This spotlight discusses intriguing properties and diverse applications of graphene (Gr) and Gr analogs. Gr has brought us two-dimensional (2D) chemistry with its exotic 2D features of density of states. Yet, some of the 2D or 2D-like features can be seen on surfaces and at interfaces of bulk materials. The substrate on Gr and functionalization of Gr (including metal decoration, intercalation, doping, and hybridization) modify the unique 2D features of Gr. Despite abundant literature on physical properties and well-known applications of Gr, spotlight works based on the conceptual understanding of the 2D physical and chemical nature of Gr toward vast-ranging applications are hardly found. Here we focus on applications of Gr, based on conceptual understanding of 2D phenomena toward 2D chemistry. Thus, 2D features, defects, edges, and substrate effects of Gr are discussed first. Then, to pattern Gr electronic circuits, insight into differentiating conducting and nonconducting regions is introduced. By utilizing the unique ballistic electron transport properties and edge spin states of Gr, Gr nanoribbons (GNRs) are exploited for the design of ultrasensitive molecular sensing electronic devices (including molecular fingerprinting) and spintronic devices. The highly stable nature of Gr can be utilized for protection of corrosive metals, moisture-sensitive perovskite solar cells, and highly environment-susceptible topological insulators (TIs). Gr analogs have become new types of 2D materials having novel features such as half-metals, TIs, and nonlinear optical properties. The key insights into the functionalized Gr hybrid materials lead to the applications for not only energy storage and electrochemical catalysis, green chemistry, and electronic/spintronic devices but also biosensing and medical applications. All these topics are discussed here with the focus on conceptual understanding. Further possible applications of Gr, GNRs, and Gr analogs are also addressed in a section on outlook and future challenges.

In this study, two models of flat film and three-dimensional porous structure made by 3D printing (scaffolding) of poly lactic acid polymer (PLA) were processed by radio frequency (RF; 13.56 MHz) low-pressure nitrogen, nitrogen/oxygen and nitrogen/hydrogen plasma to improve surface properties requested in tissue engineering. Samples were treated at different RF power (80–150 w) and time processing was 90 s. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to identify the species in plasma. A significant change in hydrophilicity and surface energy measured by contact angle was observed. Aging effect on the wettability of PLA films at two different temperatures was examined. The result showed that the samples, kept at low temperature, have not changed significantly. Morphology and surface roughness were studied by Atomic force microscopy. Chemical components at the surface were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Mechanical and thermal effect on the 3D scaffold PLA were carried out by tension test and thermogravimetric analysis respectively to indicate the effects of RF plasma treatment on the samples. The structural order, interconnectivity, and scale of the scaffold holes have been recorded by an optical microscope. Surface treatment by plasma increased biocompatibility of PLA samples without any toxicity. Cell adhesion on scaffolds was approved through MTT and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. MTT essay show there was significant different between N2/O2 (1:1) group than control sample. Plasma surface treatment is a convenient method to reach a perfect substrate with desired hydrophilicity for attaching cells.

Thin film Plasma polymerized naphthalene was formed by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition as emissive layer. The structure analysis revealed forming a conjugated polymer with a 3-D crosslinked structure. By increasing the plasma power, the optical properties including UV-Vis, photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra showed two domains with different behaviors.ABSTRACT: Polymer light-emitting devices were fabricated utilizing plasma polymerized thin films as emissive layers. These conjugated polymer films were prepared by RF Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) using naphthalene as monomer. The effect of plasma parameters on the structure and optical properties of the conjugated polymers was investigated by applying different plasma powers. The fabricated devices with structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ plasma polymerized Naphthalene/Alq3/Al showed broadband Electroluminescence (EL) emission peaks with center at 535-550 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies confirmed that a conjugated polymer film with a 3-D cross-linked network was developed by C-H bond rupture and ring opening process during the plasma polymerization. By increasing the power, ring opening process and cross-linking increased and the products were formed as highly cross-linked polymer films. In addition, as the plasma power increased, the optical properties showed two domains, up to 200 w, the electroluminescence, photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectra red-shifted and broadened due to increasing the conjugation length, forming more complex polymer and rising the excimeric emissions. At higher powers, a reverse behavior was observed. The conjugation length reduced and a change in the excimeric emission dominance has happened. Also, the relation between the film structure and plasma species was investigated using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES).

In this research, the polypropylene (PP) sheets used for automotive bumper surface were treated using two methods: air atmospheric gliding arc plasma and flame modifications. Atomic force microscopy was applied to study the morphology of surfaces before and after treatment processes. While calculating the surface free energy (SFE), contact angle of the surfaces was measured, and the chemical composition of the PP surface was analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surface modifications by gliding arc plasma increased the ratio of the oxygen and nitrogen atoms on the surface by 100%, indicating that polar chemical functionalities form on the surface. The surface morphology was highly affected by gliding arc plasma treatments, which triggered an impact on roughness and etching. It was also found that the SFE was drastically increased by certain modifications. Noticeable improvement was also observed in wettability by the gliding arc plasma technique. In the next stage, polyurethane paints were coated on the treated and untreated PP surfaces. Then, we examined the flame and gliding arc plasma treatments' effect on coating properties of PP bumper, adhesion analysis, water immersion resistance, and sulfuric acid resistance. Finally, high‐pressure carwash test and gloss analysis were conducted on the treated and untreated coated sheets, respectively.

Guanine-quadruplex, consisting of several stacked guanine-quartets (GQs), has emerged as an important category of novel molecular targets with applications from nanoelectronic devices to anticancer drugs. Incorporation of metal cations into...