Micro-patterned deposition of MoS2 ultrathin-films by a controlled droplet dragging approach

Micropatterning of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) ultrathin-films and monolayers has been demonstrated by various multi-step approaches. However, directly achieving a patterned growth of TMDC films is still considered to be challenging. Here, we report a solution-based approach for the synthesis of patterned MoS2 layers by dragging a precursor solution droplet with variable velocities across a substrate. Utilizing the pronounced shearing velocity dependence in a Landau-Levich deposition regime, MoS2 films with a spatially modulated thickness with alternating mono/bi- and few-layer regions are obtained after precursor annealing. Generally, the presented facile methodology allows for the direct preparation of micro-structured functional materials, extendable to other TMDC materials and even van der Waals heterostructures.

Longitudinal analysis of growth trajectories in young children of Chinese-born immigrant mothers compared with Australian-born mothers living in Victoria, Australia

BackgroundChinese immigrants are the third largest immigrant group in Australia. Little is known about growth trajectories of their offspring when moving to a Western country. The aim was to describe the growth trajectories between birth to 3.5 years in children of Chinese-born immigrant mothers compared with Australian-born mothers living in Victoria, Australia.MethodsTen nurse measured weights and lengths from birth to 3.5 years were used to examine growth trajectory using linear spline multilevel models. Five knot points were identified at visit 2 (0.5 months), visit 4 (2 months), visit 5 (4.5 months), visit 8 (18 months) and visit 9 (25 months).ResultsEthnic disparities in growth trajectories between these two groups were revealed in models adjusted for birth weight, sex and level of socioeconomic disadvantage. Children of Chinese-born compared with Australian-born mothers revealed different growth rates and significant differences in predicted mean body mass index Z score (zBMI) at all time points from birth to 44 months, except for 12 months. Specifically, when compared with children of Australian-born mothers, children of Chinese-born mothers started with lower predicted zBMI from birth until 0.5 months, had a higher zBMI from 1 to 8 months and a lower zBMI from 12 to 44 months. Early and sharp acceleration of growth was also observed for children of Chinese-born mothers (0.5–2 months) when compared with children of Australian-born mothers (2–18 months).ConclusionDifferences in growth trajectories exist between young children of Chinese-born and Australian-born mothers. Better understanding of these ethnically patterned growth trajectories is important for identifying key opportunities to promote healthy growth in early life.

Wafer-scale and deterministic patterned growth of monolayer MoS2via vapor–liquid–solid method

2-Inch-wafer-scale MoS2 films and patterned MoS2 monolayers were achieved via a vapor-liquid-solid growth using non-volatile precursors.