Development Of Devices Research Articles

Isolation of Elusive Fluoflavine Radicals in Two Differing Oxidation States.

Facile access and switchability between multiple oxidation states are key properties of many catalytic applications and spintronic devices yet poorly understood due to inherent complications arising from isolating a redox system in multiple oxidation states without drastic structural changes. Here, we present the first isolable, free fluoflavine (flv) radical flv(1-•) as a bottleable potassium compound, [K(crypt-222)](flv•), 1, and a new series of organometallic rare earth complexes [(Cp*2Y)2(μ-flvz)]X, (where Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, X = [Al(OC{CF3}3)4]- (z = -1), 2; X = 0 (z = -2), 3; [K(crypt-222)]+ (z = -3), 4) comprising the flv ligand in three different oxidation states, two of which are paramagnetic flv1-• and flv3-•. Excitingly, 1, 2, and 4 constitute the first isolable flv1-• and flv3-• radical complexes and, to date, the only isolated flv radicals of any oxidation state. All compounds are accessible in good crystalline yields and were unambiguously characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, cyclic voltammetry, IR-, UV-vis, and variable-temperature EPR spectroscopy. Remarkably, the EPR spectra for 1, 2, and 4 are distinct and a testament to stronger spin delocalization onto the metal centers as a function of higher charge on the flv radical. In-depth analysis of the electron- and spin density via density functional theory (DFT) calculations utilizing NLMO, QTAIM, and spin density topology analysis confirmed the fundamental interplay of metal coordination, ligand oxidation state, aromaticity, covalency, and spin density transfer, which may serve as blueprints for the development of future spintronic devices, single-molecule magnets, and quantum information science at large.

A solar-powered multi-functional portable charging device (SPMFPCD) with internet-of-things (IoT)-based real-time monitoring—An innovative scheme towards energy access and management

In the absence of portable charging devices, sectors such as transportation, communication, and emergency services deal with various challenges towards electric power needs while compromising on (1) operational efficiency, (2) insufficient portable charging solutions, and (3) limited versatility. This highlights the critical need for reliable and multi-functional power solutions. To provide a portable charging solution across diverse sectors, this paper proposes an innovative development of a solar-powered multi-functional portable charging device (SPMFPCD) with internet- of-thing (IoT)-based monitoring capabilities. The proposed scheme introduces a comprehensive model integrating advanced technologies which include a highly efficient solar panel, charge controller, sensors, and IoT module. The proposed system facilitates versatile charging solutions for a wide range of power requirements with real-time monitoring and data analysis through the IoT platform. Moreover, the proposed work explores the applications of the SPMFPCD in (1) emergency medical scenarios, (2) outdoor adventures, (3) disaster management, and 4) public spaces. Performance evaluation was made by proposing case studies to validate the (1) economic viability, (2) power management, and (3) environmental impact of widespread deployment of SPMPFCD in public spaces. Furthermore, detailed analysis of battery energy storage system (BESS) and photovoltaic (PV) integration for load management, seasonal dynamics, and renewable energy integration (REI) contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the proposed solution.

Tailoring microstructure in a soft-magnetic Fe-based amorphous-nanocrystalline alloy for high resistivity according to electrical percolation threshold

Superior soft-magnetic materials are necessary for the development of modern magnetic devices with energy-saving and high-power density requirements. However, improving the magnetism by nanocrystallization always brings about the sacrifice of resistivity, presenting a common trade-off in Fe-based amorphous-nanocrystalline alloys. Here, the comprehensive merits of both superior soft-magnetic properties (high saturation magnetization of 1.81 T and low coercivity of 3.8 A/m) and high resistivity of 117.2 μΩ·cm were obtained by precisely tailoring amorphous-nanocrystalline microstructure close to electrical percolation threshold for a Fe82.5B12P2C1Cu0.5Co2 amorphous alloy. The soft-magnetic properties are attributed to the low magnetic anisotropy stemming from high nuclei number density and ultrafine nanocrystalline grains of 9.2 nm. The high resistivity is associated with the electrical percolation behavior with a nanocrystalline volume threshold of 14.8 % in the composite alloy. The results provide an effective strategy to overcome the trade-off in traditional amorphous-nanocrystalline alloys, significant for applications in high-frequency, high-power, and energy-saving devices.

Effects of thickness, temperature and substrate on phonon anisotropy in layered Ta2NiSe5

Anisotropy in crystal structure has provided a new degree of freedom to tune the physical and photoelectric properties of low-symmetrical materials, enabling the anisotropic band structure and polarization-resolved applications. Thus, the identification and control on the anisotropy is of great importance for the development of polarization-integrated devices. In this work, we introduce a promising two-dimensional (2D) dimetal chalcogenide Ta2NiSe5 with strong in-plane anisotropic structure and explore the effects of thickness, temperature and substrate on its in-plane anisotropy via an angle-resolved polarized Raman spectra. It is shown that the Raman mode softens with increasing temperature, revealing the anharmonic phonon properties of the Ta2NiSe5 flakes. We found that the anisotropy of phonon vibration is strongly related with the thickness, temperature and used substrate, which is more obvious at thinner samples, higher temperature and opaque silicon substrate compared to sapphire and suspended conditions. This work first reveals the influence factor on the anisotropy of phonon mode, which will guide the fundamental research of anisotropic physics and experimental design for the angle-resolved electronics.

Unveiling the Mn3+/ Mn4+ and Ni2+ potential as a high-capacity material for next-generation energy storage devices

In this study, we synthesized MnOx nanowires via hydrothermal methods and explored the impact of nickel (Ni) doping on their morphology and electrochemical properties. We investigated the structural and chemical changes induced by Ni incorporation by utilizing TEM and XPS analyses. Our results revealed that Ni doping influenced the distribution of manganese oxidation states, with 1.6 wt% Ni-doped nanowires exhibiting the optimized condition. Also, we observed a balance between the Mn3+/Mn4+ ratio with the Ni doping. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated enhanced capacity in Ni-MnOx nanowires at the 1.6 wt% Ni doping level. Galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements confirmed the superior performance of this level of Ni doping; moreover, the fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitor cells using these nanowires showed improved energy storage capabilities. The main results showed exceptionally high capacity (955.55 and 383.33 mAh g−1 at 1 and 20 A g−1, respectively) and an excellent rate capability. Cycling stability tests over 8500 cycles demonstrated excellent retention of capacity, underscoring the durability of the optimized Ni-MnOx nanowires, with a retention of 85 % of its initial capacity. Thus, this study emphasizes the significance of Ni doping in MnOx nanowires for enhancing electrochemical performance when the synthetic process is controlled, offering valuable insights for high-performance energy storage device development.

Breaking new ground in metal-ion battery anodes: First principles design of Dirac nodal line semimetallic carbon materials

With the rapid development of electronic devices, the demand for batteries has gradually increased, and existing batteries can no longer satisfy it. In this paper, a three-dimensional honeycomb carbon material is designed and termed pmma-C32. The mechanical stability, dynamic stability, thermal stability, and mechanical stability were investigated through first-principles molecular dynamics, phonon spectrum, and the Born-Huangkun criterion. The calculation results show that pmma-C32 not only has good thermodynamic stability, but also has static stability. Similar to graphene, pmma-C32 exhibits semi-metallic characteristics, featuring two Dirac node lines with high Fermi velocity, indicating a high capacity for electron transport. As a metal-ion battery material, pmma-C32 exhibits higher theoretical capacity(836.8, 732.2, and 418.4 mA h/g for Li, Na, and K), lower diffusion barrier (0.06–0.12 eV for Li, 0.10–0.11 eV for Na, and 0.05–0.06 eV for K), and lower open circuit voltage (0.34 V for Li, 0.37 V for Na, and 0.74 V for K). These remarkable properties endow semimetallic pmma-C32 as a promising anode material for metal-ion batteries, providing fast charge and discharge rates. This research not only broadens the family of three-dimensional carbon materials, but also greatly improves the performance for universal metal-ion battery anode materials through material structure design.

Bioinspired adaptable multiplanar mechano-vibrotactile haptic system

Several gaps persist in haptic device development due to the multifaceted nature of the sense of touch. Existing gaps include challenges enhancing touch feedback fidelity, providing diverse haptic sensations, and ensuring wearability for delivering tactile stimuli to the fingertips. Here, we introduce the Bioinspired Adaptable Multiplanar Haptic system, offering mechanotactile/steady and vibrotactile pulse stimuli with adjustable intensity (up to 298.1 mN) and frequencies (up to 130 Hz). This system can deliver simultaneous stimuli across multiple fingertip areas. The paper includes a full characterisation of our system. As the device can play an important role in further understanding human touch, we performed human stimuli sensitivity and differentiation experiments to evaluate the capability of delivering mechano-vibrotactile, variable intensity, simultaneous, multiplanar and operator agnostic stimuli. Our system promises to accelerate the development of touch perception devices, providing painless, operator-independent data crucial for researching and diagnosing touch-related disorders.

Structural design and electronic performance at MOx/diamond (M = Hf, Zr, Ti, Al, Sc, Y) interfaces for MOS device applications

The ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor diamond represents a promising potential for advancement and innovation in the field of electronic device development. Utilizing first-principles calculations, a thorough investigation has been performed on the structural and electronic characteristics of MOx/diamond (MOx = HfO2, ZrO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Sc2O3, Y2O3) heterostructures. The concentration of charge transfer at the high-κ oxide/diamond interfaces leads to obvious interface polarity localization characteristics. The studied MOx/diamond heterojunctions feature insulating interfaces without any gap states. The MOx/diamond supercells exhibit the ability to effectively confine holes on the diamond surface owing to the large band offsets (>1 eV), showing typical electronic properties of “type II” staggered energy band configurations. These findings demonstrate that the high-κ oxide MOx/diamond can serve as highly promising diamond gate dielectrics, and provide theoretical insights into the interfacial engineering of diamond MOS devices.

Pengembangan Alat Obat Nyamuk Otomatis untuk Mengurangi Tingkat Penyebaran Penyakit Malaria

The spread of malaria caused by mosquito bites remains a global health problem. To mitigate the spread of this disease, the development of automatic mosquito-repellent devices is one viable solution. This study aims to develop an automatic mosquito-repellent device that effectively controls the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The research methodology includes the design and construction of the device, field trials, and data analysis. The research findings indicate that the automatic mosquito-repellent device significantly reduces the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in the trial area. Discussions on the implications of these findings for malaria control strategies and suggestions for further development of the device are also presented. This research is expected to contribute to global efforts to reduce the burden of malaria.

Hygienic problems of using terahertz electromagnetic radiation (literature review)

The purpose of the work is to review and analyze domestic and foreign scientific works, systematize the scope of application of terahertz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to determine hygienic problems in the field of health risk prevention in the development and use of modern radioelectronic devices. The literature search was conducted on the databases: eLibrary, Web of Science, and fifty. During the study of scientific literature, from over fifty works were analyzed, there 36 sources were selected 36 sources corresponded to the purpose of the study. Today, the urgent tasks are to predict the parameters of a complex electromagnetic environment in open areas and inside buildings using mobile communication standards 4, 5 and 6G, scientific justification of hygienic standards for the combined effects of the electromagnetic factor, methodological approaches to monitoring EMR levels, including the development of domestic selective EMR meters in a wide range of frequencies (radio frequency and terahertz ranges)

Microwave-assisted in-situ synthesis of low-dimensional perovskites within metal-organic frameworks for optoelectronic applications

Halide perovskites are renowned for their remarkable optoelectronic properties, yet their application is hindered by stability challenges. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising matrices for enhancing perovskite durability. In this study, we achieved the in-situ synthesis of a series of perovskites within the MOF-5 matrix, spanning three-dimensional, quasi two-dimensional, and two-dimensional structures, via microwave-assisted reaction techniques. This microwave synthesis method has proven to be a rapid and efficient approach for the high-yield production of perovskite materials. These MOF-5⊃perovskites exhibited superior optical properties, positioning them as promising candidates for various optoelectronic applications, including white light-emitting diodes and optical wireless communication (OWC) systems. Significantly, our perovskites demonstrated high and consistent communication rates, making them suitable for both space and underwater OWC deployments. Overall, our study underscores the potential of microwave-assisted synthesis in advancing high-performance perovskite materials, offering valuable insights for the development of future optoelectronic devices.

A lightweight carbon-incorporated polymer current collector for improving the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries

The current collector plays a crucial role in transporting electrons and mechanical support of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Commercial Cu and Al foil with high density deliver no capacity, so decreasing the weight of the metallic current collector is an effective method for enhancing the energy density of batteries. In this study, we prepared a carbon-incorporated polyimide (CIPI) current collector with a lightweight areal density of 1.41 mg cm−2 and voltage window of 0–5 V. CIPI can suppress the current collector corrosion and improve the long-term cycling performance of high-voltage cathode. Besides, CIPI decreases polarization resistance and relieves the volume expansion of SiOx particles, demonstrating a high capacity retention after 200 cycles. In nail penetration tests, the maximum temperature of the pouch battery with CIPI is only 46.73 % of the battery using Cu and Al foil. In addition, the mechanical flexibility makes CIPI suitable for flexible batteries, delivering ultra-stable voltage even when repeatedly folded in half. The CIPI opens a new pathway to develop high energy density and high safety LIBs and promotes the development of flexible and wearable storage devices.

Bifunctional acoustic lossy coupler for broadband power splitting and absorption

In this work, we propose a bifunctional acoustic lossy coupler for broadband power splitting and absorption. Following the three-level system in quantum physics, the three-waveguide (WG) acoustic system is proposed to obtain efficient energy transfer behaviors. Given the agreement in form between Schr o¨ dinger equation and coupled mode equation, the time-dependent external fields are mapped into space-varying coupling actions between adjacent WGs. The propagation paths of the incident waves can be predicted by Schr o¨ dinger-like equation, which are verified by numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Owing to the different responses to lossy medium in WG B for WG A incidence and WG C incidence, the acoustic coupler can be considered as a broadband power splitter and muffler by selecting different input ports. Meanwhile, according to the reversibility of acoustic path, a switchable acoustic logic gate with functions of “OR” and “XOR” is constructed as well by taking advantage of the lossless adiabatic coupler, and the function can be controlled conveniently by reversing the phase of input waves from WG A or C. Our work provides a new scheme for the design of bifunctional acoustic coupler, which may have a profound impact on the development of non-resonance acoustic high-performance devices.

Hierarchically structured hollow PVDF nanofibers for flexible piezoelectric sensor

The emergence of flexible sensors addresses the limitations of traditional detection equipment, such as large size, high cost, and inconvenient portability. These sensors have significantly advanced the development of wearable electronic devices for applications in electronic skin, energy harvesting, and energy storage. To enhance the sensitivity of flexible sensors, we developed a hierarchical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofiber-based piezoelectric sensor. By utilizing coaxial electrospinning, we fabricated nanofibers with hollow interiors and porous outer walls. Additionally, microstructures were constructed on the fiber membrane surface by modifying the collector’s shape. The resulting microstructured hollow PVDF nanofiber membrane exhibited high β-phase content (91.31 %), excellent flexibility (maximum strain 56.9 %), and high porosity (88.94 %). The sensor demonstrated a sensitivity of 2.7 V/N (1.08 V/kPa) and a maximum output voltage of 10.1 V, approximately three times higher than that of solid PVDF nanofibers without microstructures. Even after 14,400 cycles of impact, the sensor maintained stable output. The sensor was successfully applied to human activity monitoring and gesture recognition, showcasing its ability to monitor various human activities, respond rapidly (60.4 ms), and synchronously control a mechanical palm to perform different gestures. This work highlights the potential of hierarchically structured hollow PVDF nanofibers in advancing the performance and application scope of flexible piezoelectric sensors.

FGM modeling considering preferential diffusion, flame stretch, and non-adiabatic effects for hydrogen-air premixed flame wall flashback

Preferential diffusion plays an important role especially in hydrogen flames. Flame stretch significantly affects the flame structure and induces preferential diffusion. A problematic phenomenon occurring in real combustion devices is flashback, which is influenced by non-adiabatic effects, such as wall heat loss. In this paper, an extended flamelet-generated manifold (FGM) method that explicitly considers the preferential diffusion, flame stretch, and non-adiabatic effects is proposed. In this method, the diffusion terms in the transport equations of scalars, viz. the progress variable, mixture fraction, and enthalpy, are formulated employing non-unity Lewis numbers that are variable in space and different for each chemical species. The applicability of the extended FGM method to hydrogen flames is investigated using two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations of hydrogen-air flame flashback in channel flows. The results of the extended FGM method are compared with those of detailed calculations and other FGM methods. The two-dimensional numerical simulations show that considering both preferential diffusion and flame stretch improves the prediction accuracy of the mixture fraction distribution and flashback speed. The three-dimensional numerical simulations show that the prediction accuracy of the flashback speed, backflow region, and distributions of physical quantities near the flame front is improved by employing the extended FGM method, compared with the FGM method that considers only the heat loss effect. In particular, the extended FGM method successfully reproduced the relationship between the reaction rate and curvature. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the extended FGM method.Novelty and Significance Statement The novelty of this research is the development of a flamelet-generated mani-fold (FGM) method that explicitly considers preferential diffusion, flame stretch, and non-adiabatic effects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have performed numerical simulations of pure hydrogen flames using such an FGM method. The developed FGM method was applied to numerical simula- tions of hydrogen-air premixed flame flashback at an equivalence ratio of 0.5 and reproduced the flashback speed of lean hydrogen-air premixed flame. The applicability of the FGM method to the numerical simulation of hydrogen-air flashback is reported first. This research is significant because the FGM method is one of the most widely used combustion models for premixed combustion, and the development of an accurate FGM method will contribute to the engineering field. The accurate prediction of the flame flashback attempted in this study is particularly important for the development of hydrogen-fueled combustion devices.

Broadband SWIR emission through Cr3+-Ni2+ energy transfer in YAGG fluorescent ceramics for bioimaging applications

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) light in the 1000–1700 nm range has high penetration capability through biological tissues and is non-destructive, making it widely used in biomedical applications and near-infrared imaging. Currently, the development of SWIR light sources is urgently needed. This paper discusses the luminescent properties of the near-infrared emitting transition metal ions Cr3+ and Ni2+. By using the traditional high-temperature solid-state method, we successfully synthesized YAGG:3.5 %Cr3+-0.5 %Ni2+ (YAGG:Cr-Ni) garnet-based phosphor ceramic in one step. The phosphor ceramic emits ultra-broadband NIR-I (600–900 nm, FWHM=131 nm) and SWIR (1100–1700 nm, FWHM=377 nm) light when excited by a 450 nm commercial blue LED. Position analysis combined with density functional theory (DFT) simulation confirmed the effective substitution of luminescent center ions for the [Al/GaO6] sites. Spectral and lifetime analyses further verified the energy transfer process between Cr3+ and Ni2+ is dipole-quadrupole interaction. Additionally, this phosphor ceramic has a high thermal conductivity of 8.018 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at room temperature. Finally, SWIR pc-LED devices were fabricated by packaging the phosphor ceramic with a 450 nm commercial blue LED, achieving skeletal and venous imaging of biological tissues up to 20 mm thick, providing a new approach for the development of SWIR devices.

Motion Sensing by a Highly Sensitive Nanogold Strain Sensor in a Biomimetic 3D Environment.

Recent advancements in flexible electronics have highlighted their potential in biomedical applications, primarily due to their human-friendly nature. This study introduces a new flexible electronic system designed for motion sensing in a biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) environment. The system features a self-healing gel matrix (chitosan-based hydrogel) that effectively mimics the dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and is integrated with a highly sensitive thin-film resistive strain sensor, which is fabricated by incorporating a cross-linked gold nanoparticle (GNP) thin film as the active conductive layer onto a biocompatible microphase-separated polyurethane (PU) substrate through a clean, rapid, and high-precision contact printing method. The GNP-PU strain sensor demonstrates high sensitivity (a gauge factor of ∼50), good stability, and waterproofing properties. The feasibility of detecting small motion was evaluated by sensing the beating of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte spheroids embedded in the gel matrix. The integration of these components exemplifies a proof-of-concept for using flexible electronics comprising self-healing hydrogel and thin-film nanogold in cardiac sensing and offers promising insights into the development of next-generation biomimetic flexible electronic devices.

Designing Zero-Dimensional Cadmium-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrids: The Role of Halogen Doping in Modulating Multifunctional Properties.

Advances in materials science are increasingly dependent on the development of multifunctional materials capable of improving system efficiency and reducing the environmental impact. In this study, two zero-dimensional (0D) cadmium-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials (BEMPD)2CdBr4 (BEMPD-Br, 1) and (BEMPD)2CdBr2Cl2 (BEMPD-ClBr, 2) (BEMPD = 1-(2-bromoethyl)-1-methylpiperidine) were prepared by halogen doping. Compound 2 is a mixed halide in which there are two halogen sites, Cl and Br, and in a disordered state, which has a regulatory effect on the structural distortion and properties of the compound. The Curie temperatures of compounds 1 and 2 are 348 and 390 K, respectively, and the UV-vis absorption spectra showed that the direct band gaps of compounds 1 and 2 were 4.68 and 4.8 eV, respectively. In addition, room-temperature photoluminescence experiments show broadband emission peaks at 717 and 683 nm for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, with fluorescence lifetimes of 2.414 and 3.915 μs. These 0D hybrids provide an avenue for the development of smart materials and optoelectronic devices, and also provide positive clues for manipulating the properties of organic-inorganic hybrid compounds.

Magnetic quadrupolar resonance in a symmetric three-layered plasmonic metasurface

Dark plasmon mode with even symmetry presents an effective way for manipulating light-matter interactions due to its attractive properties of small radiative loss and strongly intensified near-field, which opens up space for both fundamental explorations and optoelectronic device developments. In this paper, we demonstrate magnetic quadrupolar resonance in a symmetric plasmonic metasurface under oblique light incidence. In a three-layered metasurface made of a cross-shaped gold array on top of a magnesium fluoride film backed with a copper ground plane, a magnetic quadrupolar resonance is excited at 37.3 THz with a quality factor of 34, which is four times of the regular magnetic dipolar resonance excited in the same structure. By increasing the incident angle, asymmetry perturbation on the magnetic quadrupolar mode becomes more pronounced as evidenced from its decreased quality factor. In addition, due to the structure symmetry of the used metal cross, the metasurface exhibits polarization-selective excitation of two separate magnetic quadrupolar modes at 37.3 THz and 42.3 THz for the electric field along four symmetry axes of the structure. Our demonstrated distinctive magnetic quadrupolar resonance offers an alternative mode design in plasmonic metamaterials with an improved quality factor, which could be beneficial for metamaterial applications in sensing, optical filtering and infrared emission manipulation etc.

Wavelength and spin-decoupled metasurface based on single-parameter modulation.

Metasurfaces provide an unprecedented platform for precise and subwavelength-scale modulation of optical phases, leading to innovative advancements in wavefront shaping and holography devices. This study presents a single-layer umbrella-like metasurface capable of multichannel holography, encoded with both polarization and wavelength. By leveraging a unique chiral-assisted strategy, we achieve simultaneous decoupling of wavelength and spin states through single-parameter modulation. This approach circumvents the complex structure designs and multi-parameter adjustments typically required in previous methods. Numerical simulations confirm the effectiveness of this metasurface, demonstrating wavelength- and spin-decoupled phase modulation at 1550 and 980 nm. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate a four-channel hologram operable in both transmission and reflection modes, showcasing the potential applications of this metasurface in compact functional integration, information encryption, and 3D displays. This work paves the way for the development of multifunctional optical devices with enhanced integration and performance.