Nanoscience News (<front>)

A “smart” n-type conjugated polymer with glycolated side chains that forms a more ordered assembly when electrochemically doped, is reported along with a newly synthesized p-type conjugated polymer. The n-type and p-type polymers complement each other perfectly to construct an organic complementary inverter, achieving a record voltage gain of 307 VV−1.

Abstract

The charge transport of channel materials in n-type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) is greatly limited by the adverse effects of electrochemical doping, posing a long-standing puzzle for the community. Herein, an n-type conjugated polymer with glycolated side chains (n-PT3) is introduced. This polymer can adapt to electrochemical doping and create more organized nanostructures, mitigating the adverse effects of electrochemical doping. This unique characteristic gives n-PT3 excellent charge transport in the doped state and reversible ion storage, making it highly suitable as an n-type organic mixed ionic-electronic conducting (OMIEC) material. n-PT3 exhibits a high electron mobility of µ ≈ 1.0 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a figure of merit value of µC* ≈ 100 F cm−1 V−1 s−1, representing one of the best results for n-type OMIEC materials. A new p-type OMIEC polymer has been synthesized as the channel material for constructing a complementary inverter to match the n-type OECT channel layer based on n-PT3. As a result, a voltage gain value of up to 307 VV−1 has been achieved, which is a record value for sub−1 V complementary inverters based on OECTs. This work offers valuable insights into designing electrochemical doping adaptive n-type OMIEC materials and fabricating high-gain organic complementary inverters.

A class of metasurfaces capable of multiplexing guided and space waves is proposed to achieve advanced EM functionalities in microwave regions, which can find great application potentials in radar systems, wireless communications, and wireless power transfer. The findings significantly expand the capabilities of metasurfaces in manipulating EM waves and stimulate advanced multifunctional meta devices facing more challenging and diversified application demands.

Abstract

Nowadays, metasurfaces have attracted considerable attention due to their promising and advanced control of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, it is still challenging to shape guided waves into desired free-space mode, while simultaneously manipulating spatial incident waves using a single metasurface. Herein, a class of metasurfaces capable of multiplexing guided and space waves is proposed to achieve advanced EM functionalities in microwave regions, which can find great application potentials in radar systems, wireless communications, and wireless power transfer (WPT). The proposed metasurface, composed of specially designed meta-atoms with polarization-dependent radiation and reflection properties, provides the capability to fully manipulate complex amplitude of guided waves and reflection phase of space incident wave independently and simultaneously, thus enabling arbitrary radiation and reflection functionalities without encountering crosstalk issues. As examples of potential applications, three advanced EM functionalities operating in both far-field and near-field regions are presented: low-sidelobe microwave antenna with reduced radar cross section (RCS), multifunctional WPT, and feed multiplexed holograms, respectively. The far-field characteristics of the low sidelobe level antennas showing radiated beams at ± 30° together with RCS reduction under arbitrarily polarized incidences are validated by both simulations and measurements. A good agreement between experiments and simulations is also observed for the near-field intensity distribution of the hologram, which further validates the feasibility of near-field shaping. The findings significantly expand the capabilities of metasurfaces in manipulating EM waves and stimulate advanced multifunctional metadevices facing more challenging and diversified application demands.

The charge transfer resistance of Li–S using the modified separator is reduced. In addition, there is no corrosion and the lithium anode is dendrite-free. The ‘shuttle effect’ of polysulfides is greatly suppressed.

Abstract

The “shuttle effect” and the unchecked growth of lithium dendrites during operation in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries seriously impact their practical applications. Besides, the performances of Li–S batteries at high current densities and sulfur loadings hold the key to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical applications. To address the above issues and facilitate the practical utilization of Li–S batteries, the commercial separator is modified with solid electrolyte (nanorod LiAlO2, LAO) and conductive carbon (Super P) to obtain a double coated separator (SPLAOMS). The SPLAOMS can physically barrier polysulfides and accelerate reaction kinetics. In addition, it enhances uniform lithium deposition, boosts ionic conductivity, and increases the utilization of active sulfur substances. The prepared Li–S batteries exhibit excellent cycling stability under harsh conditions (high sulfur loadings and high current densities) with an initial capacity of 733 mAh g−1 and a capacity attenuation of 0.03% per cycle at 5C in 500 cycle life. Under ultra-high sulfur loading (8.2 mg cm−2), the prepared battery maintains a satisfactory capacity of 800 mAh g−1 during cycling, demonstrating enormous commercial application potential. This study serves as a pivotal reference for the commercialization of high-performance Li–S batteries.

Ultra-thin, layered single crystal films of molecular semiconductor 2,9-dioctylnaphtho[2,3-b]naphtha[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene (C8-DNTT-C8) are studied using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), revealing changes in out-of-plane electrical current as a function of the number of molecular layers. A vertical transfer length method is devised, which enables to estimate the out-of-plane charge transport properties of an organic semiconductor at an unprecedented molecular length scale.

Abstract

High contact resistance remains the primary obstacle that hinders further advancements of organic semiconductors (OSCs) in electronic circuits. While significant effort has been directed toward lowering the energy barrier at OSC/metal contact interfaces, approaches toward reducing another major contributor to overall contact resistance – the bulk resistance – have been limited to minimizing the thickness of OSC films. However, the out-of-plane conductivity of OSCs, a critical aspect of bulk resistance, has largely remained unaddressed. In this study, multi-layered 2D crystalline, solution-processed films of the high-mobility molecular semiconductor 2,9-dioctylnaphtho[2,3-b] naphtha[2′,3′:4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene (C8-DNTT-C8) are investigated using conductive-probe atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) to evaluate out-of-plane charge transport. The findings reveal a linear increase in out-of-plane resistance with the number of molecular layers in the film, which is modeled using an equivalent circuit model with multiple tunneling barriers connected in series. Building upon these results, a vertical transfer length method (V-TLM) is developed, allowing one to determine the out-of-plane resistivity of OSC and providing insights into charge transport properties at a single molecule length scale. The V-TLM approach highlights the potential of C-AFM for investigating out-of-plane charge transport in OSC thin films and holds promise for accelerating the screening of molecules for high-performance electronic devices.

The stabilization of Fe species is achieved through the chelation of asymmetric aldehyde-containing ligand THB, which enhances OER performance of NiFeOOH/THB in long-lasting overall water splitting by suppressing the dissolution of Fe and facilitating the rapid formation of highly valent active Fe (III) species.

Abstract

Nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe LDHs) are considered as promising substitutes for precious metals in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, most of the reported NiFe LDHs suffer from poor long-term stability because of the Fe loss during OER resulting in severe inactivation. Herein, a dynamically stable chelating interface through in situ transformation of asymmetric aldehyde-ligand (THB, 1,3,5-Tris(3′-hydroxy-4′-formylphenyl)-benzene) modified NiFe LDHs to anchor Fe and significantly enhance the OER stability is reported. The fabricated asymmetric aldehyde-containing ligand THB is capable of stimulating much more interfacial charge transfer from NiFe LDHs to the oxygen group of THB and accelerating the formation of highly valent active Fe species leading to the strong combination between Fe and ligand and the reduced activation energy barrier of the intermediate, respectively. The optimized aldehyde-ligand-chelated NiFe LDHs (NiFe LDH/THB) shows enhanced OER performance featuring an overpotential of 224 mV at 100 mA cm−2 and robust stability for over 3860 h at 100 mA cm−2 in a water splitting device maintaining a cell voltage of only 1.68 V, which paves a new avenue to improve the water electrolysis performance of non-noble metal catalysts.

The selectivity of the sensing material can be expressed through the idiosyncratic behavior of the gas sensing process, meanwhile, the identification of the target gas becomes more accurate.

Abstract

Traditional selectivity of gas sensors determined by the magnitude of the response value has significant limitations. The distinctive inversion sensing behavior not only defies the traditional sensing theory but also provides insight into defining selectivity. Herein, the novel definition of selectivity is established in a study with VO2(M1). The sensing behavior of VO2(M1) is investigated after its synthesis conditions optimization by machine learning. In gases of the same nature, VO2(M1) shows remarkably selective for NH3 marked with unique resistance increase behavior. Such anomalous behavior is attributed to the formation of the Schottky junction between VO2(M1) and the electrode. The “work function-electron affinity” relation is summarized as the selectivity coefficient, a parameter for predicting the selectivity of the sensing material effectively.

The precise bromination of the quinoxaline-fused core affords two isomeric nonfullerene acceptors, contributing to improved electronic and aggregation structures. AQx-22-based devices exhibit a superior PCE of 19.5% with a high open-circuit voltage of 0.97 V and the lowest energy loss of 0.476 eV reported to date for binary OSCs. Such an isomerization strategy shows great promise for developing next-generation high-performance OSCs.

Abstract

Highly efficient nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) for organic solar cells (OSCs) with low energy loss (E loss) and favorable morphology are critical for breaking the efficiency bottleneck and achieving commercial applications of OSCs. In this work, quinoxaline-based NFAs are designed and synthesized using a synergistic isomerization and bromination approach. The π-expanded quinoxaline-fused core exhibits different bromination sites for isomeric NFAs, namely AQx-21 and AQx-22. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the isomerization effect of core bromination significantly influences molecular intrinsic properties, including electrostatic potentials, polarizability, dielectric constant, exciton binding energy, crystallinity, and miscibility with donor materials, thereby improving molecular packing and bulk-heterojunction morphology. Consequently, the AQx-22-based blend exhibits enhanced crystallinity, reduced domain size, and optimized phase distribution, which facilitates charge transport, suppresses charge recombination, and improves charge extraction. The AQx-22-treated OSCs obtain an impressive efficiency of 19.5% with a remarkable open-circuit voltage of 0.970 V and a low E loss of 0.476 eV. This study provides deep insights into NFA design and elucidates the potential working mechanisms for optimizing morphology and device performance through isomerization engineering of core bromination, highlighting its significance in advancing OSC technology.

Silicon's high capacity and dendrite suppression potential make it a promising negative electrode in solid-state batteries (SSBs), yet cycling stability remains an issue. This study reveals that mechanical cracking, rather than chemical degradation, drives increased resistance in Si/Li6PS5Cl electrodes. Small-grained Li6PS5Cl improves microstructural stability, reducing cracks and enhancing cycling performance, providing insights for better silicon-based SSBs.

Abstract

Silicon is a promising negative electrode material for solid-state batteries (SSBs) due to its high specific capacity and ability to prevent lithium dendrite formation. However, SSBs with silicon electrodes currently suffer from poor cycling stability, despite chemical engineering efforts. This study investigates the cycling failure mechanism of composite Si/Li6PS5Cl electrodes by decoupling the effects of interface chemical degradation and mechanical cracking. Chlorine-rich Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 suppresses interface chemical degradation when paired with silicon, while small-grained Li6PS5Cl shows 4.3-fold increase of interface resistance due to large Si/Li6PS5Cl contact area for interface degradation. Despite this, small-grained Li6PS5Cl improves the microstructure homogeneity of the electrode composites, effectively alleviating the stress accumulation caused by the expansion/shrinkage of silicon particles. This minimizes bulk cracks in Li6PS5Cl during the lithiation processes and interface delamination during the delithiation processes. Mechanical cracking shows a dominant role in increasing interface resistance than interface chemical degradation. Therefore, electrodes with small-grained Li6PS5Cl show better cycling stability than those with Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5. This work not only provides an approach to decouple the complex effects for cycling failure analysis but also provides a guideline for better use of silicon in negative electrodes of SSBs.

{PMo12} and {PW12}, which possess many metal-Ox active sites, have been used as aqueous ammonium-ion supercapacitor materials to achieve extremely high-activity charge storage through a surface-interface energy storage mechanism. Supercapacitor devices assembles with the same energy storage mechanism but different redox potential electrode materials for the positive and negative electrodes can attain ultrahigh energy density and effectively enhance stability.

Abstract

Ammonium-ion supercapacitors (AISCs) offer considerable potential for future development owing to their low cost, high safety, environmental sustainability, and efficient electrochemical energy storage capabilities. The rapid and efficient charge-transfer process at the AISC can endow them with high capacitive and cycling stabilities. However, the prolonged intercalation/deintercalation of NH4 + in layered and framework materials often results in the cleavage of the active sites and the deconstruction of the framework, which makes it difficult to achieve long-term stable energy storage while maintaining high capacitance in the electrode materials. Herein, highly redox-active polyoxometalates (POMs) modified [Ag3(µ-Hbtc)(µ-H2btc)]n (Ag-BTC) is used as electrode materials. POMs effectively promote the pseudocapacitance storage of NH4 + through a similar interface storage mechanism. At a current density of 1 A g−1, {PMo12}@Ag-BTC exhibited a specific capacitance of 619.4 mAh g−1 and retained 100% of its capacitance after 20,000 charge–discharge cycles. An asymmetrical battery with {PMo12}@Ag-BTC and {PW12}@Ag-BTC as positive and negative electrode materials, respectively, achieved an energy density of 125.3 Wh kg−1. The interface-capacitance process enables the full utilization of metal-Ox (x = b, c, t) sites within the POMs, significantly enhancing charge storage. This study emphasizes the considerable potential of POM-based electrode materials for NH4 + intercalation/deintercalation energy storage.

The phase formation mechanisms of the over-stoichiometric rocksalt-type Li superionic conductor are systematically investigated. The spinel-like phase with unconventional stoichiometry forms as coherent precipitate from the cation-disordered rocksalt phase upon fast cooling, preventing decomposition into equilibrium phases and kinetically trapping the metastable face-sharing configurations. The ionic conductivity is further optimized to 1.45 mS cm−1 at room temperature through low-temperature post-annealing.

Abstract

Rationalizing synthetic pathways is crucial for material design and property optimization, especially for polymorphic and metastable phases. Over-stoichiometric rocksalt (ORX) compounds, characterized by their face-sharing configurations, are a promising group of materials with unique properties; however, their development is significantly hindered by challenges in synthesizability. Here, taking the recently identified Li superionic conductor, over-stoichiometric rocksalt Li–In–Sn–O (o-LISO) material as a prototypical ORX compound, the mechanisms of phase formation are systematically investigated. It is revealed that the spinel-like phase with unconventional stoichiometry forms as coherent precipitate from the high-temperature-stabilized cation-disordered rocksalt phase upon fast cooling. This process prevents direct phase decomposition and kinetically locks the system in a metastable state with the desired face-sharing Li configurations. This insight enables us to enhance the ionic conductivity of o-LISO to be >1 mS cm−1 at room temperature through low-temperature post-annealing. This work offers insights into the synthesis of ORX materials and highlights important opportunities in this new class of materials.

Re-designing the metal source to eliminate cluster-missing defects and then adding extra ligands to heal the linker-missing defects realize the construction of angstrom-scale defect-free MOF membranes. The MOF membrane with intrinsic angstrom-sized lattice aperture shows an outstanding molecular sieving performance toward organic azeotropic mixtures, surpassing the upper-bound of state-of-the-art membranes.

Abstract

Crystalline membranes, represented by the metal-organic framework (MOF) with well-defined angstrom-sized apertures, have shown great potential for molecular separation. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to separate small molecules with very similar molecular size differences due to angstrom-scale defects during membrane formation. Herein, a stepwise assembling strategy is reported for constructing MOF membranes with intrinsic angstrom-sized lattice aperture lattice to separate organic azeotropic mixtures separation. The membrane is synthesized by redesigning the metal source, which reduces the coordination reaction rate to avoid cluster-missing defects. Then, extra ligands are introduced to overcome the coordination steric hindrance to heal the linker-missing defects. Ultralow-dose transmission electron microscopy is used to realize a direct observation of the angstrom-scale defects. For separating the challenging methanol-containing ester or ether azeotropic mixtures with molecular size difference as small as <1 Å, the angstrom-scale defect-free MOF membrane exhibits an outstanding flux of ≈3700 g·m−2 h−1 and separation factor of ≈247–524, far beyond the upper-bound of state-of-the-arts membranes. This study offers a feasible strategy for precisely constructing angstrom-confined spaces for diverse applications (e.g., separation, catalysis, and storage).

This work constructs a wavelength-dependent, bipolarity-modulated self-powered ultra-wide Bi2Se3/AlInAsSb heterojunction photodetector (PD) with a response range of 250–1900 nm, achieving a detectivity greater than 1010 Jones across the entire spectrum under zero bias. It also enables high-contrast broad-spectrum imaging and high-encryption optical communication.

Abstract

Broadband photodetectors (PDs) have garnered significant attention due to their ability to detect optical signals across a wide wavelength range, with applications spanning military reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and medical imaging. However, existing broadband detectors face several practical challenges, including limited detection range, uneven photoresponse, and difficult to distinguish multispectral signals. To address these limitations, this study presents a self-powered ultra-wide PD based on the Bi2Se3/AlInAsSb heterojunction. The device can detect signals across a wide wavelength range from 250 nm to 1900 nm, exhibiting outstanding optoelectronic performance with a maximum responsivity of 0.5 A W−1, a detectivity of 4.2 × 1012 Jones, a switching ratio of 1.1 × 104, and an external quantum efficiency of 71.4%. Furthermore, the detector achieves a detectivity greater than 1010 Jones across the entire broadband range, significantly improving photoresponse uniformity. Notably, due to the differential band alignment of the two materials across spectral ranges, this detector exhibits a photocurrent polarity reversal in the 650–680 nm range. Leveraging its broadband and bipolar characteristics, this PD successfully enables secure information encryption in communication systems. This study significantly advances broadband PD technology, enhancing its practical uses and introducing innovative solutions for secure communications, thus strengthening communication security and confidentiality.

By manipulating their asymmetric electronic spin states, the unique electronic structures and unsaturated coordination environments of single atoms can be effectively harnessed to control their magnetic properties. In this research, the first investigation is presented into the regulation of magnetic properties through the electronic spin states of single atoms to control their electromagnetic properties.

Abstract

By manipulating their asymmetric electronic spin states, the unique electronic structures and unsaturated coordination environments of single atoms can be effectively harnessed to control their magnetic properties. In this research, the first investigation is presented into the regulation of magnetic properties through the electronic spin states of single atoms. Magnetic single-atom one-dimensional materials, M-N-C/ZrO2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni), with varying electronic spin states, are design and synthesize based on the electronic orbital structure model. The SAs 3d electron spin structure of the composite M-N-C modulates the magneto physical properties and triggers a unique natural resonance loss, which achieves a controllable tuning of the effective absorption band under low-frequency conditions. The minimum reflection loss (RL min) of M-N-C can reach -69.71 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) ratio is as high as 91% (2–18 GHz). The current work provides a path toward achieving controllable modulation of low-frequency electromagnetic wave bands by exploring the mechanism through which atomic and even electronic level interactions influence magnetic modulation.

This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of three distinct photothermal mechanisms. It discusses recent advancements in photothermal de-icing and elucidates key challenges in their application. Through a detailed presentation of a comparative dataset and critical insights, valuable guidance is provided for future research, particularly in the strategic selection of materials and structure designs, to advance practical de-icing solutions in real-world applications.

Abstract

To tackle the formidable challenges posed by extreme cold weather events, significant advancements have been made in developing functional surfaces capable of efficiently removing accreted ice. Nevertheless, many of these surfaces still require external energy input, such as electrical power, which raises concerns regarding their alignment with global sustainability goals. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been directed toward photothermal surface designs that harness solar energy−a resource available on Earth in quantities exceeding the total reserves of coal and oil combined. By converting solar energy into heat, these designs enable the transformation of the interfacial solid-solid contact (ice-substrate) into a liquid-solid contact (water-substrate), significantly reducing interfacial adhesion and facilitating rapid ice removal. This critical perspective begins by emphasizing the advantages of photothermal design over traditional de-icing methods. It then delves into an in-depth analysis of three primary photothermal mechanisms, examining how these principles have expanded the scope of de-icing technologies and contributed to advancements in photothermal surface design. Finally, key fundamental and technical challenges are identified, offering strategic guidelines for future research aimed at enabling practical, real-world applications.

Shape Optimisation of Concrete Structural Elements Reinforced with WFRP (Wounded-Fibre-Reinforced-Polymer) Bars

In 2022, building operations and construction accounted for 37% of total global energy and process related CO2 emissions (UNEP, 2023). Reducing these emissions is urgent. It is therefore worth rethinking the most used building material – concrete.

One approach to lowering the embodied carbon of concrete structures is shape optimisation – using material only where it is needed and taking advantage of the fluidity of concrete to create non-prismatic structural elements (Orr 2012; Orr et al. 2014). Another approach is replacing traditional steel reinforcement by alternative reinforcement, such as WFRP (Wounded-Fibre-Reinforced-Polymer) Bars which show the potential to reduce the embodied carbon compared to their steel-reinforced counterparts (Pavlović et al. 2022; Garg and Shrivastava 2019; Inman et al. 2017).

However, non-prismatic beams and slabs might be more prone to excessive deflection than their prismatic counterparts due to reduced flexural stiffness (Tayfur 2016). Additionally, WFRP -reinforced elements often exhibit greater deflection than steel-reinforced ones, because FRP bars (except carbon FRP ) typically have a lower elastic modulus than steel.

To address this issue, it is necessary to optimise the shape of WFRP - reinforced structural elements for Serviceability Limit State (SLS), ensuring they achieve lower embodied carbon than steel-reinforced ones whilst meeting design requirements for SLS . To achieve this, a theoretical method of shape optimisation for SLS is proposed, demonstrating higher efficiency than the existing method (Tayfur 2016). In addition, a flexural test on three BFRP (basalt FRP ) reinforced concrete slabs was conducted in the NFRIS (National Research Facility for Infrastructure Sensing) laboratory in 2024.

This presentation will cover this experimental study on the deflection of non-prismatic slabs in flexure as well as the theoretical method of shape optimisation for SLS .

• Speaker: Shizhe Hong, University of Cambridge, UK
• Friday 28 February 2025, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: CivEng Seminar Room (1-33) (Civil Engineering Building).
• Series: Engineering Department Structures Research Seminars; organiser: Shehara Perera.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05841K, PaperWu Shao, Jie Sheng, Yufei Fu, Jingwen He, Zhihao Deng, Rong-hao Cen, Wenjun Wu
Conventional aqueous processing of all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells has encountered significant limitations hindering performance optimization and long-term stability. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel dual-solvent engineering strategy...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00233H, PaperDawei Gao, Yujie Yang, Xinyang Zhou, Yuandong Sun, Weiqiang Miao, Dan Liu, Wei Li, Tao Wang
Organic semiconductors promise highly-flexible, solution-processable electronics, and have attracted great attentions in applications photovoltaics and photodetectors. However, they also suffer from large exciton binding energy and poor charge transport ability,...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE06027J, Review ArticleQin Zhang, Xi Chen, Eng Liang Lim, Lei Shi, Zhanhua Wei
Perovskite solar cell (PSC) has attracted tremendous attention because of the impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE). After extensive device engineering efforts, the PCE of the single junction PSC has reached...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

Simplicial volume and aspherical manifolds

Simplicial volume is a homotopy invariant for compact manifolds introduced by Gromov that measures the complexity of a manifold in terms of singular simplices. A celebrated question by Gromov (~’90) asks whether all oriented closed connected aspherical manifolds with zero simplicial volume also have vanishing Euler characteristic. In this talk, we will describe the problem and we will show counterexamples to some variations of the previous question. Moreover, we will describe some new strategies to approach the problem as well as the relation between Gromov’s question and other classical problems in topology. This will include joint works with Clara Löh and George Raptis, and with Alberto Casali.

• Speaker: Marco Moraschini (Università di Bologna)
• Wednesday 19 February 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: CMS, MR15.
• Series: Differential Geometry and Topology Seminar; organiser: Oscar Randal-Williams.

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The Microtargeting Manipulation Machine

In this talk, I examine the use of psychological microtargeting, which uses inferred personality traits from online behavior to customize manipulative messages. I begin by highlighting the opaque nature of such targeting and my approach to reverse-engineer these algorithms to detect and potentially alert users to targeted ads (Simchon et al., 2023). Next, I show that microtargeted political ads, even those generated by AI, are markedly more effective than non-microtargeted ones. This underscores both the persuasive power of AI-driven microtargeting and the ethical issues it raises due to its potential for large-scale use (Simchon et al., 2024). Finally, I explore the effectiveness of warning signals against these targeted ads and find that despite the implementation of such interventions, the persuasive power of targeted messages persists, raising urgent needs for robust regulatory responses (Carrella, Simchon, et al., 2025).

• Speaker: Almog Simchon (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
• Wednesday 19 February 2025, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: Online: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDIzZDBmNDEtNTZlNC00MzFkLWEzNWEtODBmZmI5NWE0NzJh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2249a50445-bdfa-4b79-ade3-547b4f3986e9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2215d66985-4ebf-4bf2-a70f-da9a8a459e44%22%7d.
• Series: Social Psychology Seminar Series (SPSS); organiser: Yara Kyrychenko.

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