A relaxor ferroelectric polymer exhibits record electromechanical performance, including the largest electrostrain of −13.4%, the highest elastic energy density of 3.1 J cm−3 and the best energy conversion efficiency of 0.5, among the known ferroelectric polymers. Notably, the excellent electromechanical responses are realized under much lower fields than those of ferroelectric polymers.

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We present a facile selective dissolution method for the surface modification of SmMn2O5 mullite (SMO) to increase the exposed sites for NO oxidation on the premise of excellent thermal stability. Surface Sm cations are partially removed during the treatment (SMO-H), leading to the exposure of B-site cations with higher electronegativity and oxygen vacancies. Under laboratory-simulated diesel combustion conditions, the SMO-H exhibits higher NO oxidation activity than the SMO and is comparable to that of the Pt/Al catalyst under a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 120 000 mL g–1 h–1. In addition, the SMO-H possesses good thermal and steam stability during a 50 h test at 300 °C. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy results reveal that the SMO-H presents more Mn4+O6 octahedral groups and oxygen vacancies than the SMO. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the valence of surface Mn decreased after NO capture up to 300 °C and fulfilled the adsorption procedure as nitrite and/or nitrate species when O2 is involved in the flue gas. The results indicate that Mn-terminated surface rather than Sm-terminated one is the major adsorption site for NO.

Purpose. To compare the short-term visual outcomes and intraocular optical performance of a rotationally asymmetric multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) (SBL-3, Lenstec, Inc., Christ Church, Barbados) and an apodized diffractive MIOL (the Acrysof IQ ResTOR SN6AD1, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, United States). Methods. A prospective, comparative, nonrandomized, and single-center study. Sixty-eight age-related cataract patients (81 eyes) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery and in-the-bag MIOL implantation were enrolled. Thirty-eight eyes received SBL-3, and 43 eyes received SN6AD1. Ophthalmological evaluation included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), modulation transfer function (MTF), Strehl ratio (SR), intraocular aberrations (4 mm optical zone), and defocus curve at 3 months postoperatively. The Chinese version of the visual function index-14 (VF-12-CN) and spectacle independence were assessed in all patients. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in postoperative UDVA (p=0.186). Postoperative UIVA and UNVA were significantly better for the SBL-3 group than for the SN6AD1 group (p<0.01). Statistically significant differences were revealed in defocus levels from –3.50 D to −4.00 D with better visual acuities for the SBL-3 group (p<0.01). For intraocular optical quality outcomes, statistically significant differences between groups were observed in RMS of intraocular total aberrations, coma, and trefoil high-order aberrations, presenting significantly higher values of these parameters in the eyes of the SBL-3 group (p < 0.01). Statistically significant differences were revealed in the MTF values at spatial frequencies of 5 and 10 cycles/degree between groups. There were no significant differences in scores of VF-12-CN, and spectacle independence between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. Both MIOLs were able to successfully restore visual function after cataract surgery. SBL-3 provided better UIVA and UNVA with a wider range of intermediate vision.

We design and synthesize an ultrasmall and high biocompatibility NH2-PEGylated-NaGdF4:Yb,Er,X% Lu nanoparticles with enhanced red upconversion luminescence and CT contrast performance.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based relaxor ferroelectric polymers show great potential application in transducers, sensors and artificial muscles for their excellent electrostrictive properties. The all-trans chain conformation of current relaxor has...

ZnWO4 micro/nanocrystals with different sizes and well-developed crystals were synthesized by the molten salt method at low temperature.

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