Commercial Applications Research Articles

Comparison of the noise perception of conventional aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for commercial applications is seeing steady growth in numerous sectors as the technology improves and more applications are realised. Whilst research into human response to UAS noise is a relatively new field, there is a far greater understanding of the perception and impacts of conventional aircraft noise. Therefore, a listening experiment was designed to investigate the relationship between perception of conventional aircraft and UAS flyover noise. The experiment used mono ground plate recordings of flyovers from several different aircraft and UAS, these recordings were re-spatialised to simulate flyovers over a multi-channel loudspeaker system. Participants were then asked to rate the annoyance of the sounds through a series of A/B comparisons. Results of the experiment demonstrate a clear positive correlation between Loudness and annoyance. However, Sound Quality Metric analysis also suggests that Sharpness of the UAS sound and Tonality and/or Roughness of aircraft sounds can also be a significant factor for annoyance. The finding of this experiment may contribute to the understanding and development of exposure-response relationships for UAS noise, building upon the extensive existing evidence on human response to conventional aircraft noise.

Hybrid Screen Printable Electrolyte for Large‐Scale Flexible Electrochromic Display Production

AbstractThis study presents the development of a novel screen printable quasi‐solid polymer electrolyte (p‐QSPE) for Electrochromic Displays (ECDs) applications. p‐QSPE is composed of three key components: polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a high‐dielectric constant polymer that ensures high ionic conductivity in solid‐state; glyceril propoxy triacrylate (GPTA), a UV‐cross‐linkable monomer that provides structure and durability for overprinting; titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, which modulate the electrolyte's rheological properties for screen printing; reducing the solvent (PC:EC) content to only 35.90 wt.%. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that this well‐designed formulation achieved an ionic conductivity of 1.17 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature, surpassing the threshold required for commercial applications. Moreover, p‐QSPE facilitated the production of fully screen printed ECDs in an industrial printing line, streamlining their production process and achieving an optimal balance between printability, overprint resilience, and device performance. Operational tests for the ECDs showed fast switching times (<6 s for t90 and <2 s for t75) across a wide temperature range (−20 °C to 80 °C). Additionally, the electrolyte demonstrated low charge consumption (2.10 ± 0.11 mC cm−2) and a lifespan exceeding 10 000 cycles. These results highlight the potential of p‐QSPE as a screen printable, high‐performance electrolyte, capable of advancing ECD manufacturing by enabling the production of fully screen‐printed, performing ECDs.

Effect of three polysaccharides with different charge characteristics on the properties of highland barley starch gel

Highland barley, a nutritious whole grain, faces limited market utilization due to the poor heating stability of its starch. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three differently charged ionic polysaccharides—guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)—on the gel properties of highland barley starch (HBS). GG and XG notably increased pasting viscosity, viscoelasticity, hardness, and strength of HBS gels. Conversely, CMC resulted in decreased gel properties. All three polysaccharides enhanced OH tensile vibration (3000–3800 cm−1), with GG and XG promoting denser honeycomb network structures and lower spin–spin relaxation time (T2), indicating improved structural integrity. In contrast, low concentrations of CMC led to disorder and loose structure. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions were the main forces by which polysaccharides influenced the properties of starch gels. This research contributes to enhancing the properties of HBS gel during heating and expanding its commercial applications. It also provides some insights to understand the interaction between different charged polysaccharides and starch.

The Influence of Solvent Choice on the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Asteraceae: A Comparative Review

While the potential of Asteraceae plants as herbal remedies has been globally recognized, their widespread application in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries requires a deeper understanding of how extraction methods influence bioactive compound yields and functionalities. Previous research has primarily focused on the physiological activities or chemical compositions of individual Asteraceae species, often overlooking the critical role of solvent selection in optimizing extraction. Additionally, the remarkable physiological activities observed in these plants have spurred a growing number of clinical trials, aiming to validate their efficacy and safety for potential therapeutic and commercial applications. This work aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by providing an integrated analysis of extraction techniques, the diverse range of bioactive compounds present in Asteraceae, and the influence of solvent choice on isolating these valuable substances. By elucidating the interplay between extraction methods, solvent properties, and bioactivity, we underscore the promising potential of Asteraceae plants and highlight the importance of continued research, including clinical trials, to fully unlock their potential in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Information Technology Heritage: Towards an Optimal Model of Its Institutional Preservation and Its Use as a Tourist Attraction

ABSTRACT This article provides an in-depth analysis of computer museums. Currently, these technological artifacts from the recent past are considered as technological cultural heritage that deserves protection. The research focused on the organizational, financial, and legal aspects of establishing and running this kind of museum. The study was based on the practical experience of the founders of computer museums and the knowledge of renowned experts in the field. Based on the learnings documented in the academic literature certain recommendations have been selected to be the guideline for objects of this type. In the process, it was discovered that each museum had adopted a different vision for their development. They did share, however, the same idea to preserve the IT heritage but differed in the commercial application of their exhibits.

Robust self-healing ion-conductive interlocking dual-network binder based on gradient dynamic bonding for advanced SiO anodes in Li-Ion batteries

Silicon-based (e.g., SiO) anodes have attracted much attention for their high specific capacity; however, poor conductivity and dramatic volume change during the charge/discharge cycling hinder their commercial application in high energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Ideal binders hold a decisive effect on inhibiting the volume effect of the silicon-based anode. Herein, inspired by the hierarchical structure of living organisms, we design a multifunctional self-healing interlocking dual-network binder based on gradient dynamic bonding and apply the binder to SiO anode toward high specific capacity and long-term cycle performance. Specifically, rigid polyacrylic acid (PAA) and flexible polylipoic acid (PTA) are interlocked by gradient dynamic bonding containing of disulfide linkage, metalcoordination and hydrogen bonding. The obtained binder has strong adhesion, high mechanical toughness, fast self-healing performance and high ionic conductivity, which enable the SiO anode effectively buffering the volume expansion and exhibiting excellent cycling stability. The SiO electrode with the new binder delivers a high capacity of 884.8 mAh/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g after 500 cycles and a high capacity of 765.2 mAh/g at a high mass loading of 3.0 mg cm−2 after 100 cycles. Moreover, the assembled SiO||NCM811 full cell achieves a reversible capacity of 169.75 mAh/g with capacity retention of 77.5 % after 100 cycles. This work offers a new method for the design of versatile self-healing binder adaptive to electrode volume change, so as to accelerate the application of the silicon-based anode.

From Pb‐based MAPbI3−xClx to Pb‐free FASnI3−xClx and CsSbCl4 derivatives fabrication in atmospheric conditions for optoelectronic and solar cell applications

AbstractMAPbI3 is the most attractive perovskite, but toxicity and instability issues hinder its commercial applications. Stability can be improved by halide mixing; however, Pb‐free perovskites are designed to alleviate the toxicity and to enable green photovoltaics (PVs). To this end, MAPbI3‐xClx, FASnI3‐xClx and CsSbCl4 films are deposited by spay pyrolysis technique in atmospheric conditions. SEM images demonstrated that through this process, high quality film fabrication is possible. Color of the precursor solutions changes with stirring time. High crystallinity and existence of mixed‐phases are confirmed by XRD analysis. Compositions greatly impact the morphology and optical properties. Value of α is larger than 105 cm−1 for all films. Band gaps of FASnI3‐xClx and CsSbCl4 are 1.46 eV and 1.52 eV, which are more suitable for PVs, optoelectronic applications than MAPbI3‐xClx (Eg = 1.59 eV). The efficiency was obtained as 16.34%, 9.90%, and 13.08% for deposited MAPbI3‐xClx, FASnI3‐xClx, and CsSbCl4 films. The lower efficiency can further be enhanced by optimizing parameters, and in this study it was found as 20.78%, 11.93%, and 18.02%. Theoretical calculations show the films can easily produce O2 by a strong oxidation process. Thus, the favorable characteristics of FASnI3‐xClx and CsSbCl4 make alternative Pb‐free perovskites for PV, electronic, and optoelectronic applications.image

Establishing laser cutting of components for sulfide-based solid-state batteries

The demand for safe, power- and energy-dense, low-cost batteries is constantly increasing due to the global shift toward renewable energy sources and the associated need for battery electric vehicles and grid-level energy storage. However, current-generation lithium-ion batteries are struggling to meet the requirements and are reaching their physicochemical limits regarding energy density. Solid-state battery technology promises to improve the current state of the art in electrochemical energy storage and has proven itself in research, although not yet in commercial applications. One of the main challenges in bringing the technology to the market is the limited knowledge and research on the production of solid-state batteries with commercially viable technologies. This study investigates the application of laser cutting technology to improve the cutting process in the production of sulfide-based solid-state batteries. Challenges such as the production atmosphere, handling of the components, and differences compared to conventional battery components are discussed. Using a picosecond laser source, the influence of the pulse frequency, peak fluence, scanning speed, and laser passes was investigated to identify appropriate parameters for cutting sulfide-based composite cathodes. The findings were then successfully applied to the cutting of sulfide-based solid electrolyte separators. An improvement in edge quality compared to mechanical punching is demonstrated, marking a crucial step toward the commercialization of solid-state batteries.

High-yield Micro-LED laser transfer accomplished using an ablation-type release material

Micro light-emitting diode (Micro-LED) is a highly promising technology in the field of new displays, with the mass transfer process involved in its manufacturing process widely regarded as a major barrier to their further development. This study adopts laser transfer technology as the primary solution, using ablation-type transfer release materials that improve chip utilization rates over blister-type release materials. In addition, measurement of the laser transfer parameters, inspection, and laser repair technology are combined to achieve a transfer yield of about 100% to the carrier substrate and a cumulative transfer displacement of less than 1 µm in the Micro-LED inverted chip array. Furthermore, cleaning agents were used to remove adhesive residue from the receiving substrate after transfer, improving the bonding yield between the chip and the thin film transistor driver circuit board. This study provides a feasible solution for Micro-LED mass transfer, which could boost its further development toward commercial application.

Optical-atomic system integration and calibration: Pumping from 1 atm to 1 × 10-11 Torr in 24 h.

Ultracold atoms exquisitely controlled by lasers are the quantum foundation, particularly for sensing, timekeeping, and computing, of state-of-the-art quantum science and technology. However, the laboratory-scale infrastructure for such optical-atomic quantum apparatus rarely translates into commercial applications. A promising solution is miniaturizing the optical layouts onto a chip-scale device integrated with cold atoms inside a compact ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber. For prototyping purposes, however, rapidly loading or exchanging test photonic devices into a UHV chamber is limited by the evacuation time from atmospheric pressures to the optimal pressures for ultracold atoms of 1 × 10-11 Torr, a process that typically takes weeks or months without cryogenics. Here, we present a loadlock apparatus and loading procedure capable of venting, exchanging, and evacuating back to <1×10-11 Torr in under 24h. Our system allows for rapid testing and benchmarking of various photonic devices with ultracold atoms.

Non-Invasive Bio-Impedance Imaging and Sensing for Medical Diagnostics and Industrial Applications

Bio-impedance-based imaging technique stands at the intersection of medical/industrial imaging techniques and is also known as electrical impedance tomography (EIT), imparting a non-invasive, value-powerful approach for imaging biological tissues and procedures. We begin by elucidating the essential standards underlying EIT, focusing on the size of impedance variations inside an object (plastic pipe) to reconstruct its inner conductivity distribution. Subsequently, we delve into the numerous programs of EIT across numerous fields and discuss recent experimental strategies and advancements aimed at mitigating these boundaries, such as novel electrode configurations, advanced reconstruction algorithms, and incorporation of complementary imaging modalities. Finally, we underscore the importance of experimental research in advancing the capabilities and packages of EIT as a valuable device in industrial monitoring, specifically in bedside tracking, process pipelines, tank monitoring and also used for other medical or industrial detection, even as additionally exploring its rising roles in commercial and environmental applications.

Thermal and photochemical degradation of CsGeI3 and CsGeBr3: XPS and optical studies

The toxicity of complex lead halides significantly limits the commercialization and practical application of perovskite solar cells. In recent days, lead-free complex lead halides with a perovskite structure have become increasingly popular, among which germanium systems are the least studied. Here we present for the first time a systematic study of the thermal and photochemical stability of perovskite thin films of CsGeI3 and CsGeBr3. The measurements of optical absorbance and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) of core levels and valence bands of Ge-based halide perovskites after light soaking and heat stress were thoroughly performed. It has been found the effect of thermal and photochemical degradation of Ge perovskites which is accompanied by reduction of I:Ge and Br:Ge ratios and appearance of tetravalent metal species fixed in XPS Ge 2p and Ge 3d spectra. The XPS O 1s measurements of irradiated and annealed Ge-based perovskites and their comparison with spectra of GeO2 have shown that formation of Ge4+-species is not due to metal oxidation but owing to defect-mediated hole-doping. While the Ge2+→Ge4+ process lowers the thermal and photochemical stability of Ge-based perovskites and limits their use in photovoltaics, the temperature induced hole doping is favorable for thermoelectric applications.

Development and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica-MgSO4-MgCl2 Binary Salt Composites for Low-Grade Heat Storage in Fluidized Bed Systems

Achieving nearly zero-energy buildings requires efficient utilization and storage of renewable energy. Salt-hydrate-based thermochemical energy storage (TCES) systems are promising due to their high heat storage capacity and minimal seasonal heat loss. However, challenges remain for their commercialization and large-scale application. For example, TCES systems using magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) provide low temperature lifts due to slow reaction kinetics. Incorporating deliquescent salts like magnesium chloride (MgCl2) can enhance sorption performance but may introduce stability issues such as agglomeration and decomposition. This study proposes a novel binary-salt composite that combines MgSO4 and MgCl2 within commercial mesoporous silica (CMS) to address these challenges and enhance overall performance. The binary-salt composite powder, with a particle size range of 150 to 300 μm, is suitable for use in fluidized-bed reactors, where fast mass and heat transfer promote efficient moisture adsorption, prevent uneven temperature distribution, and reduce agglomeration. Measured using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the MgCl2-MgSO4@CMS binary-salt composites, with a total salt content of 50 wt% and salt mixing ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, exhibited water sorption capacities of 0.95, 0.68, and 0.57 g/g, respectively. In comparison, the MgSO4@CMS single-salt composite showed a lower water adsorption capacity of 0.47 g/g and required higher temperatures above 150 °C for complete regeneration. Reactor-scale experiments demonstrated that the MgCl2-MgSO4(1:1)@CMS composite can be fluidized at low gas velocities on the order of 10-2 m/s, providing a maximum temperature lift of 24.7 °C and an energy density of 1018 kJ/kg during hydration at 80% relative humidity and 30 °C. The binary-salt composite also showed good cyclic stability with less particle agglomeration compared to the MgCl2@CMS single-salt composite.

Graphene oxide/polydopamine interface co-reinforced carbon paper: With comprehensive mechanical properties, electrical conductivity and air permeability

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell ( PEMFC) are characterised by their cleanliness, efficiency and lack of pollution. Carbon paper, the fundamental material for constructing gas-diffusion layer (GDL), plays a crucial role in electron transmission, supporting the electrode structure, and proton transport. However, the traditional carbon paper for GDL significantly limits the large-scale commercial application of PEMFC due to its low mechanical strength and poor conductivity. Based on this, in this paper, polydopamine is used to modify primary carbon fiber paper, a homogeneous mixed solution of graphene oxide and phenolic resin is used as the impregnating agent, and the effects of different GO concentrations on the properties of carbon paper are investigated. The results show that the graphitization degree and mechanical properties of carbon paper are improved with the increase of GO concentration. When the content of polydopamine is 2 g/L and the concentration of GO is 0.5 wt%, the carbon paper exhibits optimal performance. The air permeability of carbon paper is 12.18 L/min, the resistivity is 13.5 mΩ·cm, and the tensile strength is 19.3 MPa. This study provides a simple method for preparing highly breathable and highly conductive carbon paper, offering a reference for achieving low-cost and high-performance carbon paper production, and facilitating the large-scale commercial production of carbon paper.

Effects of different culture media on growth, composition, quality and palatability of the green algae Ulva sp. cultivated in cylindrical photobioreactors

Ulva spp. are valuable seaweeds with recognized commercial applications, including food, feed, and ecosystem services. Ensuring a sustainable and consistent supply of biomass with desirable profiles aligned with intended uses is fundamental for the successful applications of this seaweed. In this study, the growth rate, morphology, physiology, and composition of Ulva sp. produced by propagation in indoor cylindrical photobioreactors using four different culture media (lagoon water - LW, lagoon water enriched with Guillard medium (LF), with sea urchin wastewater - LU, and cow digestate - LD) was assessed; moreover, the nutrient uptake potential of the species was evaluated. The palatability and attractivity of the produced biomass towards the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were investigated. It was found that the media influenced all the parameters examined, the LF biomass weight was double compared to the other treatments and showed a slightly higher absorbance. Colorimetric analyses reported a significant darker color in Ulva sp. grown under enriched media. Ulva sp. showed higher nutrient removal potential in LF. The lipid content did not vary (2–3 % dry weight, DW), while the protein content ranged from 21 % in LF to 6–9 % in the other treatments. Carbohydrates and fiber content were significantly lower in LF (16 % and 30 %) compared to the other treatments, 27–34 %, and 41–48 %, respectively. Pigment content significantly varied, being higher in biomass grown in LF and LU. Sea urchins showed preferences for biomass grown under LU, followed by LD. This study shows how different nutrient sources affect the biochemical composition, growth, quality, and palatability of Ulva sp.. When cultivated under the synthetic enriched media (LF) the species exhibits characteristics better suitable for human consumption, although requiring a higher economic investment for production, while biomass derived from wastewater nutrients (LD, LU) confirms potential applications of the seaweed as valuable feed and for bioremediation services.

Evaluating the environmental impacts of brick production from waste plastic

The building and construction sector accounts for nearly 40% of the total process-related greenhouse gas emissions, out of which 11% of emissions are related to the production of building materials. To achieve environmental sustainability, it is imperative that these emissions be minimized through a novel approach. We propose that instead of using conventional building techniques of wood-based construction for interior walls of a house, bricks manufactured from waste plastic be used. In this paper, a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) is carried out for the building materials used in the construction of interior walls for a standard 2450 sq. ft. home, and the results are compared to the bricks manufactured from waste plastic. Plastic bricks are manufactured by sorting and shredding the waste plastic and then bailing it in a superheated steam environment. The LCA is modeled in SimaPro 9.5.0.1, using the Ecoinvent v3 database and the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) 2016 impact assessment method. The results indicate that the use of waste plastics in construction leads to reduction in the water consumption by 26%, terrestrial ecotoxicity by 59%, mineral resource scarcity by 81%, and the land use by 99% when compared to conventional construction activities. Our research work provides a novel pathway towards sustainable construction practices through this life cycle assessment study, and the results can be further improved by using eco-friendly energy sources and natural resource-based adhesives. Future work needs to be carried out to explore the mechanical and structural properties of the bricks and their use in large-scale commercial applications, as well as innovative brick designs that eliminate the need for adhesives.

Graphics card-based real-time processing for dual comb interferometry.

The technique of performing interferometry with two optical frequency combs is used by an increasing number of research groups and even for field deployed commercial applications. Real-time interferogram acquisition, correction, and averaging are, however, still not broadly accessible. This limits the deployment and wider adoption of this high resolution, high sensitivity technique. We herein introduce and describe a freely available correction software performing real-time processing on a graphics processing unit.

Design optimization and off-design performance analysis of one-dimensional supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) recompression Brayton cycle (RBC) is an encouraging technology for thermal power conversion and heat harvest for a wide range of heat sources due to its high-efficiency, low auxiliary power consumption, and compact size. However, most studies on its design and off-design performance analysis have been limited to the simple zero-dimensional component models without considering aerothermodynamics and ambient conditions. In this study, we developed a set of fully one-dimensional components models for SCO2 compressors, turbines, and heat exchangers, and, then, applied them to the multi-objective design optimization of a SCO2 cycle targeting a 50 MW net power output. The cycle off-design performance analysis methods and the control strategies were developed to countermeasure the performance degradation against the varying cooling water temperatures and part loads. The multi-objective cycle design optimization demonstrates that the cycle thermal efficiency and total product unit cost can be 0.476 and 11.652$/GJ, respectively, for the 50 MW SCO2 RBC cycle. The choke margin of the main compressor is 0.136 less than that of the re-compressor, and condensation can lead to a sharp decline in efficiency under high-flow conditions, causing the earlier onset of choking. The off-design performance analysis shows that the turbine inlet pressure control improves cycle efficiency below the design point of 317 K but does otherwise above the point. In contrast, inventory control strategies can maintain stable cycle efficiency and achieve adjustable net power output between 10 % and 110 %. The findings have the potential to advance further the commercial application of SCO2 cycles in high-temperature thermal energy systems.

Comparative Study on DI Diesel Engine Performance and Emissions using HCP microalgae biodiesel, Mahua oil biodiesel, Rubber seed oil biodiesel and Petroleum diesel

Abstract Energy consumption of the world is increasing hence the prices of fuels are increasing. Fossil fuels are the major source of energy but they are depleting in nature and they may exhaust in future. So we cannot depend on these sources and biofuels can be considered as substitute for fossil fuels, hence lot of researchers are doing extensive research on biofuels. So it is important to study the performance of different biofuels to find suitable one in terms of food crisis and better engine performance. Accordingly in this study the performance and emissions characteristics of Rubber seed oil, Mahua oil and microalgae oil biodiesels are studied. The results of this comparison study carried with HCP-B20, MO-B20 and RSO-B20 biodiesel blends indicates that the performance of HCP-B20 blend is better and emissions are lower compared to MO-B20 and RSO-B20 blends. The higher content of oxygen present in the microalgae biodiesel leads to higher rate of combustion reactions, in turn complete flame propagation and improved combustion. The BTE is lower with HCP-B20, MO-B20 and RSO-B20 compared to PD. Added advantage with this microalgae biofuel is, it is non-edible, it doesn’t require fertile land for its growth. So HCP-B20 blend may be viable for the commercial application.

Supplying active lithium to single-crystal Li(Ni0.90Co0.05Mn0.05)0.98Ta0.02O2 with Li2MnO3 coating served as cathode for Li-ion batteries

Ni-rich layered oxide with Ni molar content larger than 90% was regarded as an extremely promising candidate for cathode material applied in lithium-ion batteries owing to the significant discharging capacity and low cost. Nevertheless, rigorous cycling attenuation resulted from the crystal structure collapse and unstable particles interface deeply restrained the commercial application. In the work, LiNi0.90Co0.05Mn0.05O2 was modified by Ta5+ doping and Li2MnO3 covering, which was aimed to enhance the structure stability, defend the electrolyte attacking and promote Li+ migration during cycling. The material characterization demonstrated the cathodes after Ta5+ doping delivered the larger cell lattice parameters and higher cation ordering, which was helpful to improve the rate property and discharge capacity at low temperature. The Li2MnO3 layer was tightly adhered on the outside of LiNi0.90Co0.05Mn0.05O2, which could effectively relieve the electrolyte attacking and sustain the particle morphology integrity. As a result, 2wt.% Li2MnO3 coated Li(Ni0.90Co0.05Mn0.05)0.98Ta0.02O2 exhibited the outstanding discharge capacity of 150.2 mAh g−1 at 10.0 large current density and 140.6 mAh g−1 at -30 °C as well as the remarkable capacity retention of 93.1% after 300 cycles. Meanwhile, the pouch full batteries obtained by 2wt.% Li2MnO3 coated Li(Ni0.90Co0.05Mn0.05)0.98Ta0.02O2 also showed the more stable storage capability, cyclic property in comparison with bare LiNi0.90Co0.05Mn0.05O2.