Supported metal catalysts play a crucial role in the modern industry. Constructing strong metal-support interactions (SMSI) is an effective means of regulating the interfacial properties of noble metal-based supported catalysts. Here, we propose a new strategy of ultrafast laser-induced SMSI that can be constructed on a CeO₂-supported Pt system by confining electric field in localized interface. The nanoconfined field essentially boosts the formation of surface defects and metastable CeO_x migration. The SMSI is evidenced by covering Pt nanoparticles with the CeO_x thin overlayer and suppression of CO adsorption. The overlayer is permeable to the reactant molecules. Owing to the SMSI, the resulting Pt/CeO₂ catalyst exhibits enhanced activity and stability for CO oxidation. This strategy of constructing SMSI can be extended not only to other noble metal systems (such as Au/TiO₂, Pd/TiO₂, and Pt/TiO₂) but also on non-reducible oxide supports (such as Pt/Al₂O₃, Au/MgO, and Pt/SiO₂), providing a universal way to engineer and develop high-performance supported noble metal catalysts.

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted growing attention in recent years for electronic packaging applications. Ag NPs have emerged as a promising low-temperature bonding material owing to their unique characteristics. In this study, we mainly review our research progress on the interconnection of using polyol-based Ag NPs for electronic packaging. The synthesis, sintering-bonding process, bonding mechanism, and high-temperature joint properties of Ag NP pastes are investigated. The paste containing a high concentration of Ag NPs was prepared based on the polyol method and concentration. A nanoscale layer of organic components coated on the NPs prevents the coalescence of Ag NPs. The effects of organic components on the bondability of the Ag NP paste were studied. Compared to the aqueous-based Ag NP paste, the polyol-based Ag NP with the reduction of organic component can improve the bondability, and the coffee ring effect was successfully depressed due to the increased Marangoni flow. The sintering behaviors of Ag NPs during the bonding process were investigated using the classical sphere-to-sphere approach. The mechanical property of joints using this Ag paste was better than that using Pb₉₅Sn₅ solders after storage at high temperatures. The sintering–bonding technology using polyol-based Ag NPs was helpful to the low-temperature interconnection for electronic packaging applications.

Photonic crystals are utilized in many noteworthy applications like optical communications, light flow control, and quantum optics. Photonic crystal with nanoscale structure is important for the manipulation of light propagation in visible and near-infrared range. Herein, we propose a novel multi beam lithography method to fabricate photonic crystal with nanoscale structure without cracking. Using multi-beam ultrafast laser processing and etching, parallel channels with subwavelength gap are obtained in yttrium aluminum garnet crystal. Combining optical simulation based on Debye diffraction, we experimentally show the gap width of parallel channels can be controlled at nanoscale by changing phase holograms. With the superimposed phase hologram designing, functional structures of complicated channel arrays distribution can be created in crystal. Optical gratings of different periods are fabricated, which can diffract incident light in particular ways. This approach can efficiently manufacture nanostructures with controllable gap, and offer an alternative to the fabrication of complex photonic crystal for integrated photonics applications.

Ultrafast laser processing technology has offered a wide range of opportunities in micro/nano fabrication and other fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy science, and photonics due to its controllable processing precision, diverse processing capabilities, and broad material adaptability. The processing abilities and applications of the ultrafast laser still need more exploration. In the field of material processing, controlling the atomic scale structure in nanomaterials is challenging. Complex effects exist in ultrafast laser surface/interface processing, making it difficult to modulate the nanostructure and properties of the surface/interface as required. In the ultrafast laser fabrication of micro functional devices, the processing ability needs to be improved. Here, we review the research progress of ultrafast laser micro/nano fabrication in the areas of material processing, surface/interface controlling, and micro functional devices fabrication. Several useful ultrafast laser processing methods and applications in these areas are introduced. With various processing effects and abilities, the ultrafast laser processing technology has demonstrated application values in multiple fields from science to industry.