Junhua Zhao

Plasma-induced pre-oxidation forms a compact and continuous Al ₂ O ₃ barrier above ∼3 nm Al, enabling long-term stabilization of ultrathin Cu nanofilms.

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are widely used in aerospace monitoring and intelligent manufacturing due to their high sensitivity, yet their deployment relies on manual assembly, limiting precision, integration density, and conformality under extreme conditions. Here, we propose a programmable direct-FBG-patterning (DFP) assembly paradigm for one-step integration of intrinsically brittle multiplexed FBG arrays onto arbitrary curved and non-developable surfaces. A mechanics-optics coupled framework identifies three minimum bending radii governed by interfacial debonding, fiber fracture, and optical attenuation, defining the achievable feature size and multidirectional sensing capability. Guided by this framework, cross-fiber routing and conformal assembly strategies enable high-density sensor networks along a single continuous fiber beyond the limits of manual assembly. We further demonstrate robust and versatile FBG sensor integration in applications including structural displacement reconstruction, phonation, and gesture monitoring, establishing a general strategy for quasi-distributed sensing beyond the constraints of manual assembly.

Femtosecond laser has been extensively employed in the processing of silicon carbide (SiC) due to its ultrahigh peak power and ultra-short pulse duration. However, the interaction between femtosecond laser and 4H-SiC is an extremely complex process and the material removal mechanism is still controversial. Here, the femtosecond laser ablation of 4H-SiC is investigated by combining our extended non-equilibrium two-temperature model (nTTM), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and pump–probe experiments. The temporal and energetic distributions of thermal and non-thermal ablation for 4H-SiC are predicted by employing an improved nTTM. In particular, the non-thermal ablation is observed to present throughout the whole ablation process, which is not highlighted in previous studies. A distinct threshold gap of 0.17 J/cm2 between thermal and non-thermal ablation obtained by the theoretical model is consistent with the pump–probe measurements. Moreover, good agreement between the results by our extended nTTM with experiment in comparison with those of the traditional TTM is obtained. Finally, the microscopic atomic configurations of thermal ablation are compared and analyzed by MD simulations and pump–probe images. This work provides a better understanding of the ablation mechanism and promotes the femtosecond laser processing technology in fields of wide-bandgap semiconductors.

Aluminum sheets are widely used as fins in condensers because of their high thermal conductivity, tractability and affordability. However, the heat transfer efficiency of the aluminum fins was encumbered by the hydrophilicity of the surface where filmwise condensation tends to occur. This work demonstrates the fabrication of a superhydrophobic aluminum surface based on a micro–nano structured hierarchical design using electrochemical wire machining and surface modification technique. By optimizing the applied voltage and the scanning speed of the tool electrode, a superhydrophobic aluminum surface was obtained with a maximum contact angle of 157.2° and a minimum sliding angle of 2.3°. The superhydrophobic aluminum surface demonstrates a dropwise condensation, exhibiting a heat transfer coefficient of 38.2 kW (m ² · K) ⁻¹ , which is 2.7 times higher than that of the original aluminum sheet. Moreover, the superhydrophobic aluminum surface shows outstanding delayed icing performance, which delays the icing time by 1.9 times compared to the original aluminum sheet under identical conditions. In addition to its superior performance, the proposed electrochemical wire machining method offers significant advantages, including environmental friendliness, mild processing conditions, high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This work provides a new option for the scalable fabrication of superhydrophobic aluminum fins for high efficiency condensation.

With the rapid development of wearable electronics, traditional rigid thermal management materials face limitations in flexibility, conformability, and multi-physics adaptability. Low-dimensional carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes combine ultrahigh thermal conductivity with outstanding mechanical compliance, making them promising building blocks for flexible thermal regulation. This review summarizes recent advances in integrating these materials into textile architectures, mapping the evolution of this emerging field. Key topics include phonon-dominated heat transfer mechanisms, strategies for modulating interfacial thermal resistance, and dimensional effects across scales; beyond these intrinsic factors, hierarchical textile configurations further tailor macroscopic performance. We highlight how one-dimensional fiber bundles, two-dimensional woven fabrics, and three-dimensional porous networks construct multi-directional thermal pathways while enhancing porosity and stress tolerance. As for practical applications, the performance of carbon-based textiles in wearable systems, flexible electronic packaging, and thermal coatings is also critically assessed. Current obstacles—namely limited manufacturing scalability, interfacial mismatches, and thermal performance degradation under repeated deformation—are analyzed. To overcome these challenges, future studies should prioritize the co-design of structural and thermo-mechanical properties, the integration of multiple functionalities, and optimization guided by data-driven approaches. This review thus lays a solid foundation for advancing carbon-based smart textiles toward next-generation flexible thermal management technologies.

Atomic-level crack propagation, interfacial delamination, as well as macroscopic network failure restrict huge applications of low-dimensional nanomaterials. It is significant from a fundamental standpoint to explore how mechanical properties of low-dimensional nanomaterials are influenced by these failures. In this review, recent progresses of the state-of-the-art experiments on failure behaviors of low-dimensional materials and their assemblies were summarized. Based on these experimental results, particular attention was paid to multiscale simulations revealing the microstructure failure mechanism hidden in experiments. First, various simulation methods, such as density functional theory, molecular dynamics simulation, as well as some continuum-based methods like atomic finite element simulation and peridynamics theory, for analyzing fractures of atomic-level monolayer low-dimensional nanomaterials were introduced. In addition, the modulation of fracture behaviors of these nanomaterials by defects was also discussed. Second, the interfacial strength and interfacial debonding of low-dimensional nanomaterials by theoretical models and simulations were described. Different interfacial optimization strategies for weakening or enhancing interfacial adhesion were addressed. Finally, various failure modes of these nanomaterial assemblies were addressed, in which the roles of internal factors and external factors were highlighted. This review will be useful for understanding the mechanism behind their failures and providing insight into atomic cracking, interfacial fracture, and macroscopic failure of van der Waals heterostructures.

Heterogeneous ice nucleation is a widespread phenomenon in nature. Despite extensive research on ice nucleation near biological antifreeze proteins, a probe for ice nucleation and growth processes at the atomic level is still lacking. Herein, we present simulation evidence of the heterogeneous ice nucleation process on the ice-binding surface (IBS) of the Tenebrio molitor antifreeze protein (TmAFP). Our all-atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal detailed steps toward precritical nucleus formation from one-dimensional (1D) channel water to a 2D ice nanolayer and, finally, a 3D ice nucleus. Compared with homogeneous ice nucleation under the same supercooling conditions, the IBS of TmAFP can markedly reduce the critical size of the ice embryo and lower the nucleation free energy barrier, thereby favoring ice nucleation. Additionally, through artificial mutation of selected functional groups on the IBS, we gain deeper insights into how the specific functional groups of the IBS affect ice nucleation. We highlight that the carbonyl groups in the backbone play a crucial role by providing fixed locations for channel water. This function is essential for ensuring alignment between the 2D ice nanolayer and the ice lattice structure.