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Presented herein is a series of chain compounds based on pre-designed heterometallic aluminum–lanthanide (Al–Ln) Al4Ln4 molecular rings. Their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) with Eu3+ (30.41%) and Tb3+ (41.44%) is at a high level among the clusters containing four Ln ions. This study significantly extends the family of Al–Ln heterometallic clusters and demonstrates the synergistic effect of heterometallic ions in enhancing their properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential expansion of the lithium battery market has led to challenges in acquiring lithium resources. Extracting lithium from seawater has been explored as a potential solution to address the shortage of lithium supply. However, seawater lithium extraction presents significant challenges due to its low lithium-ion concentration and complex marine environment. Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology has demonstrated a remarkable ability to selectively separate metal ions from seawater, in which electrode materials play a crucial role. Traditional methods of discovering electrode materials have relied on the trial-and-error principle, and the experimental process of material design and synthesis requires substantial manpower and material resources. The emergence of materials informatics has revolutionized the design and development of electrode materials, substantially reducing the application cost of CDI. Combining our research experience, we explored the application prospects of theoretical calculations in CDI lithium extraction and introduced the development progress of electrode materials that are not limited to CDI lithium extraction in recent years. The key points of using density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), and finite element simulation (FES) to study the mechanism of lithium extraction process, using high-throughput computing and machine learning (ML) to screen new electrode materials are emphasized. The research emphasizes the synergistic utilization of DFT, MD, ML, and FES methodologies to provide instructive insights, aimed at advancing the design of effective CDI electrode materials tailored for lithium extraction from seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

17β-Estradiol (E2) is an important endogenous estrogen, which disturbs the endocrine system and poses a threat to human health because of its accumulation in the human body. Herein, a biofuel cell (BFC)-based self-powered electrochemical aptasensor was developed for E2 detection. Porous carbon nanocage/gold nanoparticle composite modified indium tin oxide (CNC/AuNP/ITO) and glucose oxidase modified CNC/AuNP/ITO were used as the biocathode and bioanode of BFCs, respectively. [Fe(CN)6]3− was selected as an electroactive probe, which was entrapped in the pores of positively charged magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (PMNPs) and then capped with a negatively charged E2 aptamer to form a DNA bioconjugate. The presence of the target E2 triggered the entrapped [Fe(CN)6]3− probe release due to the removal of the aptamer via specific recognition, which resulted in the transfer of electrons produced by glucose oxidation at the bioanode to the biocathode and produced a high open-circuit voltage (EOCV). Consequently, a "signal-on" homogeneous self-powered aptasensor for E2 assay was realized. Promisingly, the BFC-based self-powered aptasensor has particularly high sensitivity for E2 detection in the concentration range of 0.5 pg mL−1 to 15 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.16 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). Therefore, the proposed BFC-based self-powered electrochemical aptasensor has great promise to be applied as a successful prototype of a portable and on-site bioassay in the field of environment monitoring and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T4 polynucleotide kinase helps with DNA recombination and repair. In this study, an electrochemical biosensor was developed for a T4 polynucleotide kinase activity assay and inhibitor screening based on phosphate pillar[5]arene and multi-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites. The water-soluble pillar[5]arene was employed as the host to complex thionine guest molecules. The substrate DNA with a 5′-hydroxyl group initially self-assembled on the gold electrode surface through chemical adsorption of the thiol group, which was phosphorylated in the presence of T4 polynucleotide kinase. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles served as a bridge to link phosphorylated DNA and phosphate pillar[5]arene and multi-walled carbon nanotube composite due to strong phosphate-Ti4+-phosphate chemistry. Through supramolecular host–guest recognition, thionine molecules were able to penetrate the pillar[5]arene cavity, resulting in an enhanced electrochemical response signal. The electrochemical signal is proportional to the T4 polynucleotide kinase concentration in the range of 10−5 to 15 U mL−1 with a detection limit of 5 × 10−6 U mL−1. It was also effective in measuring HeLa cell lysate-related T4 polynucleotide kinase activity and inhibitor screening. The proposed method offers a unique sensing platform for kinase activity measurement, holding great potential in nucleotide kinase-target drug development, clinical diagnostics, and inhibitor screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS), the cobalt catalyst has higher C5+ and lower CH4 selectivity in the hcp phase than in the fcc phase. However, a detailed explanation of the intrinsic mechanism is still missing. The underlying reason was explored combining density functional theory, Wulff construction, and a particle-level descriptor based on the slab model of surfaces that are prevalent in the Wulff shape to provide single-particle level understanding. Using a particle-level indicator of the reaction rates, we have shown that it is more difficult to form CH4 on hcp-Co than on fcc-Co, due to the larger effective barrier difference of CH4 formation and C–C coupling on hcp-Co particles, which leads to the lower CH4 selectivity of hcp-Co in FTS. Among the exposed facets of fcc-Co, the (311) surface plays a pivotal role in promoting CH4 formation. The reduction of CH4 selectivity in cobalt-based FTS is achievable through phase engineering of Co from fcc to hcp or by tuning the temperature and size of the particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriorhodopsin is a biological material with excellent photosensitivity properties. It can directly convert optical signals into electrical signals and is widely used in various biosensors. Here, we present a bR-based wearable pH biometer that can be used to monitor wound infection. The mechanism of the pH-sensitive effect of the bR electrode is explained, which generates a transient photovoltage under light irradiation and a negative photovoltage when the lamp is turned off. Since the photoelectric signal of bR is affected by different pH values, the photovoltage is changed by adjusting the pH value. The ratio (Vn/Vp) of negative photovoltage (Vn) to positive photovoltage (Vp) has a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9911) in the pH range of 4.0–10.0. In vitro experiments using rats as a model confirmed that this wearable pH biometer can monitor pH changes that occur in wound infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-assembly of three-dimensional nanostructures of blue-phase liquid crystals is becoming the spotlight of soft matter research and has potential applications in photonic crystals, sensors, electro-optic devices, and others. However, studies on phase transitions—isotropic phase to blue phases, where chirality is of fundamental importance—are limited. Such studies provide insight into the formation of blue-phase liquid crystalline nuclei and the growth of soft crystals. Herein, we controlled the chirality values in blue-phase liquid crystals to observe the liquid crystalline nuclei occurring from the isotropic phase with different lattice planes. Three different lattice planes, namely BPI (011), BPII (011), and BPII (001), are achieved through uniform parallel anchoring by controlling the chirality of blue-phase liquid crystals. The specific lattice plane of BPII (011) appears around the chirality where the phase transition changed from Iso-BPI to Iso-BPII, and the lattice constants of the blue phases in this chiral range are in dynamic equilibrium. The same phenomena are observed in two different liquid crystal hosts of HTG135200-100 and 5CB. The revealed spontaneous mechanism of nucleus formation provides insight into the nanostructures of blue phases and the ability to tune lattice orientations of the blue-phase soft crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, flexible sensors have been reported in numerous applications; however, they still face challenges such as single response to stimulus signals and low sensitivity. We report a flexible sensor based on structurally adjustable nano-through-hole array films that have high responses to pressure, temperature, and humidity. Polypyrrole/polyurethane single-walled carbon nanotube films with different sizes of nano-through-hole array films are prepared using anodic aluminum oxide templates, and the relationship between their pore diameter and pore depth and the three sensing properties is discussed in depth using finite element simulation and other methods. The experimental results show that the nano-through-hole array film with a pore diameter of 440 nm and a pore depth of 6.9 μm has a higher specific surface area and stress–strain response speed. The pressure sensitivity of the sensor reaches up to 102.99 kPa−1 within 0.004–10 kPa; the temperature sensitivity reaches up to 0.72% °C−1 within 20–80 °C; the humidity sensitivity reaches up to 3.51% RH−1 within 20–80% RH; and the crosstalk between the three response signals is less than 5%. The sensor shows great potential in the application of human physiological signal monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structural characterization, exfoliation, and photophysical studies of two-dimensional (2-D) lanthanide phosphonates, named Ln(m-pbc) ; [Ln(m-Hpbc)(m-H2pbc)(H2O)] (Ln = Eu, Tb; m-pbc = 3-phosphonobenzoic acid) based on the phosphonocarboxylate ligand, are reported. These compounds are neutral polymeric 2D layered structures with pendent uncoordinated carboxylic groups between layers. The nanosheets were obtained by a top-down strategy involving sonication-assisted solution exfoliation and characterized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscropy, showing lateral dimensions from nano- to micro-meter scales, and thicknesses down to several layers. The photoluminescence studies demonstrate that the m-pbc ligand acts as an efficient antenna toward Eu and Tb(III) ions. The emission intensities of dimetallic compounds are clearly enhanced after incorporation of Y(III) ions due to the dilution effect. Ln(m-pbc)s were then applied for labelling latent fingerprints. It is worth noting that the reaction between active carboxylic groups and fingerprint residues benefits the labelling, showing efficient imaging for fingerprints on all kinds of material surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a novel device that efficiently converts mechanical energy into electrical energy; such devices have been used in fields such as energy harvesting, intelligent monitoring, environmental protection, wearable electronic materials, micro/nano-power sources, robotics, and self-powered sensors. Recently, waste-derived carbonized materials (WDCMs) have been widely used to fabricate TENGs, considering their low-cost, abundance, and environmental friendliness. WDCMs exhibit good electrical and thermal conductivity, high-level corrosion-resistance, flexibility, and hydrophobicity. The advantages of WDCM-based TENGs are high output, moisture-resistance, flexibility, and the capacity to function in extreme environments. Here, we summarize the preparation methods, working mechanisms, unique advantages, applications, and the prospect of WDCM-based TENGs. This review may inspire the continued development of waste-based energy-harvesting devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capability to monitor doping in a rapid and sensitive manner is highly promising in the field of doping control. The point-of-care-testing (POCT) strategy can greatly meet the current requirements for doping detection. Testosterone is a typical doping agent in sporting events and is strictly prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Here, we report a POCT method based on aptamer-functional gold nanoparticles to detect testosterone (TES). The method provides sensitive detection of testosterone within minutes and its utility in real sample analysis has been demonstrated. Sensors based on an aptamer and gold nanoparticles exhibit good applications for rapid and ultra-sensitive testosterone detection and can be expanded to the monitoring of other doping agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ni nanoparticles were grown on a silver-coated nylon yarn (SCNY) surface by electrochemical deposition to prepare SCNY@Ni. The hierarchical Ni–Ag nanostructure promoted their synergistic effect, which enhanced the electrocatalytic behavior of glucose oxidation. The test result of SCNY@Ni showed its high sensitivity (115.26 μA mM−1 cm−2 and 67.37 μA mM−1 cm−2) with a wide linear response (from 2 μM to 1 mM and from 1 mM to 22 mM) of glucose con-centration range, a low detection limit (LOD) of 2 μM, fast response time (3 s), and good selectivity for glucose determination in the presence of sucrose (SU), aceta-mino phenol (AP), D -fructose (D -Fru), ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), hydro-quinone (HQ) and uric acid (UA) as potential interference species. Also, SCNY@Ni exhibited excellent stability, repeatability, reproducibility and flexibility. It has good prospects for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the photochromic mechanism of photochromic materials based on supramolecular host–guest systems, we designed and synthesized a unique viologen derivative (benzimidazolyl benzyl viologen, guest 1·Cl3), which does not contain oxygen atoms. The binding interaction of guest 13+ with host cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) was investigated by various techniques. The obtained supramolecular host–guest complex 13+@Q[7] exhibits interesting fluorescence emission and reversible photochromism. The ESR and XPS experimental data suggest that the photochromic process of the complex 13+@Q[7] comes from the electron transfer from the carbonyl O atoms of the host Q[7] to the bipyridinium N atoms of the guest 13+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By assembling nanotweezers with ATP-splitting aptamers on gold nanorods (AuT123L), we constructed a near-infrared-activated ATP sensing device that could time-controllably image ATP levels in living cells. By replacing the aptamers on the nanotweezers, the nanoplatform can be applied to other important biomolecules, opening up more possibilities for the study of time controllable nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous organic polymers (POPs), a versatile class of materials that possess many tunable properties such as high chemical absorptivity and ionic conductivity, are emerging candidate electrode materials, permselective membranes, ionic conductors, interfacial stabilizers and functional precursors to synthesize advanced porous carbon. Based on their crystal structure features, the emerging POPs can be classified into two subclasses: amorphous POPs (hyper cross-linked polymers, polymers with intrinsic microporosity, conjugated microporous polymers, porous aromatic frameworks, etc.) and crystalline POPs (covalent organic frameworks, etc.). This tutorial review provides a brief introduction of different types of POPs in terms of their classification and functions for tackling the remaining challenges in various types of Li-chemistry-based batteries. In situ and ex situ characterization studies are also discussed to highlight their importance and applicability for the structural investigation of POPs to reveal the underlying mechanism of POPs over the course of the electrochemical process. Although some revolutionary advances have been achieved, the development of POPs in Li-chemistry-based batteries is still in its infancy. Perspectives regarding future application and mechanistic insights of POPs in battery studies are outlined at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A knot is a worldwide used complication and one of the most ancient technologies in human history. A knot can be found in a wide range of applications such as providing practical structural robustness and mechanical connections between objectives. Here, we report a responsive knot that can self-adjust its geometry upon external stimuli. The knot is tightened in a thread made of a liquid crystal gel, the diameter and internal friction of which vary upon thermal/chemical stimulus. An overhand knot and a reef knot are demonstrated to exhibit auto-untie action responsive to external stimuli. A self-dropping device is shown to sense its surrounding temperature and chemical change in the environment, providing the proof-of-concept for sensing application. The results offer new alternatives for soft micro-robots and automation control for non-electric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical techniques for ammonia synthesis are considered as an encouraging energy conversion technology to efficiently meet the challenge of nitrogen cycle balance. Herein, we find that TiO2(101)-supported Ni4 and Ni13 clusters can serve as efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic N2 reduction based on theoretical calculations. Electronic property calculations reveal the formation of electron-deficient Ni clusters on the TiO2 surface, which provides multiple active sites for N2 adsorption and activation. Theoretical calculation identifies the strongest activated configuration of N2* on the catalysts and confirms the potential-limiting step in the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). On Ni4–TiO2(101), N2* → NNH* is the potential-limiting step with a very small free energy increase (ΔG) of 0.24 eV (the corresponding overpotential is 0.33 V), while on Ni13–TiO2(101) the potential-limiting step occurs at NH* → NH2* with ΔG of 0.49 eV (the corresponding overpotential is 0.58 V). Moreover, the Nin–TiO2(101) catalyst, especially Ni13–TiO2(101), involves in a highly selective NRR even at the corresponding NRR overpotential. This work will enlighten material design to construct metal oxide supported transition metal clusters for the highly efficient NRR and NH3 synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced host materials are requisite for both cathode and anode in the development of high-performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, for the first time, we report a unique niobium oxide matrix with amorphous/crystalline hetero-conjunctions (A/T-Nb2O5) as a two-in-one host in a Li–S system. The heterostructure is constructed by simply regulating the calcination temperature at a modest level to generate partially-crystalized Nb2O5, rather than completely crystalline or amorphous. As the cathode matrix, the heterostructured design is unveiled, combining the preferably high sulfur affinity and fast ion transfer from the amorphous and crystalline phase, respectively, thus rendering a simultaneous stabilization and catalyzation for sulfur electrochemistry with excellent cyclability over 800 cycles and rate capability up to 3C. On the other hand, the as-developed A/T-Nb2O5 is found capable of facilitating the Li redox kinetics and uniformizing the Li nucleation/growth behaviors when applied as the anode matrix, contributing to durable Li plating/stripping at varied capacity limit up to 10 mA h cm−2. Collectively, these advantageous features are integrated into a S–A/T-Nb2O5‖Li–A/T-Nb2O5 full-cell configuration, which realizes decent areal capacity, cyclability, and rate capability under a high sulfur loading of 5 mg cm−2, demonstrating an instructive paradigm for rational material engineering in Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microporous framework membranes such as metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes and covalent organic framework (COF) membranes are constructed by the controlled growth of small building blocks with large porosity and permanent well-defined micropore structures, which can overcome the ubiquitous tradeoff between membrane permeability and selectivity; they hold great promise for the enormous challenging separations in energy and environment fields. Therefore, microporous framework membranes are endowed with great expectations as next-generation membranes, and have evolved into a booming research field. Numerous novel membrane materials, versatile manipulation strategies of membrane structures, and fascinating applications have erupted in the last five years. First, this review summarizes and categorizes the microporous framework membranes with pore sizes lower than 2 nm based on their chemistry: inorganic microporous framework membranes, organic–inorganic microporous framework membranes, and organic microporous framework membranes, where the chemistry, fabrications, and differences among these membranes have been highlighted. Special attention is paid to the membrane structures and their corresponding modifications, including pore architecture, intercrystalline grain boundary, as well as their diverse control strategies. Then, the separation mechanisms of membranes are covered, such as diffusion-selectivity separation, adsorption-selectivity separation, and synergetic adsorption–diffusion-selectivity separation. Meanwhile, intricate membrane design to realize synergistic separation and some emerging mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, the applications of microporous framework membranes for precise gas separation, liquid molecule separation, and ion sieving are summarized. The remaining challenges and future perspectives in this field are discussed. This timely review may provide genuine guidance on the manipulation of membrane structures and inspire creative designs of novel membranes, promoting the sustainable development and steadily increasing prosperity of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state lithium ion batteries (ASSLBs) are considered next-generation devices for energy storage due to their advantages in safety and potentially high energy density. As the key component in ASSLBs, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with non-flammability and good adaptability to lithium metal anodes have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Among the current SSEs, composite solid-state electrolytes (CSSEs) with multiple phases have greater flexibility to customize and combine the advantages of single-phase electrolytes, which have been widely investigated recently and regarded as promising candidates for commercial ASSLBs. Based on existing investigations, herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in CSSEs. Initially, we introduce the historical development from solid-state ionic conductors to CSSEs, and then summarize the fundamentals including mechanisms of lithium ion transport, key evaluation parameters, design principles, and key materials. Four main types of advanced structures for CSSEs are classified and highlighted according to the recent progress. Moreover, advanced characterization and computational simulation techniques including machine learning are reviewed for the first time, and the main challenges and perspectives of CSSEs are also provided for their future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we fabricated a self-assembled fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on liquid crystals (LCs), which offers a new method for LC/fiber sensing. The LC acts not only as a generator of MZI due to its inherent optical anisotropy and optical rotation but also as a sensing functional material. Compared with traditional fiber MZI techniques, the most remarkable advantage of the LC-based fiber MZI is its high sensitivity and versatility without the need for any special fiber configurations. Herein, the novel LC-based fiber MZI is first demonstrated as a volatile organic compound (VOC) vapor sensor. The LC-based fiber MZI possesses features including easy fabrication, low cost, versatility, and super-sensitivity, showing potential applications in gas monitoring, liquid detection and biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high-safety Li-metal anodes (LMAs) is extremely important for the application of high-energy Li-metal batteries (LMBs), especially Li–S and Li–O2 battery systems. However, the notorious Li-dendrite growth problem results in serious safety concerns for any energy storage application. Through a recent combination of interface-based science, nanotechnology-based solutions and characterization methods, the LMA is now primed for a technological boom. In this review, the recent emerging strategies and perspectives on LMAs are summarized, following which the current huge evolution in interfacial chemistry regulation, optimizing electrolyte components, designing a rational 'host' for lithium metal, optimizing "solid-state electrolytes" and other emerging strategies for developing high-safety LMAs is highlighted. Furthermore, several state-of-the-art in situ/operando synchrotron-based X-ray techniques for high safety LMB research are introduced. With the further development of LMAs in the future, subsequent application in high energy LMBs is to be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are hazardous to human health and their concentrations need to be monitored over a large area. However, most chemical sensors can only be used for point detection. In this paper, we report a method to obtain a two-dimensional (2D) concentration profile of toluene vapor by using polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs). After the PSLC sample is exposed to toluene vapor ranging from 9300 to 2800 ppm, the PSLC changes its interference color according to different local toluene concentrations. By using the interference color, we can obtain a 2D concentration profile of toluene inside the PSLC and study the diffusion of toluene inside the PSLC in great detail. We also determine the diffusion coefficient of dissolved toluene inside the PSLC to be 1.01 × 10−6 cm2 s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly efficient and cost-effective water oxidation catalysts to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a significant challenge for electrochemical water splitting. Here, ultrathin tungsten-doped nickel iron layered double hydroxide (Ni–Fe–W LDH) nanosheets, which are composed of nanoparticles with size of 2 to 6 nanometers, have been directly grown on nickel foam (NF) using a facile and scalable water bath reaction. When applied as a catalyst for OER catalysis, this self-supported Ni–Fe–W LDH/NF shows superb OER activity, requiring low overpotentials of only 247 and 320 mV to attain current densities of 100 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, with a small Tafel slope of 55 mV dec−1 in 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. The high catalytic activity is attributed to the unique open porous structure, high density of crystalline–amorphous phase boundaries, abundant active sites, and enhanced conductivity resulting from the combination of W doping and Ni–Fe LDH. This work presents a general approach toward the large-scale fabrication of inexpensive trimetallic LDH-based OER electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique zinc–hexamethylenetetramine coordination complex (ZnHMT) has been developed through a facile and fast solution-based method. The ZnHMT complex delivers an exquisite flower-like nanoarchitecture assembled by ultrathin nanosheets, which not only facilitates the electrolyte infiltration and ion transfer, but also implements efficient exposure of active interfaces. Meanwhile, the strong chemical interactions between ZnHMT and polysulfides render potent sulfur immobilizations, contributing to effective inhibition of the shuttling behavior. As a result, Li–S cells with a ZnHMT-based interlayer achieve excellent cyclability over 1000 cycles, superb rate capability up to 5C and a high areal capacity of 5.9 mA h cm−2 under raised sulfur loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent semiconductor quantum nanocrystals have received much attention due to their high brightness and color purity. Fabrication of semiconductor quantum nanocrystals with optical activity is of particular interest recently due to the potential applications in the fields of chemistry, pharmacology, biology and physics. Several approaches have been developed to induce circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence of semiconductor quantum nanocrystals, but only resulted in very weak signals. Herein, we demonstrate a circularly polarized luminescent solid film by doping CdSe/CdS quantum rods into the self-assembled left-handed helical structure of the earth-abundant and renewable cellulose nanocrystals. The degree of circularly polarized luminescence can be tuned by adjusting the photonic band gap of the helical structure relative to the photoluminescent band. A significant right-handed circularly polarized luminescence has been demonstrated, offering an easy and powerful platform to produce circularly polarized luminescence of semiconductor quantum materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a photo-switchable and photo-tunable microlens based on chiral liquid crystals doped with an azobenzene chiral dopant immersed in water. A bi-stable microlens, which can be switched between a focusing state and scattering state through UV or green light, has been fabricated. The tuning properties of the microlens have also been demonstrated under light illumination. This bi-stable microlens possesses features including simple fabrication, low-cost, photo-switchability, and photo-tunability, and shows potential applications in dynamic imaging systems, biomimetic devices, wave-front sensors, micro-displays, light shaping etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]