Although polycrystalline hexagonal boron nitride (PC-hBN) has been realized, defects and grain boundaries still cause charge scatterings and trap sites, impeding high-performance electronics. Here, we report a method of synthesizing wafer-scale single-crystalline hBN (SC-hBN) monolayer films by chemical vapor deposition. The limited solubility of boron (B) and nitrogen (N) atoms in liquid gold promotes high diffusion of adatoms on the surface of liquid at high temperature to provoke the circular hBN grains. These further evolve into closely packed unimodal grains by means of self-collimation of B and N edges inherited by electrostatic interaction between grains, eventually forming an SC-hBN film on a wafer scale. This SC-hBN film also allows for the synthesis of wafer-scale graphene/hBN heterostructure and single-crystalline tungsten disulfide.

Seamless stitching of graphene domains on polished copper (111) is proved clearly not only at atomic scale by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and transmission electron micoscopy (TEM), but also at the macroscale by optical microscopy after UV-treatment. Using this concept of seamless stitching, synthesis of 6 cm × 3 cm monocrystalline graphene without grain boundaries on polished copper (111) foil is possible, which is only limited by the chamber size.

In situ homeotropic alignment is achieved by photochromic trans- to cis-isomerization of an azo-dye doped in a nematic host. The augmented dipole moment of the cis-isomer formed under UV-irradiation expedites molecular assembly into crystalline aggregates. Subsequent deposition of the aggregates creates a roughened surface and induces an anchoring transition from the initial planar to a homeotropic alignment of the LCs.

Although polycrystalline hexagonal boron nitride (PC-hBN) has been realized, defects and grain boundaries still cause charge scatterings and trap sites, impeding high-performance electronics. Here, we report a method of synthesizing wafer-scale single-crystalline hBN (SC-hBN) monolayer films by chemical vapor deposition. The limited solubility of boron (B) and nitrogen (N) atoms in liquid gold promotes high diffusion of adatoms on the surface of liquid at high temperature to provoke the circular hBN grains. These further evolve into closely packed unimodal grains by means of self-collimation of B and N edges inherited by electrostatic interaction between grains, eventually forming an SC-hBN film on a wafer scale. This SC-hBN film also allows for the synthesis of wafer-scale graphene/hBN heterostructure and single-crystalline tungsten disulfide.

Seamless stitching of graphene domains on polished copper (111) is proved clearly not only at atomic scale by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and transmission electron micoscopy (TEM), but also at the macroscale by optical microscopy after UV-treatment. Using this concept of seamless stitching, synthesis of 6 cm × 3 cm monocrystalline graphene without grain boundaries on polished copper (111) foil is possible, which is only limited by the chamber size.

In situ homeotropic alignment is achieved by photochromic trans- to cis-isomerization of an azo-dye doped in a nematic host. The augmented dipole moment of the cis-isomer formed under UV-irradiation expedites molecular assembly into crystalline aggregates. Subsequent deposition of the aggregates creates a roughened surface and induces an anchoring transition from the initial planar to a homeotropic alignment of the LCs.

Abstract Robust coatable polarizer is fabricated by the self‐assembly of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals and subsequent photo‐polymerizing processes. Their molecular packing structures and optical behaviors are investigated by the combined techniques of microscopy, scattering and spectroscopy. To stabilize the oriented Sunset Yellow FCF (H‐SY) films and to minimize the possible defects generated during and after the coating, acrylic acid (AA) is added to the H‐SY/H 2 O solution and photo‐polymerized. Utilizing cross‐polarized optical microscopy, phase behaviors of the H‐SY/H 2 O/AA solution are monitored by varying the compositions and temperatures of the solution. Based on the experimental results of two‐dimensional wide angle X‐ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction, the H‐SY crystalline unit cell is determined to be a monoclinic structure with the dimensions of a = 1.70 nm, b = 1.78 nm, c = 0.68 nm, α = β = 90.0° and γ = 84.5°. The molecular arrangements in the oriented H‐SY films were further confirmed by polarized Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The polymer‐stabilized H‐SY films show good mechanical and chemical stabilities with a high polarizability. Additionally, patterned polarizers are fabricated by applying a photo‐mask during the photo‐polymerization of AA, which may open new doors for practical applications in electro‐optic devices.

The commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries is limited by their low sulfur utilization rate and poor cycling stability. In this study, we successfully synthesized a nitrogen-doped porous aerogel material (GA/HNBRL) with high structural stability using graphene oxide (GO) as the carbon source and hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber latex (HNBRL) as a modifier. The synergistic effect of physical adsorption and chemical anchoring of GA/HNBRL carrier materials ensures high polysulfide adsorption and accelerated redox kinetics. Additionally, the incorporation of HNBRL enhances the mechanical properties of the carrier material, allowing for a higher sulfur loading and reducing the volume expansion of the active substance when used as a self-supporting material. The S@GA/HNBRL electrode material was prepared and could achieve an initial discharge specific capacity of 1315.6 mAh/g at a rate of 0.1 C without the involvement of current collectors, conductive agents, and binders. After 300 cycles at 0.1 C, its discharge specific capacity can still reach 870.9 mAh/g. In particular, the battery can still achieve a discharge specific capacity of 423.3 mAh/g after 500 cycles at a 1 C rate. This study provides a new approach for the application research of self-supporting materials in lithium–sulfur batteries by combining controllable porous structures with higher conductivity polymer materials.