Size effect of multiferroics is important for its potential applications in new type miniaturized multifunctional devices and thus has been widely studied. However, is there special size effect in the materials with spiral modulated spin structure (such as BiFeO3)? It is still an issue to be investigated. In this report, structural, magnetic and magnetoelectric coupling properties are investigated for sol-gel prepared BiFeO3 nanoparticles with various sizes. It is found that a structural anomaly arises for the particles with size close to the 62 nm period of the spiral modulated spin structure, which induces an obviously increased ferromagnetism. In addition, large magnetoelectric coupling effect is observed in 62 nm BiFeO3 nanoparticles. Our result provides another insight into the size effect of BiFeO3, and also a clue to the magnetic structure at nanoscale.

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Viral infections are a serious health challenge, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for antiviral measures and treatments for clean surfaces, especially in public places. Here, we review a range of natural and synthetic surface materials and coatings with antiviral properties, including metals, polymers and biopolymers, graphene and antimicrobial peptides, and their underpinning antiviral mechanisms. We also discuss the physico-chemical properties of surfaces which influence virus attachment and persistence on surfaces. Finally, an overview is given of the current practices and applications of antiviral and virucidal materials and coatings in consumer products, personal protective equipment, healthcare and public settings.

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