Zeitschriftenaufsätze

A multitude gratings design consists of gratings with different pitches ranging from the micrometre down to sub 40 nm scale combined with sub 10 nm step heights modulating the surface morphology for length scale measurements is proposed. The surface morphology modulation was performed using electron beam lithography incorporating a standard semiconductor processing technology. The critical dimension, edge roughness, step heights and line morphology in dependence on the grating pitch is studied.

Delay-based reservoir computing has gained a lot of attention due to the relative simplicity with which this concept can be implemented in hardware. However, unnecessary constraints are commonly placed on the relationship between the delay-time and the input clock-cycle, which can have a detrimental effect on the performance. We review the existing literature on this subject and introduce the concept of delay-based reservoir computing in a manner that demonstrates that no predefined relationship between the delay-time and the input clock-cycle is required for this computing concept to work. Choosing the delay-times independent of the input clock-cycle, one gains an important degree of freedom. Consequently, we discuss ways to improve the computing performance of a reservoir formed by delay-coupled oscillators and show the impact of delay-time tuning in such systems.

Ratiometric electrochemical sensors can effectively reduce system errors and environmental interference during the detection of a target, affording good sensitivity, reproducibility, and a linear response range. However, traditional proportional electrochemical sensors are limited by the need for complex modifications and the lack of internal reference probes. In this study, we developed a ratiometric electrochemical sensing platform based on nickel nanoarrays as a self-supporting electrode (NiNASSE) by using an anodic alumina oxide template method. An internal reference probe was developed based on nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) as nickel nanoarrays, presenting a facile modification process and stable redox signal. Furthermore, the highly ordered nanoarray structure expands the specific surface area of NiNASSE and accelerates the electron transfer rate. This new self-supporting proportional electrochemical sensor was successfully applied for the detection of dopamine and displayed good electrocatalytic ability, stability, and feasibility.

Building the desirable superstructure of polyethylene is one of the important topics for developing high value-added products, which brings potential benefits for society and sustainable development. Crystalline order is the ubiquitous superstructure for enhancing mechanical properties of polymeric materials. In this work, polystyrene copolymers (c-PS) are incorporated into pores of silica through the wet-impregnation procedure of styrene and p-chloromethyl styrene followed by the in-situ free-radical copolymerization. Metallocene catalyst is further immobilized on supported silica. This incorporated c-PS is proved to be coated on the surface of silica pore walls rather than blocking the interparticle channels. The swelling behavior of c-PS inside the pores are performed by pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR) and thermoporosimetry (TPM-DSC), where a swelling behavior is shown in the toluene owing to the matched solubility parameters between the c-PS and toluene. According to the swelling behavior of c-PS confined in the pores, a compartmentalization is created hindering the formation of chain overlaps and increasing the crystallinity order of nascent polymers. As a result, the nascent polyethylene with a high crystallinity (i.e., bulk crystallinity Xc,DSC=72.9 % and linear crystallinity Xc,WAXD=90.5 %) is synthesized. There is a considerable activity (i.e., 3.8×106 g PE&hahog;(molZr&hahog;h)^-1) at 70˚C. Finally, the particle morphology of the nascent polyethylene is investigated based on the swelling behavior of c-PS.