –N. Kim,
H. Yoon, H. –S. Jung and K.-Y. Suh, Adv. Funct.
Mater., 21(19), 3606–3616, (2011).
Abstract
This article aims to highlight the authors’ recent efforts
to develop more robust gecko-inspired dry adhesives
and their applications.
page 142
Due to recent progress in micro- and nanofabrication techniques, it is possible to fabricate highly
sophisticated multiscale, hierarchical structures using
various polymer materials. In addition, the adhesion
strength of synthetic dry adhesives has been shown to
be similar to or exceed that of real gecko foot-hair by
several times. Therefore, it is timely and appropriate to
drive the research of gecko-inspired dry adhesives into
a new epoch by investigating more robust dry adhesive
structures, efficient detachment mechanisms, and new
applications.
Here, the authors present a series of recent achievements to overcome some of the limitations of geckolike hair structures such as rough surface adaptation,
durability, and controlled geometry, with particular
emphasis on materials issues and detachment mechanism. For potential applications, a clean transportation device and a biomedical skin patch are briefly
described to expand the application realm from the
well-known wall climbing robot. 64 References.
• A Material’s Point of View on Recent Developments
of Polymeric Biomaterials: Control of Mechanical and Biochemical Properties. By V. Gribova,
T. Crouzier and C. Picart, J. Mater. Chem., 21(38),
14354–14366, (2011).
Abstract
Cells respond to a variety of stimuli, including biochemical, topographical and mechanical signals originating from their micro-environment. Cell responses
to the mechanical properties of their substrates have
been increasingly studied for about 14 years. To this
end, several types of materials based on synthetic and
natural polymers have been developed. Presentation of
biochemical ligands to the cells is also important to
provide additional functionalities or more selectivity in
the details of cell/material interaction.
In this review article, the authors emphasize the
development of synthetic and natural polymeric materials with well-characterized and tunable mechanical
properties. They also highlight how biochemical signals can be presented to the cells by combining them
with these biomaterials. Such developments in materials science are not only important for fundamental biophysical studies on cell/material interactions but also
for the design of a new generation of advanced and
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• Dendrimers in Biosensors: Concept and Applications. By J. Satija, V. V. R. Sai and S. Mukherji, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(38), 14367–14386, (2011).
Abstract
The performance of biosensors, i.e. the sensitivity,
specificity, linearity, reusability, chemical stability, and
reproducibility is critically dependent on the biofunctionalization of the sensor platform. The type(s) of
linkers used for the immobilization of the capture
probes and the exact immobilization protocol play
a vital role in the overall performance of sensors.
Supramolecular dendritic architectures have shown
immense potential in designing and developing the
sensor platforms. Researchers have demonstrated that
these hyperbranched three dimensional (3D) molecules
show enhanced sensitivity, reduced nonspecific binding, greater accessibility of the probe for the target analyte, high stability and low variability in their response.
Hence, designing a sensor with a dendrimer as a linker
is a successful approach to obtain superior sensor performance and minimize the overall cost of a sensor.
In this article, the authors discuss various aspects
of dendrimers from the point of view of sensor design,
hoping that this review will excite more researchers
into exploiting the exceptional properties of dendrimers in biosensor development. 156 References.
• Medical Applications of Inorganic Fullerene-like
Nanoparticles. By A. R. Adini, M. Redlich and
R. Tenne, J. Mater. Chem., 21(39), 15121–15131,
(2011).
This article provides a short overview of the
progress in the materials synthesis of IF and INT
phases. Subsequently, a progress report of the various
efforts to apply such coatings to medical devices and
drug delivery is described. 50 References.
• Preparation and Functionality of Clay-containing
Films. By C. –H. Zhou, Z. –F. Shen, L. –H. Liu and
S. –M. Liu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(39), 15132–15153,
(2011).
Review Articles
highly functional biomaterials. 126 References.
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Abstract
This article provides an insight into state-of-the-art
advances in the preparation and functionalization of
clay-containing thin films. Layered clay minerals and
their synthetic counterparts such as cationic montmorillonite, saponite, laponite and anionic layered double
hydroxides are often used as main components or functional fillers in the hybrid films. Strategic assembly of
clay minerals or layered double hydroxides with functional molecules has led to a variety of nanostructured
clay-containing hybrid films.
Many studies have suggested that the functional
clay-containing films have potential applications in
many areas such as catalysis, modified electrodes and
optoelectronic devices, anti-corrosion and packaging
materials. The prospects for the future preparation and
applications of clay-containing films are discussed.
202 References.
• Putting Anion–π Interactions Into Perspective. By
A. Frontera, P. Gamez, M. Mascal, T. J. Mooibroek
and J. Reedijk, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.,, 50(41),
9564–9583, (2011).
Abstract
Nanoparticles of layered compounds, like MoS2 and
WS2 , having hollow closed-cage structures and known
as fullerene-like (IF) and inorganic nanotubes (INT),
are synthesized in macroscopic amounts. They were
found to have superior tribological properties and can
serve as solid-state additives to different lubrication
fluids. More recently, metallic films incorporating the
IF nanoparticles were prepared via wet deposition
methods and also by physical vapor deposition techniques. The incorporation of the nanoparticles endows
such coatings self-lubricating behavior, i.e., low friction and wear, which is highly desirable for variety of
applications.
Abstract
Supramolecular chemistry is a field of scientific exploration that probes the relationship between molecular structure and function. It is the chemistry of the
noncovalent bond, which forms the basis of highly
specific recognition, transport, and regulation events
that actuate biological processes. The classic design
principles of supramolecular chemistry include strong,
directional interactions like hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, and cation–π complexation, as well as
less directional forces like ion pairing, π–π, solvophobic, and van der Waals potentials. In recent years,
the anion–π interaction (an attractive force between an
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
electron-deficient aromatic π system and an anion) has
been recognized as a hitherto unexplored noncovalent
bond, the nature of which has been interpreted through
both experimental and theoretical investigations. The
design of selective anion receptors and channels based
on this interaction represent important advances in the
field of supramolecular chemistry.
The objectives of this Review are 1) to discuss
current thinking on the nature of this interaction, 2) to
survey key experimental work in which anion–π bonding is demonstrated, and 3) to provide insights into the
directional nature of anion–π contact in X-ray crystal
structures.
• Hybrid Semiconductor Nanoparticles: π-Conjugated
Ligands and Nanostructured Films. By Y. Park and
R. C. Advincula, Chem. Mater., 23(19), 4273–4294,
(2011).
Abstract
Hybrid inorganic–organic colloidal nanoparticles can
be designed to achieve specific and complementary
optoelectronic properties different from their sole
organic and inorganic counterparts. The efficient coupling between organic and inorganic moieties facilitates optimization of these optoelectronic properties as
single particles. A compatible organic shell facilitates
greater solubility and dispersion of the inorganic core
in a host polymer matrix. The use of a dendronic ligand
provides an interesting method for facilitating surface
functionalization, nanoparticle solubility, and electrochemical reactivity.
By focusing on chalcogenide and semiconductor
nanocrystals (NCs) or quantum dots (QDs), it is possible to limit the properties directly to charge carrier
transport and energy transfer mechanisms. Each hybrid
nanoparticle in essence carries the same properties
replicated or dispersed within a film or a pattern. This
review focuses on the design, preparation, and properties of such nanomaterial systems. 236 References.
• Mass and Heat Transport in Direct Methanol
Fuel Cells. By A. Ismail, S. K. Kamarudin,
W. R. W. Daud, S. Masdar and M. R. Yosfiah, J.
Power Sources., 196(23), 9847–9855, (2011).
page 144
Abstract
The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a better alternative to the conventional battery. The DMFC offers
several advantages, namely, faster building of potential
and longer-lasting fuel. However, there are still several issues that need to be addressed to design a better
DMFC system.
This article is a wide-ranging review of the most
up-to-date studies on mass and heat transfer in the
DMFC. The discussion is focused on the critical problems limiting the performance of DMFCs. In addition,
a technique for upgrading the DMFC with an integrated system is presented, along with existing numerical models for modeling mass and heat transfer as well
as cell performance. 123 References.
• Thienoacene-Based Organic Semiconductors.
By K. Takimiya, S. Shinamura, I. Osaka and
E. Miyazaki, Adv. Mater., 23(38), 4347–4370,
(2011).
Abstract
Thienoacenes consist of fused thiophene rings in a
ladder-type molecular structure and have been intensively studied as potential organic semiconductors for
organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) in the last
decade. They are reviewed here.
Despite their simple and similar molecular structures, the hitherto reported properties of
thienoacene-based OFETs are rather diverse. This
Review focuses on four classes of thienoacenes, which
are classified in terms of their chemical structures,
and elucidates the molecular electronic structure of
each class. The packing structures of thienoacenes
and the thus-estimated solid-state electronic structures are correlated to their carrier transport properties in OFET devices. With this perspective of the
molecular structures of thienoacenes and their carrier
transport properties in OFET devices, the structure–
property relationships in thienoacene-based organic
semiconductors are discussed. The discussion provides insight into new molecular design strategies for
the development of superior organic semiconductors.
109 References.
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
• The Growth of Mixed Alkaline-earth Fluorides for
Laser Host Applications. By J. T. Mouchovski,
K. A. Temelkov and N. K. Vuchkov, Progr. Crystal
Growth & Character. Mater., 57(1), 1–41, (2011).
Abstract
Mitigation of the global energy crisis requires tailoring the thermal conductivity of materials. Low thermal conductivity is critical in a broad range of energy
conversion technologies, including thermoelectrics and
thermal barrier coatings.
Here, the authors review the chemical trends and
explore the origins of low thermal conductivity in
crystalline materials. A unifying feature in the latest
materials is the incorporation of structural complexity
to decrease the phonon velocity and increase scattering. With this understanding, strategies for combining
these mechanisms can be formulated for designing new
materials with exceptionally low thermal conductivity.
88 References.
Abstract
• Methods for Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis—Review.
By J. Prasek, J. Drbohlavova, J. Chomoucka,
J. Hubalek, O. Jasek, V. Adam and R. Kizek, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(40), 15872–15884, (2011).
Abstract
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been under scientific investigation for more than fifteen years because
of their unique properties that predestine them for
many potential applications. The field of nanotechnology and nanoscience push their investigation forward
to produce CNTs with suitable parameters for future
applications. It is evident that new approaches of their
synthesis need to be developed and optimized.
Here, the authors review the history, types, structure and especially the different synthesis methods for
CNTs preparation including arc discharge, laser ablation and chemical vapour deposition. They also mention some rarely used ways of arc discharge deposition
which involves arc discharge in liquid solutions in contrary to standard method of deposition in a gas atmosphere. In addition, the methods for uniform vertically
aligned CNTs synthesis using lithographic techniques
for catalyst deposition as well as a method utilizing a
nanoporous anodized aluminium oxide as a pattern for
selective CNTs growth, are reported. 166 References.
A comprehensive analysis is implemented concerning
the growth, properties, and applications of doped–
co-doped single and mixed alkali earth fluoride
systems. A procedure has been established for providing researchers with optical quality calcium–strontium
fluoride crystals with widely varying composition
grown under practically identical conditions, using the
Bridgman–Stockbarger method. 104 References.
Review Articles
• Phonon Engineering through Crystal Chemistry. By
E. S. Toberer, A. Zevalkink and G. J. Snyder, J.
Mater. Chem., 21(40), 15843–15852, (2011).
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Ordering and Magnetostriction in Fe Alloy Single
Crystals. By S. Guruswamy, G. Garside, C. Ren,
B. Saha and M. Ramanathan, Progr. Crystal Growth
& Character. Mater., 57(2–3), 43–64, (2011).
Short-range and long-range ordering in α-Fe terminal solid solution phase (A2 phase with bcc structure) influences its physical, mechanical, magnetic
and magnetostrictive behavior. Single crystal sample
forms are ideal for examining order in these alloys
using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Limited structural information available suggests that the
lattice of A2 phase at room temperature contains a mixture of regions with local atomic environments similar
to those expected in the long-range ordered structures
in stable/metastable equilibrium with the A2 phase.
The nature and extent of these regions are sensitive to
alloy composition and the thermal history. The lattice
strain modulations result from the nature of solute atom
distribution (short-range ordering) in each region and
impact the physical, mechanical, corrosion and magnetic behaviors.
A need for a fundamental understanding of
ordering in Fe and other alloys through structural evaluations of local atomic environments in alloy single
crystals is suggested in this review. 68 References.
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Piezoelectric Materials for High Temperature Sensors. By S. Zhang and F. Yu, J. Amer. Ceram. Soc.,
94(10), 3153–3170, (2011).
Abstract
Piezoelectric materials that can function at high temperatures without failure are desired for structural
health monitoring and/or nondestructive evaluation of
the next generation turbines, more efficient jet engines,
steam, and nuclear/electrical power plants. The operational temperature range of smart transducers is limited
by the sensing capability of the piezoelectric material
at elevated temperatures, increased conductivity and
mechanical attenuation, variation of the piezoelectric
properties with temperature.
This article discusses properties relevant to sensor applications, including piezoelectric materials
that are commercially available and those that are
under development. Of particular interest is oxyborate [RECa4 O(BO3 )3 ] (RE = rare earth) single crystals for ultrahigh temperature applications (>1000◦C).
These crystals offer piezoelectric coefficients and electromechanical coupling factors, significantly higher
than those values of α-quartz piezocrystals. Furthermore, the absence of phase transitions prior to their
melting points ∼1500◦ C, together with ultrahigh electrical resistivities (>106 Ωcm at 1000◦ C) and thermal
stability of piezoelectric properties (< 20% variations
in the range of room temperature ∼1000◦ C), allow
potential operation at extreme temperature and harsh
environments. 166 References.
• Biologically Inspired Hairy Structures for Superhydrophobicity. By S. –H. Hsu, K. Woan and
W. Sigmund, Mater. Sci., & Engg., R72(10),
189–201, (2011).
Abstract
Superhydrophobic surfaces have received tremendous attention in the last decade, owing to the
number of emerging applications in conservation of
environment. These surface properties are based on
physio-chemical principles and can be transferred into
technical “biomimetic” materials, as successfully done
for the Lotus leaves.
This article provides a review of the most recent
development in superhydrophobic surfaces. Examples
page 146
of superhydrophobic surfaces from nature are presented. It focuses on the hairy exterior of many different plant and animal species which renders them
water repellent for protecting and maintaining crucial
life functions. The classical Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter
models along with manufacturing and understanding of
the wettability of flexible hairy structures are reviewed.
123 References.
• Intermediate-Temperature Proton Conductors and
their Applications to Energy and Environmental
Devices. By T. Hibino J. Ceram. Soc, Japan, 119
(1393), 677–686, (2011).
Abstract
The development of proton conductors has proceeded rapidly in recent years. A number of organic
or inorganic materials show proton conductivities
of ∼10− 2 S cm− 1 at temperatures below 100◦ C.
However, although there is great current demand for
proton conductors capable of operating in the temperature range of 100–400◦C in practical applications, very
few materials that can satisfy this demand have been
reported to date. Acceptor-doped SnP2 O7 are promising candidate materials because their proton conductivities reach >10− 1 S cm− 1 in the temperature range
of interest.
This article presents an overview of the current
status of acceptor-doped SnP2 O7 , highlighting the
mechanism and kinetics of proton conduction and the
development of electrochemical devices using these
materials. New insights for proton insertion and conduction are proposed that use electrochemical techniques. Two approaches to designing SnP2 O7 -based
composite electrolytes with good mechanical properties have also been developed for different operating
temperatures. In addition, the benefits of intermediatetemperature operation using these materials are discussed in terms of practical applications, especially
in fuel cells, exhaust sensors, and solid catalysts.
70 References.
• Light-Trapping Nano-Structures in Organic Photovoltaic Cells. By D. –H. Ko, J. R. Tumbleston, A. Gadisa, M. Aryal, Y. Liu, R. Lopez
and E. T. Samulski, J. Mater. Chem., 21(41),
16293–16303, (2011).
A Quarterly publication by the Materials Research Society of Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Nano-structures used as light trapping schemes in
organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are reviewed. Light
management via nano-structures enables one to exploit
sub-diffraction limit properties, thereby giving access
to enhanced light absorption in OPV cells. Light trapping schemes have been demonstrated in the form of
surface plasmons, anti-reflection coatings, and photonic crystal patterns. Versatile methods are now available to facilitate fabrication of such nano-structures
on sufficiently large areas for OPV applications.
134 References.
• A Review on Self-Cleaning Coatings. By
V. A. Ganesh, H. K. Raut, A. S. Nair and S. Ramakrishna, J. Mater. Chem., 21(41), 16293–16303,
(2011).
Abstract
This review summarizes the key areas of self-cleaning
coatings, primarily focusing on various materials that
are widely used in recent research and also in commercial applications. The article discusses hydrophobic
and hydrophilic coatings, their working mechanism,
fabrication techniques that enable the development
of such coatings, various functions like Anti-icing,
Electro-wetting, Surface-switchability and the areas
where self-cleaning technology can be implemented.
Moreover, different characterization techniques and
material testing feasibilities are analyzed and discussed. Though several companies have commercialized a few products based on self-cleaning coating
technology, much potential still remains in this field.
173 References.
• Self-Assembly and Flux Closure Studies of Magnetic Nanoparticle Rings. By A. Wei, T. Kasama and
R. E. Dunin-Borkowski, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42),
16686–16693, (2011).
Abstract
Thermoremanent magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can
self-assemble into rings through dipolar interactions,
when dispersed under appropriate conditions. Analysis of individual MNP rings and clusters by off-axis
electron holography reveals bistable flux closure (FC)
states at ambient temperatures, and their reversible
switching by magnetic field gradients. The authors
introduce a line-bond formalism to describe the coupling between MNPs. 39 References.
• Chemically Induced Self-Assembly of Spherical and Anisotropic Inorganic Nanocrystals. By
D. Baranov, L. Manna and A. G. Kanaras, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(42), 16686–16693, (2011).
Abstract
The self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles is a
research area of great interest aiming at the fabrication of unique mesostructured materials with intrinsic
properties. Although many assembly strategies have
been reported over the years, chemically induced selfassembly remains one of the dominant approaches
to achieve a high level of nanoparticle organization.
In this article the authors review the latest developments in assembly driven by the active manipulation
of nanoparticle surfaces. 129 References.
Review Articles
Abstract
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Metal Nanomaterial-based Self-Assembly: Development, Electrochemical Sensing and SERS Applications. By S. Guo and S. Dong, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(42), 16704–16716, (2011).
Abstract
Metal nanomaterials (MNMs) have received considerable interest from different scientific communities
due to their size, shape, composition and architecturedependent chemical and physical properties. MNMsbased self-assembly techniques are often essential for
creating new multi-dimensional assembly architectures, which are very important for revealing new or
enhanced properties and application potentials. This
feature article will focus on recent advances in MNMsbased self-assembly and their potential application in
electrochemical sensor and surface enhanced Raman
spectroscopy (SERS). First, new significant developments in different self-assembly strategies for constructing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional
(3D) MNMs-based arrays or superstructures will be
summarized. Then, diversified assembling approaches
to different types of hybrid or multifunctional nanomaterials containing MNMs will be outlined. The review
next introduces some exciting new pushes for the use
of nanoarchitectures produced through self-assembly
techniques for applications in electrochemical sensors
and SERS. Finally, we conclude with a look at the
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
future challenges and prospects of the development of
MNMs-based self-assembly. 96 References.
• Click-Chemistry for Nanoparticle-Modification. By
N. Li and W. H. Binder, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42),
16717–16734, (2011).
Abstract
Both function and use of nanoparticles (NPs) to a great
extent are dominated by interfacial energies, which
in turn can be addressed by chemical modifications.
This article focuses exclusively on the use of ‘click’chemistry for NP-surface modification, also putting a
major focus on the application of the resulting NPs in
bio- and nanoscience. As ‘click’-chemistry is a universal method to link reaction partners in high efficiency, solvent insensitivity and at moderate reaction
conditions, its use for engineering NP surfaces has
become widespread. The basic approach of Cu(I)catalyzed azide/alkyne-‘click’ (CuAAC) chemistry for
NP-science is elucidated in this article, together with
the applications of the resulting surface modified NPs
in medicine, nanotechnology and bioassay-science.
207 References.
• Bionanoparticles and Hybrid Materials: Tailored
Structural Properties, Self-assembly, Materials and
Developments in the field. By P. van Rijn and
A. Böker, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16735–16747,
(2011).
Abstract
The authors discuss new developments with respect to
bionanoparticles as well as bionanoparticle hybrid systems and their use in composite materials. The recognition of the particle character and behavior of proteins
and viral particles has a major impact on the development of novel nanoparticle systems and adds new functions and possibilities.
The types of particles discussed in this review will
give access to new functional materials, not only in
medical- and biotechnological applications but also in
electronic devices and possibly membrane-technology.
Though, many systems have been developed, still
more is to be discovered and significant advances
are expected if more (sub-) disciplines are combined.
92 References.
page 148
• 2D Superlattices and 3D Supracrystals of Metal
Nanocrystals: A New Scientific Adventure. By
M. P. Pileni, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16748–16758,
(2011).
Abstract
Nanocrystals are able to self-assemble in hexagonal
networks (2D) and in supracrystals (3D). Here, it is
shown that the interparticle distance is tuned by the
presence of water molecules adsorbed at the nanocrystal interface and on the alkyl chains used as coating agents. By using an intrinsic property due to the
nanocrystal ordering, a new, but destructive, method is
proposed to detect defects on a large monolayer scale.
The supracrystal growth mechanism changes with the
nanocrystal size from a heterogeneous (layer-by-layer)
to a homogeneous (growth in solution) process. Co
supracrystals are highly stable after annealing at 350◦ C
with an improvement in the nanocrystal ordering, i.e.,
in the supracrystallinity. With Ag supracrystals it was
possible, from the same batch of 5 nm Ag nanocrystals, to control the supracrystallinity with phase transitions of hcp to fcc and amorphous solids to hcp and
bcc. Finally a tentative analogy between atoms and
nanocrystals is proposed in the crystal growth process.
These data open a new research area with a large potential for discovering new chemical and physical properties. 56 References.
• Gold Nanorod Ensembles as Artificial Molecules
for Applications in Sensors. By L. Xu, H. Kuang,
L. Wang and C. Xu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42),
16759–16782, (2011).
Abstract
The central goal in nanoscience is to achieve control
of the structural characteristics of ensembles (artificial
molecules) of anisotropic nanoparticles (NPs), which
contain new fundamental information about plasmonically or electronically coupled single NPs. Based
on their collective behavior, these artificial molecules
have potential in optoelectronics and sensing.
This review mainly covers different strategies for
the synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanorods
(GNRs), the properties of self-assembled structures,
the application of such structures as sensors, and the
trends and future perspective of the self-assembly of
GNRs. 220 References.
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Abstract
In this review the authors discuss the creation of
two dimensional (2D) nanostructures based on selfassembly of latex particles. Furthermore they show that
optical properties of these structures can be controlled
with their morphology and materials used for their
preparation. Two representative structures, namely 2Darrays of triangles and holes are discussed in detail,
starting with the preparatory step, followed by the
structural and optical characterization, as well as the
theoretical explanation of the plasmonic properties.
78 References.
• Self-assembly of Particles: Some Thoughts and
Comments. By X. C. Jiang, Q. H. Zeng, C. Y. Chen
and A. B. Yu, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42), 16797–
16805, (2011).
Abstract
Self-assembly can happen to particles at all length
scales, including atomic, nano-, meso- and macroparticles. Although widely used in nanoresearch, many
nano-structures reported in the literature are not selfassembled, posing some fundamental questions.
This paper briefly reviews this topic, answering
the following questions: what is the current status in
self-assembling nanoparticles? Why is it so difficult
to produce self-assembled structures of nanoparticles?
How can we effectively overcome the difficulty? The
important role of controlling forces of various types
in relation to different self-assembly techniques is discussed. Self-assembly is demonstrated as a complex
problem that still needs intensive multi-scaled studies.
97 References.
• Chiral Nanoparticle Assemblies: Circular Dichroism, Plasmonic Interactions, and Exciton Effects.
By A. O. Govorov, Y. K. Gun’ko, J. M. Slocik,
V. A. Gérard, Z. Fan and R. R. Naik, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(42), 16806–16818, (2011).
Abstract
The paper reviews recent progress on chiral nanocrystal assemblies with induced optical chirality and
related circular dichroism.
Many natural molecules and biomolecules are chiral and exhibit remarkably strong optical chirality
(circular dichroism) due to their amazingly uniform
atomic composition in a large ensemble. It is challenging to realize artificial nanoscale systems with optical
chirality since the atomic structure of artificial nanostructures may not be always controlled or even known.
Nevertheless, the artificial optical chirality has been
accomplished and it is the main scope of this review.
In particular, the autghors discuss assemblies incorporating chiral molecules, metal nanocrystals, and
semiconductor quantum dots. Plasmon-induced and
plasmon-enhanced circular dichroism effects appear
in nanoscale assemblies built with metal nanocrystals,
while excitonic and surface-states related phenomena
are observed in semiconductor quantum dots conjugated with chiral molecules. 97 References.
Review Articles
• Self-Assembly of Latex Particles for the Creation
of Nanostructures with Tunable Plasmonic Properties. By P. Patoka and M. Giersig, J. Mater. Chem.,
21(42), 16783–16796, (2011).
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
• Magnetic Nanoparticles: Recent Advances in
Synthesis, Self-assembly and Applications. By
S. Singamaneni, V. N. Bliznyuk, C. Binek
and E. Y. Tsymbal, J. Mater. Chem., 21(42),
16819–16845, (2011).
Abstract
Nanostructured magnetic materials have a variety
of promising applications spreading from nano-scale
electronic devices, sensors and high-density data storage media to controlled drug delivery and cancer
diagnostics/treatment systems. Magnetic nanoparticles
offer the most natural and elegant way for fabrication
of such (multi-) functional materials.
In this review, the authors briefly summarize the
recent progress in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (which now can be done with precise control
over the size and surface chemistry), and nanoscale
interactions leading to their self-assembly into 1D,
2D or 3D aggregates. Various approaches to selforganization, directed-, or template-assisted assembly
of these nanostructures are discussed with the special emphasis on magnetic-field enabled interactions.
They also discuss new physical phenomena associated with magnetic coupling between nanoparticles
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Review Articles
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
and their interaction with a substrate and the characterization of the physical properties at the nanoscale using
various experimental techniques (including scanning
quantum interferometry (SQUID) and magnetic force
microscopy). Applications of magnetic nanoparticle
assemblies in data storage, spintronics, drug delivery,
cancer therapy, and prospective applications such as
adaptive materials and multifunctional reconfigurable
materials are also highlighted. 272 References.
• Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering of Electrically Percolating Arrays of Nanoparticles: A Mini
Review. By J. Kane, J. Ong and R. F. Saraf, J. Mater.
Chem., 21(42), 16846–16858, (2011).
Abstract
Nanoparticles and their arrays do not obey Ohm’s law,
even when the particles are made of metal, because
of their small size. The non-Ohmic behavior is due
to their low capacitance that allows (local) storage of
charge at the single electron level to pose a substantial barrier to the passage of current at bias, V, below
a threshold voltage, VT . The VT is inversely proportional to the size of the particle. For a typical <10 nm
particle, the electrostatic barrier energy of the particle due to charging by a single electron is significantly
larger compared to the thermal energy, affecting a substantial Coulomb blockade. The signature of the single electron effect is a highly non-linear current-bias
behavior characterized by a critical point at VT with a
subsequent rise in current that scales as (V/VT – 1)ζ ,
where ζ = 1 is the critical exponent.
The authors review the fabrication chemistry,
device physics, and engineering applications of
nanoparticle-based Single Electron Devices with architectures ranging from a single nanoparticle to arrays
in one and two dimensions. The arrays are particularly
interesting due to their natural integrability with microelectronic circuitry and robust single electron behavior
at room temperature. These features open doors to a
broad range of potential applications, such as chemical
sensors, biomedical devices, data storage devices, and
energy devices. 105 References.
• Graphene: Piecing it Together. By M. H. Rümmeli,
C. G. Rocha, F. Ortmann, I. Ibrahim, H. Sevincli,
F. Börrnert, J. Kunstmann, A. Bachmatiuk, M.
Pötschke, M. Shiraishi, M. Meyyappan, B. Büchner,
page 150
S. Roche and G. Cuniberti, Adv. Mater, 23(39),
4471–4490, (2011).
Abstract
Graphene has a multitude of striking properties that
make it an exceedingly attractive material for various
applications, many of which will emerge over the next
decade. However, one of the most promising applications lie in exploiting its peculiar electronic properties
which are governed by its electrons obeying a linear
dispersion relation. However, if graphene is to be the
material for future electronics, then significant hurdles
need to be surmounted, namely, it needs to be mass
produced in an economically viable manner and be of
high crystalline quality with no or virtually no defects
or grains boundaries. Hence, the future of graphene
as a material for electronic based devices will depend
heavily on our ability to piece graphene together as a
single crystal and define its edges with atomic precision.
In this article, the properties of graphene that make
it so attractive as a material for electronics is introduced to the reader. The focus then centers on current
synthesis strategies for graphene and their weaknesses
in terms of electronics applications are highlighted.
145 References.
• Nanostructured Ferroelectrics: Fabrication and
Structure–Property Relations. By H. Han, Y. Kim,
M. Alexe, D. Hesse and W. Lee, Adv. Mater., 23(40),
4599–4613, (2011).
Abstract
With the continued demand for ultrahigh density ferroelectric data storage applications, it is becoming
increasingly important to scale the dimension of ferroelectrics down to the nanometer-scale region and to
thoroughly understand the effects of miniaturization on
the materials properties.
In this review, the recent progress in fabrication
and structure-property relations of nanostructured ferroelectric oxides is summarized. Various fabrication
approaches are reviewed, with special emphasis on a
newly developed stencil-based method for fabricating
ferroelectric nanocapacitors, and advantages and limitations of the processes are discussed. Stress-induced
evolutions of domain structures upon reduction of the
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
dimension of the material and their implications on
the electrical properties are discussed in detail. Distinct
domain nucleation, growth, and propagation behaviors
in nm-scale ferroelectric capacitors are discussed and
compared to those of micrometer-scale counterparts.
The structural effect of ferroelectric nanocapacitors on
the domain switching behavior and cross-talk between
neighboring capacitors under external electric field is
reviewed. 116 References.
MRS-S Membership
Readers are invited to become members of the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S).
Professional Membership is open to any person engaged in activities associated with materials science, engineering and technology.
Conference Report
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Student Membership is open to any bonafide student of a tertiary institution genuinely interested in the practice
of materials science, engineering and technology.
Corporate Membership is open to any organisation, government or private, commercial or otherwise, that is in
any way engaged in any activities that deal with any aspect of material science, engineering and technology. A
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Annual Subscription Fee:
Professional Membership: S$50
Student Membership: S$10
Corporate Membership: S$500
For details and application form, please visit: www.mrs.org.sg
Report on the 6thConference of the Asian Consortium on
Computational Materials Science (ACCMS-6)
(Contributed by Prof. Yuan Ping Feng, Physics Dept., National University of Singapore, Singapore.
E-mail: phyhead@nus.edu.sg)
The 6th Conference of the Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS-6) was held at
Biopolis in Singapore during 6 – 9 Sept., 2011. It was jointly organized by the National University of Singapore
(NUS), Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S), Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), and
Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Nanyang Technological University, with financial supports from NUS,
MRS-S, IHPC, IAS, Lee Foundation, US Air Force Office of Scientific Research Asian Office of Aerospace R &
D, Novaglobal Pte Ltd, Accelrys, and Singapore Tourism Board.
ACCMS
The ACCMS was established to nurture and promote research and development activities in computational materials science in Asian countries. The biennial ACCMS conference has become an international event for exchanging
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
information and sharing latest developments in advanced computational methodologies and their applications in
material science and engineering. The previous ACCMS conferences were successfully held in India (Bangalore 2001), Russia (Novosibirsk, 2004), China (Beijing, 2005), Korea (Seoul, 2007), and Vietnam (Hanoi, 2009).
ACCMS-6 drew 180 participants from 19 countries/regions. Countries/regions strong in computational materials
science such as Japan, Korea, China, India, Singapore, and Taiwan were well represented. ACCMS-6 also saw a
significantly increased number of participants from countries such as Thailand (14) and Vietnam (7) that are fast
developing research activities in computational materials science.
Participants of ACCMS-6.
The conference covered topics ranging from fundamental computational methodologies (density functional
theory and beyond, quantum mechanical based interatomic potentials, molecular dynamic and Monte-Carlo simulation of thermodynamic and kinetic properties at large length and time scales, phase field method of microstructural simulation, etc.) to their applications in understanding different materials properties as well as predicting
new ones.
Highlights of the Conference
The three-day conference consisted of plenary sessions, invited talks, contributed talks, and poster presentations,
covering a wide range of topics of computational materials science. Many leading computational materials scientists in Asia, such as Prof. Jisoon Ihm from Korea, Prof. Yoshiyuki Kawazoe from Japan, Profs. Enge Wang
and Xingao Gong from mainland China, Prof. C. T. Chan from Hong Kong, Prof. Mei-Yin Chou from Taiwan,
Profs G. P. Das and Vijay Kumar from India, to name only a few, attended the conference and presented their latest
research findings. Top researchers from other parts of the world such as Profs. Steven G. Louie and P. Jena from
USA, Prof. O. K. Andersen from Germany, Prof. J. Tse from Canada gave invited talks at the conference.
In his plenary lecture, Prof. Louie (Univ. of California at Berkeley) presented recent progress in employing and
extending the GW approach to novel materials, defects in solids, nanostructures, and molecules. Results from some
selected systems and several conceptual and methodological issues were discussed. It is noted that with the recent
advances, ab initio GW calculations of systems with hundreds of atoms may now be carried out. As illustrations,
Prof. Louie described findings on several systems of current interest, including investigations on the properties of
graphene and graphene nanostructures, charge transition levels and spectroscopic properties of defects in solids
(e.g., vacancies in hafnia and the NV- center in diamond), electronic multiplet structure in open-shell systems, and
topologically protected surface states on topological insulators.
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In the other plenary lecture, Prof. O. K. Andersen (Max Planck Inst. for Solid State Res., Stuttgart) illustrated
how electronic structure calculations can be used to design superconductors with higher Tc , based on nickelates,
instead of cuprates. By using density-functional calculations followed by downfolding to a correlated, low-energy
Hubbard Hamiltonian, and solving the latter in the dynamical mean-field approximation (DMFT), Prof. Andersen
and his collaborators have shown that by confining a single layer of LaNiO3 (lanthanum nickelate) between layers
of an insulating oxide, higher T c can be achieved. With a single layer of nickelate and properly chosen confining material, the electron correlations in such a system help to empty the (3z2 -1)-like band and enforce a single
(x2 - y2 )-like conduction band with a Fermi-surface whose shape is like that of the cuprates with the highest Tc .
Conference Report
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Prof. O. K. Andersen (left) and Prof. S. G. Louie delivering their plenary lectures.
A number of speakers presented latest developments in computational methods, including GW approximation, quantum Monte Carlo, all-electron mixed-basis ab initio method, multi-scale simulation, molecular dynamics
(MD)- based on self-consistent and environment dependent (SCED) Hamiltonian developed in the framework of
linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO), magnetic potentials coarse-grained from electronic structure calculations for defect modeling, etc. As in other materials science conferences in recent years, graphene, topological
insulators and related materials were the favorite topics and prominently featured in the ACCMS-6. A number
of presentations were devoted to computational studies of bilayer graphene, twisted multilayer graphene, hydrogenated graphene, graphene superlattices and nanoribbons, graphene oxide, as well as related materials such as
boron nitride sheet. Another type of materials that strongly featured in ACCMS-6 was energy storage materials,
such as hydrogen storage materials, solid state batteries, and photovoltaic materials.
Computational approaches, particularly based on ab initio electronic structure methods, have become important tools in discovering and designing new materials. Materials design was also a popular topic among papers
presented. Y. H. Lu of NUS, Singapore proposed a new hexagonal phase for TiO2 which has a smaller band gap
and can make more efficient use of sun light in photocatalytic hydrogen production. P. Sen of Harish-Chandra Res.
Inst., India presented his work on design of a new class of magnetic superatoms.
To accommodate more oral presentations without lengthening the duration of the conference, parallel sessions
were introduced for the first time in ACCMS-6 for this conference series. Except the early morning session which
included a plenary talk/award winning lecture in each of the three days, the rest of the sessions were conducted
with two sessions in parallel. It was a challenge for the organizer to plan the sessions to minimize potential overlaps
between the two sessions, and for the session chairs to keep the time. However, the meeting rooms were next two
each other which made it easy for participants to move from one session to the other. Both sessions were well
attended.
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Conference Report
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Kawazoe Best Poster Awards
In addition to high quality invited and contributed oral presentations, more than half of the papers were presented
as posters, which allowed more interactions between the authors and participants of the conference. Five posters,
listed below, were chosen from the 84 posters presented for the Kawazoe Poster Awards. The authors were presented with a certificate, a book (co)-authored by Prof. Y. Kawazoe and cash prize during the conference banquet
held on 8 Sept., 2011.
Authors
Chan-Yeup Chung,
Hiroshi Mizuseki, and
Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
Do Ngoc Son and
Takahashi Kaito
Jeongwoon Hwang,
Changwon Park, Gunn
Kim, and Jisoon Ihm
Ming Yang, Chun Zhang,
Yuanping Feng, and
Ariando
Xiaoping YANG and
Haibin SU
Organization
Institute for Materials
Research, Tohoku
University, Japan
Academia Sinica,
Taiwan
Seoul National
University, S. Korea
National University of
Singapore, Singapore
Topic
Oxygen Vacancy Effects on Single
Crystalline La3(Ta0.5Ga5.5)O11
Piezoelectric Materials
Selectivity of PdCo Alloy towards
Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Pseudospin Rotation and Valley
Mixing in Electron Scattering at
Various Graphene Edges
Ultra-Flat Graphene on Si3N4 with
High Electron Mobility
Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore
Polarization and Electric Field
Dependence of Electronic
Properties in LaAlO3/SrTiO3
heterostructures
List of Kawazoe Poster Award winners.
ACCMS Short Courses
Following the tradition of previous ACCMS conferences, two one-day pre-conference short courses were organized
on 6 Sept., 2011. These short courses were designed to provide a practical starting point of materials research using
computational methods, and specifically to address two challenging issues in computational materials science,
namely, simulating large systems such as nanostructures and achieving high accuracy.
The short course program started with an introductory lecture by Prof. G. P. Das (Indian Assoc. for the Cultivation of Sci., Kolkata, India) who presented an overview of the density functional theory (DFT) and the different
basis sets used viz., plane wave, spherical waves, atomic orbitals, muffin-tin orbitals, and mixed basis sets, leading
to various state-of-the-art DFT- based packages. This set the stage for the two short courses, “Quantum Mechanics based Simulations of Real Materials: SCED-LCAO” and “Tohoku Mixed Basis Orbitals ab initio Program
(TOMBO)”.
In the SCED-LCAO short course, Profs. C. S. Jayanthi and M. Yu (Univ. of Louisville, Kentucky, USA) introduced the self-consistent and environment dependent (SCED) Hamiltonian developed in the framework of LCAO.
This semiempirical method includes two-center as well as multi-center electron-ion interactions, on-site electronelectron correlations as well as inter-site electron-electron correlations. It is designed to address the size bottleneck
of ab initio simulations as well as the issue of non-transferability of most of the existing semi-empirical Hamiltonians. Benchmarking calculations show that the SCED-LCAO-MD scheme is about 30 times faster than DFT-based
VASP software and it requires about five times less memory. In addition, by implementing the order-N scheme into
the framework of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian for total energy and force calculations, full geometry optimization
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Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
can be performed for systems of sizes up to 20,000 atoms. Thus, reliable large-scale quantum-mechanics based
MD simulations are now attainable using the O(N)/SCED-LCAO scheme.
Participants of the short course had opportunities to experience the robustness of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian
through selected case studies of carbon that included the C29 cluster, the bucky-diamond carbon, the (5,0) single
wall carbon nanotube, and graphene.
In the TOMBO short course, Prof. Kawazoe and his team from the Inst. of Mater. Res., Tohoku Univ., Japan,
introduced the TOMBO program. Kawazoe Laboratory has been developing this first-principles simulation package in the last 15 years. It is based on the all-electron mixed basis approach in which electron wave functions
are expressed by using both plane waves (PWs) and atomic orbitals (AOs). Since AOs are numerically defined
inside the non-overlapping atomic spheres in radial (logarithmic) mesh, all-electron calculations with PWs can be
performed very accurately with a modest computational cost. The number of PWs required in this method is significantly fewer than that required in standard pseudo-potential or PAW methods. Moreover, one can avoid problems
such as the basis set superposition error (BSSE) appearing in standard LCAO methods and the over-completeness
problem appearing in standard mixed-basis methods. TOMBO can describe extended PW-like states as well as
localized core states with modest number of basis functions. It is applicable to various kinds of systems including atoms, molecules, clusters, surfaces, and crystals. Therefore, it has an apparent advantage compared to many
pre-existing first-principles methods.
During the hands-on sessions, participants had first-hand experience in the study of CH4 molecule and hydrogen storage materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Another interesting application of TOMBO is to
simulate electron dynamics of an electronic excited-state in materials. The time evolution of the electrons and holes
in the electronic excited states can be treated by using TOMBO on the basis of the adiabatic local density approximation (adiabatic LDA) in the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) combined with the Ehrenfest
theorem for the adiabatic process. As a very simple example, the possibility of dissociation of a hydrogen molecule
around a nickel dimer was studied.
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Participants of ACCMS-6 Short Courses.
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Conference Report
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ACCMS Award
Another highlight of ACCMS-6 was the presentation of the 2011 ACCMS award to Prof. Enge Wang, School
of Phys., Peking Univ., China, at the conference banquet held in the evening of 8 September. The Award is to
recognize scientists in Asia who have made outstanding contributions to computational materials science and to
ACCMS. Since 2004, the Award has been presented at the ACCMS general meeting. Prof. Wang was recognized
for his outstanding contributions to atomistic simulations of surface growth dynamics and the formation of nanostructures, and his support to ACCMS.
Prof. Enge Wang received his Bachelor degree in theoretical physics from Liaoning Univ. (1982) and obtained
his Ph.D. in condensed matter physics from Peking Univ. (1990). After spending several years at Princeton Univ.,
Inst. d’Electronique, de Microelectronique de Nanotechnologie (France), and Univ. of Houston, he started his
academic career in 1995 as a professor at the Inst. of Phys., Chinese Acad. of Sci. (CAS). He was the Director of
the Inst. of Phys., CAS, from 1999 to 2007. Currently, he is a Vice President and Provost at Peking Univ. Prof. Wang
is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the HLHL Science and Technol. Award (2010), the Humboldt
Res. Award (2005), the TWAS Award in Phys. (2005), the IBM Faculty Award (2003–2004), the Achievement in
Asia Award (AAA) of the Overseas Chinese Phys. Assoc. (2002–2003), and “Zhou Pei-Yuan Physics Awards”
(CPS, 2005). He was elected an Academician of the CAS in 2007 and the Academy of Sci. for the Developing
World (TWAS) in 2008, and a Fellow of the American Phys. Soc. in 2006. Prof. Wang was the Chair of the third
ACCMS general meeting which was held in Beijing in 2005.
In his Award Lecture in the morning of 9 Sept., Prof. Wang presented his latest work on surface of ice. Using
computer simulation, he and his team discovered unusual structure and dynamics of ice surface at atomic scale. An
order parameter which defines the surface energy of ice Ih (hexagonal crystal form of ordinary ice) surfaces has
been identified for the first time. They also predicted that the proton order-disorder transition, which occurs in the
bulk at ∼72 K, will not occur at the surface at any temperature below surface melting. In addition, they found that
vacancy formation on crystalline ice surface exhibits characteristics of an amorphous material, and the formation
of vacancies facilitates pits on the surface and other processes that may contribute to pre-melting and formation of
a quasi-liquid layer. Despite ice being a ubiquitous and well-studied substance, Prof. Wang’s work provides new
insights to basic surface properties and structure of ice.
Prof. Kawazoe (second from left) is presenting the ACCMS Award to Prof. Enge Wang (third from left) at the
ACCMS-6 banquet on 8 Sept., 2011, with Prof. G. P. Das, citation reader (extreme left), and Prof. Yuan Ping Feng,
Co-chair of ACCMS-6 (right), looking on.
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ACCMS-7
At the International Advisory Committee meeting held on 8 Sept., it was decided that the next ACCMS conference,
ACCMS-7, will be held in Thailand. Prof. Sukit Limpijumnong of Suranaree Univ. of Technol., will lead the
organizing committee. Details of ACCMS-7 will be announced later.
Conferences: Forthcoming
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Prof. Sukit Limpijumnong, Chair of ACCMS-7, inviting participants to Thailand in 2013.
ACCMS-6 web site
More information about ACCMS-6 can be found at the conference web site:
http://www.mrs.org.sg/accms6/
Forthcoming Conferences
2nd Molecular Materials Meeting (M3) @ Singapore
Jan., 9–11, 2012, Singapore
Organized by Singapore A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), in partnership with
other A*STAR institutes, research organizations and industries, the event, themed around molecular materials,
welcomes leading researchers in chemistry, materials science, physics, biology, medicine, engineering etc. with
the intention of developing cross-disciplinary and collaborative research ideas on the following themes:
1) Materials Synthesis, Assembly & Device Fabrication;
2) Energy & Sustainable Materials;
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Conferences: Forthcoming
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
3) Optical & Electronic Materials;
4) Materials for Imaging & Sensing
Plenary Speakers: Prof. Ada Yonath (Israel); Prof. Kurt Wüthrich (Switzerland); Prof. Tobin J. Marks (USA);
Prof. Christopher Murray (USA); Prof. Omar Yaghi (USA).
Conference Chair: Andy Hor (IMRE); Abstract Submission: 15 Oct., 2011
General Enquiries: m3conference@imre.a-star.edu.sg
Website: http://www.imre.a-star.edu.sg/m3conference
Frontiers in Electronic Materials: Correlation Effects and Memristive Phenomena
June 17–20, 2012, Aachen, Germany
The above Conference is organized by the Nature Publishing Group and Jlich- Aachen Research Alliance (JARA)
and will be held in Germany.
An emphasis will be placed on few invited keynote talks. In addition, there will be the opportunity for further
academic exchange between participants during nanosessions, which integrate posters, brief oral presentations,
and stimulating discussions in small groups. Discussion leaders for the nanosessions will be selected from the
abstract submissions.
Scientific Sessions
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Session 1: Fundamentals and cross-disciplinary topics
Session 2: Electron correlation and unusual quantum effects
Session 3: Oxide heterostructures and interfaces
Session 4: Multiferroics, spintronics, ferroelectrics and flexoelectrics
Session 5: Memristive phenomena – phase-change materials and nanoionic redox systems
Session 6: Energy conversion – superionic conductors, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis
Session 7: Information technology – chip architectures and computational concepts
Session 8: Nanotechnology – Atomic layer deposition, physical layer deposition, novel patterning techniques
Session 9: Advanced characterization – spectroscopy, scattering methods, microscopy, scanning probe methods
Session 10: Theory and Modelling – model Hamiltonian, first principle methods, molecular dynamics, multiscale simulation
More than 25 Invited Speakers are expected. The meeting will offer exhibiting as well as
sponsorship opportunities.
Contact–E-mail: fem2012@iwe.rwth-aachen.de
Website: www.nature.com/natureconferences
IUMRS-ICYRAM Conference,
July, 1–6, 2012, Singapore
The International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS)-International Conference of Young Researchers
on Advanced Materials (ICYRAM) is organized by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) during
1–6 July, 2012 in Singapore.
The mission of ICYRAM is to provide a platform for researchers under the age of 40 to present technical findings of their research, to network within the international community of other young researchers, and to increase
the breadth of their general materials-based knowledge.
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There will also be opportunities for young researchers to seek the insight and advice of successful senior
researchers through plenary sessions and instructive seminars.
Panel sessions will be held in both small and large settings, for focused and general discussions. The aim is
to create an environment for interaction and the exchange of perspectives across a broad range of materials-related
topics.
Technical Program
The Technical Program will emphasize materials falling under six general themes:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Biomaterials and Healthcare
Energy and the Environment
Electronic Materials
Optical Materials
Magnetic and Spintronic Materials
Carbon-based Materials
Conferences: Forthcoming
MRS-S OUTLOOK
Conference Highlights
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Roughly equal time devoted to technical presentations, discussion, plenary and informative seminars
Plenary lectures by internationally renowned researchers
Seminars directed toward providing perspective and guidance on key aspects of early career development
Small-scale, focused panel discussions to conclude technical sessions, allowing young, leading researchers to
actively engage international colleagues.
ICYRAM-wide panel discussions with both young and senior researchers focusing on subjects of importance to
the entire materials community
Web-based social and scientific networking for conference participants to interact prior, during and after the
conference
Inaugural Young Researcher Award to be presented
Poster sessions and poster awards
Social events
Conf. Secretariat: Miss Eileen So, Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S),
3, Research Link, #03-13, Singapore 117602.
DID: (+65) 6874 1176;
Email: eileenso@mrs.org.sg
Conf. Website: www.mrs.org.sg/icyram2012
IUMRS-ICA 2012
Aug., 26-31, 2012, Busan, Korea
The International Union of Materials Research Society – International Conference in Asia – 2012 (IUMRS-ICA2012) will be held from August 26 to 31, 2012 at BEXCO in Busan, Korea. The IUMRS-ICA-2012 is a continuation in the series of the conferences among the Asian MRS Members including C-MRS, MRS-I, MRS-J, MRS-K,
MRS-S and MRS-T, and this year’s conference is supported by the Material Research Society of Korea (MRS-K).
The program of the IUMRS-ICA-2012 consists of 20 symposia under five broad categories: Electronic and
Photonic Materials; Functional Materials; Advanced Structural Materials; Materials for Energy and Environmental;
Modeling and Characterization.
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Conferences: Forthcoming
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
Since the first Conference was commenced, this meeting has become a fundamental ground to exchange quality results and ideas provided by the researchers and scientists within the industry. Furthermore, it also provides a
forum to present the cutting-edge research outputs for future collaborations which would help both students and
researchers within their future research studies and works to be conducted. The individuals actively engaged in
materials research and developments are encouraged to participate in the meeting and gain academic insights they
have desired.
Abstract deadline: March, 1, 2012.
Conf. Chair: Bo-Young Hur (Gyeongsang National Univ., Korea)
Website: www.iumrs-ica2012.org
Multiscale Materials Modeling (MMM 2012)
Oct., 15 to 19, 2012, Singapore
The Multiscale Materials Modeling (MMM) conference series is the world’s largest theoretical and computational
materials science forum which aims to disseminate the latest development in the field of multiscale materials
modeling.
MMM 2012 is organized jointly by the Materials Research Society of Singapore (MRS-S) and A*Star Institute
of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Singapore.
Our overriding motivation to host the 2012 edition of the MMM conference is to provide an international forum
for the exchange and sharing of the recent advances in multiscale modeling and simulation of materials. Emphasis
will be placed on new ideas in the form of novel theroies, refined mathematical modes, innovative simulation
approaches and application of computation methodology to both traditional and emerging materials applications.
Emphasis will be on the hierarchy of simulation techniques, coupling techniques from first principles to continuum
models and methods that are multiscale in both / either space and time.
The scientific environment in Singapore is vibrant, advanced and a priority for the highest level policy makers
within Singapore. Furthermore, Singapore possesses excellent intellectual property rights and regulatory infrastructure, further adding to its exceptional environment for research and development. Hence, the 2012 edition of
the MMM conference has been chosen to be held in Singapore.
We are looking forward to welcoming you and your partners in Singapore. A series of interesting and fruitful
plenary and invited talks have been in lined for all of you
Co-chairs: David J. Srolovitz (IHPC) and B. V. R. Chowdari (MRS-S and NUS)
Abstract Submission: 15 January, 2012
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 15 March, 2012
Conference Registration & Payment (Early Bird): 15 July, 2012
Conference Registration & Payment (Normal Rate): 1 Sept., 2012
Contact: Ms. Eileen So, Project Executive, Materials Research Society of Singapore.
Telephone: (+65) 6874 1176.
Email: mmm2012@mrs.org.sg /eileenso@mrs.org.sg
Conference Website: www.mrs.org.sg/mmm2012
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Materials Education & Research in Singapore
There are two Universities and several Research Institutes in Singapore involved in teaching,
research and development in the broad area of Materials Science, Engineering and Technology.
These are listed below along with the Websites and provide information on the available courses
and opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and post doctoral research. They also entertain
queries regarding openings for Research Scientists and Faculty positions.
National University of Singapore: www.nus.edu.sg
Nanyang Technological University: www.ntu.edu.sg
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE): www.imre.a-star.edu.sg
Institute of Microelectronics (IME): www.ime.a-star.edu.sg
Data Storage Institute: www.dsi.a-star.edu.sg
Institute of Chemical & Engineering Sciences: www.ices.a-star.edu.sg
Institute of High Performance Computing: www.ihpc.a-star.edu.sg
Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology: www.SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN): www.ibn.a-star.edu.sg
Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore: www.nyp.edu.sg
Republic Polytechnic, Singapore: www.rp.edu.sg
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Materials Education & Research in Singapore
MRS-S OUTLOOK
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MRS-S OUTLOOK
Invitation
Volume 6 • No.3 • Jan–Mar., 2012
INVITATION
MRS-S members are welcome to
contribute to ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’
• To suggest topics and prospective author(s) for ‘thematic’ articles pertaining to
the areas of materials science, engineering and technology. These will be of
general interest to the students, teachers as well as active researchers. These
can be 10–15 pages (A4-size, single spaced) with figures, tables and select
references.
• To contribute reports on the recently held conferences and information on the
forthcoming conferences.
• To contribute ‘Highlights from Recent Literature’ in the areas of materials
science, engineering and technology. These must pertain to the past two years,
and be of general interest to non-specialists, students, teachers as well as
active researchers. Each ‘Highlight’ must not exceed 250–300 words, including reference(s). Contributing author(s) and e-mail address(es) will be included
under each ‘Highlight’.
• To contribute information about the recent awards and distinctions conferred
on the MRS-S members.
• To contribute ‘Letters to the Editor’. They may be edited for brevity, clarity and
available space, and the author(s) will be informed.
Information on the above aspects may be communicated to the Editor:
Dr. G.V. Subba Rao
E-mail: phyvsg@nus.edu.sg
The Editorial Board of ‘MRS-S OUTLOOK’ reserves the right to include or not any of the submitted contributions.
Design & Typeset by Research Publishing Services
E-mail:enquiries@rpsonline.com.sg
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