Investigation of the Effect of 3D Meniscus Geometry on Fluid Dynamics and Crystallization via In Situ Optical Microscopy‐Assisted Mathematical Modeling

Abstract

transistors, [1] displays, [2] solar cells, [3] and biosensors. [4] In particular, meniscus-guided coating (MGC) such as zone casting, [5] slot die coating, [6] and solution shearing [7] is especially promising due to their compatibility to industrially relevant "sheet2sheet" and "roll2roll" processes. [8] For solution shearing, solution is sandwiched between a heated substrate and a blade, [9] where the solution forms a curved air-liquid interface (i.e., meniscus); as the blade moves, thinfilm is generated across the substrate due to solidification (i.e., a process involving supersaturation of the solution, followed by nucleation and growth) occurring near the meniscus. [10] Here, the thin-film properties (e.g., crystal alignment, crystal size) are strongly dependent on the solidification process, which in turn determines the performance of the thin-film device. Therefore, it is of critical significance to understand how the experimental parameters affect the solidification process so that it can be precisely controlled.The determining factors that affect solidification process are the fluid dynamic phenomena occurring near the meniscus, [10,11] such as capillary flow, Marangoni flow, viscous drag, and solvent evaporation. [12] Each of these effects is intricately dependent on multiple solution shearing parameters (e.g., shearing speed, substrate temperature), is complexly intertwined to affect theThe ORCID identification number(s) for the author(s) of this article can be found under https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202105035.

Ultrathin Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conducting Interlayer via the Solution Shearing Technique for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…This printing method enables fine-tuning of the interlayer thickness to tens of nanometers or lower by regulating the evaporation rate of the ink, shearing speed, and substrate temperature. , The thickness value and distribution of the film can be accurately controlled by adjusting the shearing speed and evaporation rate of the ink, respectively (Figure S2 and S3). Conversely, typical interlayer printing processes, such as doctor blading and vacuum filtration, encounter challenges in consistently producing thin films. This issue arises due to solvent evaporation caused by inadequate control over the solution flow .…”

A Universal Formation Mechanism of Hollow Multi‐Shelled Structures Dominated by Concentration Waves

“…Nevertheless, the difference between calculation and experiments is inevitable using this model. [23] Reasons could be attributed to the dehydration and crystallization of particles after shell separation, leading to a decrease in shell size and geometry. [24] Although the mathematical model in our study mainly covers the prediction of N s and d s , simulating h remains a challenge.…”

Crystallization from a Droplet: Single-Crystalline Arrays and Heterojunctions for Organic Electronics

“…We notice that similar pinned solutions were used by various groups to grow OSC crystals. , Figure d,e presents the typical ribbon-like crystal morphology obtained from the DPC method. The microscopic shape of TPCL during the crystallization of such ribbon-like crystals has recently been investigated by Lee et al…”