Easy Scalability Research Articles

Carbon nano-onions: Individualization and enhanced water dispersibility

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) are a unique class of carbon nanomaterials, with a concentric fullerene-like structure and sp2-hybridized carbon atoms. Onions present high mechanical strength, good conductivity, the capability to intercalate alkali metals, showing promising applications in diverse fields, such as tribology, energy storage, and nanomedicine. Their production has been developed by several techniques, with the most interesting being the thermal annealing of carbon nanodiamonds because of the easy scalability (gram-scale) and morphologic control (size and shape form perfectly spherical to polygonal). However, this synthesis is commonly affected by the formation of strong aggregates larger than 100 nm, attributed to carbon soot formation or strong van der Waals interactions, hindering the work with small and individual particles, leading to an altered yield of functionalization. In this study we propose a method for CNO individualization based on strong acid treatment, yielding highly water dispersible nanoparticles. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) analysis is employed as a technique to investigate the particle dimensions directly in dispersion, permitting an ensemble analysis free from further sample preparation bias. Moreover, we also provide a comprehensive evaluation of the common post-synthetic treatment methods, and their effects. By means of scanning transmission electron microscopy with medium angle annular dark field detector and electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-MAADF and EELS) we have shown images of individual CNOs. Their successful separation achieved in this study is significant for future research and applications in nanomedicine, electrochemistry, and materials composites, where sample homogeneity is critical.

Fluorinated and safety-reinforced copolymer solid electrolytes for high-voltage all-solid-state sodium metal batteries

Poly (ethylene oxide)-based all-solid-state electrolytes are extensively regarded as highly promising contenders for the upcoming era of sodium metal batteries. Nevertheless, the intrinsic elevated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the strong sodium-ion adsorption energy lead to a narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) and a sluggish ion transport kinetics, thus retarding its widespread application in high-voltage batteries. About these shortcomings, we propose a strategy of fluorine substitution through a ready UV-initiated free-radical copolymerization to regulate the orbital level sodium-ion adsorption energy of poly (ethylene oxide) electrolytes. The characterization confirmed the success in the introduction of fluorine into the polymer (referred to as P-co-F). DFT calculations demonstrated a lower HOMO (-7.061 eV) in fluorine-substituted polymer electrolyte, which enabled to expand the ESW up to 5.55 V. Besides, the sodium-ion adsorption energy on P-co-F was decreased from −2.78 eV to −3.43 eV, facilitating the rapid transport of sodium ion. In addition, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was adopted as a support frame, which would reinforce the mechanical properties of polymer electrolytes. The electrochemical tests suggested P-co-F exhibited a profound interfacial stability in the Na//Na symmetrical system throughout an operational duration of 4690 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. The assembled all-solid-state battery manifested remarkable stability during continuous cycling at room temperature for 200 cycles, retaining an impressive 96.59 % of its initial capacity at 0.1C. The intriguing fluorine-induced effect, coupled with a cost-effective safety substrate, will provide valuable insights for the rational molecular design of innovative electrolytes and easy production scalability for all-solid-state Na metal batteries.

Development of primer-probe sets to rapidly distinguish single nucleotide polymorphisms in SARS-CoV-2 lineages.

Ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infections are driven by the emergence of various variants, with differential propensities to escape immune containment. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the RNA genome result in altered protein structures and when these changes occur in the S-gene, encoding the spike protein, the ability of the virus to penetrate host cells to initiate an infection can be significantly altered. As a result, vaccine efficacy and prior immunity may be diminished, potentially leading to new waves of infection. Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using a rapid and scalable approach will be paramount for continued monitoring of new infections. In this study, we developed minor groove-binding (MGB) probe-based qPCR assays targeted to specific SNPs in the S-gene, which are present in variants of concern (VOC), namely the E484K, N501Y, G446S and D405N mutations. A total of 95 archived SARS-CoV-2 positive clinical specimens collected in Johannesburg, South Africa between February 2021 and March 2022 were assessed using these qPCR assays. To independently confirm SNP detection, Sanger sequencing of the relevant region in the S-gene were performed. Where a PCR product could be generated and sequenced, qPCR assays were 100% concordant highlighting the robustness of the approach. These assays, and the approach described, offer the opportunity for easy detection and scaling of targeted detection of variant-defining SNPs in the clinical setting.

Electrostatically Sprayed Flexible Encapsulation for High‐Performance III–V Solar Cells

Multijunction solar cells that employ III–V semiconductors are highly efficient, lightweight, and flexible, rendering them excellent candidates for use in automobiles, satellites, or flexible electronics. To improve the operational stability of these high‐efficiency solar cells for practical applications, herein an innovative method for encapsulating high‐performance flexible III–V solar cells is proposed, which enables solar cell with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 32.72% to maintain an efficiency of 31.67% after packaging under the AM1.5 global spectrum. The module remains the same efficiency of ≈29.7% under AM0 after encapsulation. The key to this approach is electrostatically spraying and curing fluorinated ethylene propylene materials to create a flexible, cost‐effective, and efficient encapsulation layer for III–V solar cells. The proposed encapsulation method demonstrates excellent adhesion, barrier properties, easy scalability, and long‐term stability, enabling enhanced performance, extended lifetimes, and improved reliability of III–V solar cells.

Enhancing Cloud Security Integrating Deep Learning & Data Mining: A Comprehensive Review

Cloud computing plays a pivotal role in data storage and online services, offering benefits such as easy access, on-demand storage, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Its rapidly evolving technologies can enhance the security of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) against cyber threats. Given the increasing prevalence of sophisticated malware, traditional detection methods are often inadequate due to advanced evasion techniques. This article provides a comprehensive review of cloud-based malware detection technologies and explores the use of cloud computing in safeguarding IoT and critical infrastructure. It evaluates the pros and cons of cloud environments for malware detection and introduces a deep learning and data extraction methodology for detecting cloud-based malware. Additionally, it discusses recent research on malware propagation issues and compares various detection approaches, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The study's findings offer valuable insights for addressing current challenges in malware research.

A Review Paper on Integration of Deep Learning & Data Mining Strategies

Cloud computing plays a crucial role in data storage and online services, offering advantages such as easy access, on-demand storage, scalability, and cost efficiency. Its rapidly advancing technologies can improve the security of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) against cyber threats. With the rise of sophisticated malware, traditional detection methods are often insufficient due to advanced evasion techniques. This article presents a comprehensive review of cloud-based malware detection technologies and examines the use of cloud computing to protect IoT and critical infrastructure. It assesses the benefits and drawbacks of cloud environments for malware detection and introduces a deep learning and data extraction methodology for identifying cloud-based malware. Additionally, it discusses recent research on malware propagation issues and compares various detection methods, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The study's findings provide valuable insights for addressing current challenges in malware research.

Quality assurance framework for rapid automatic analysis deployment in medical imaging

PurposeAutomatic image analysis algorithms have an increasing role in clinical quality assurance (QA) in medical imaging. Although the implementation of QA calculation algorithms may be straightforward at the development level, actual deployment of a new method to clinical routine may require substantial additional effort from supporting services. We sought to develop a multimodal system that enables rapid implementation of new QA analysis methods in clinical practice. MethodsThe QA system was built using freely available open-source software libraries. The included features were results database, database interface, interactive user interface, e-mail error dispatcher, data processing backend, and DICOM server. An in-house database interface was built, providing the developers of analyses with simple access to the results database. An open-source DICOM server was used for image traffic and automatic initiation of modality-specific QA image analyses. ResultsThe QA framework enabled rapid adaptation of new analysis methods to automatic image processing workflows. The system provided online data review via an easily accessible user interface. In case of deviations, the system supported simultaneous review of the results for the user and QA expert to trigger corrective actions. In particular, embedded error thresholds, trend analyses, and error-feedback channels were provided to facilitate continuous monitoring and to enable pre-emptive corrective actions. ConclusionAn effective and novel QA framework incorporating easy adaptation and scalability to automated image analysis methods was developed. The framework provides an efficient and responsive web-based tool to manage the normal operation, trends, errors, and abnormalities in medical image quality.

Design of intelligent monitoring of loneliness in the elderly using a serverless architecture with real-time communication API.

Loneliness and social isolation are recognized as critical public health issues. Older people are at greater risk of loneliness and social isolation as they deal with things like living alone, loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss. Loneliness increases a person's risk of premature death from all causes, including dementia, heart disease, and stroke. To address these issues, the inclusion of technological platforms and the use of commercial monitoring devices are vastly increasing in healthcare and elderly care. The objective of this study is to design and develop a loneliness monitor serverless architecture to obtain real-time data from commercial activity wristbands through an Application Programming Interface. For the design and development of the architecture, the Amazon Web Services platform has been used. To monitor loneliness, the Fitbit Charge 5 bracelet was selected. Through the web Application Programming Interface offered by the AWS Lambda service, the data is obtained and stored in AWS services with an automated frequency thanks to the event bridge. In the pilot stage in which the system is, it is showing great possibilities in the ease of collecting data and programming the sampling frequency. Once the request is made, the data is automatically analyzed to monitor loneliness. The proposed architecture shows great potential for easy data collection, analysis, security, personalization, real-time inference, and scalability of sensors and actuators in the future. It has powerful benefits to apply in the health sector and reduces cases of depression and loneliness.

Platelet reactivity and activated clotting time predict haemorrhagic site complications in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background/Introduction Same-day discharge has become a standard of care for patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) treated with ad hoc percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). QuickClot Radial kaolin-based haemostatic device may shorten haemostasis time and reduce the incidence of vascular site complications. Besides unfractionated heparin (UFH) and aspirin (ASA), an ad hoc procedure demands a loading dose of clopidogrel. Dynamic changes in platelets and thrombotic activity may influence the outcomes at vascular sites. Rapid "point-of-care" testing measures the effects of anticoagulation but the optimal threshold during and after PCI still requires further research. Purpose We investigated the effect of a standard dose of UFH and a loading dose of clopidogrel measured with point-of-care devices: Hemochron activated clotting time device (ACT), VerifyNow P2Y12 test on on-site outcomes. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study of consecutive patients with CCS who qualified for ad hoc PCI. Patients were on chronic ASA therapy, received 100 IU/kg UFH, and a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel. ACT was measured before and 10 min, 2 h, and 6 h after the administration of UFH and clopidogrel, respectively, and the VerifyNow P2Y12 test measured after 2 and 6 h. A QuickClot haemostatic pad with gradually released compression for up to 2 h was used in all patients. Ultrasonographic assessment of artery diameter and patency was performed before and 6 h after the procedure. Bleeding (BARC criteria) or local haematoma (EASY scale) were observed regularly until hospital discharge. Results Forty patients were enrolled in the study. The mean±SD age was 68.8±8.8 years, 30 (75%) patients were men, 13 (35%) had diabetes, 38 (95%) hypertension, 16 (40%) previous myocardial infarction, and 15 (37,5%) were active smokers. Patients received a median [interquartile range (IQR)] 8000 [7000-9000] IU of UFH and 600 mg of clopidogrel. All of the radial arteries remained patent during observation; local bleeding (BARC 2) was observed in 11 (27,5%) and haematomas (EASY 1 and 2) in 11 (27,5%) patients. Patients with bleeding had lower platelet activity measured with platelet reactivity units (PRU) after 2 h (122.5± 51 vs 158.7± 43, p= 0.04) and higher ACT (s) (216.9 ±40 vs. 184.6±28 s, p=0.006). An ACT >196 s, measured 2 h after the procedure, predicted the occurrence of bleeding or haematoma (AUC 0.72; 95%CI 0.56-0.85, p=0.008). Conclusion Lower platelet activity and higher ACT after PCI were associated with higher risk of haemorrhagic site complications. "Point-of-care" measures post PCI in CCS patients may be clinically applicable.

Development of PVA Electrospun Nanofibers for Fabrication of Bacteriological Swabs.

In recent years, the enormous demand for swabs for clinical use has promoted their relevance and, consequently, brought the environmental issues due to their single use and lack of biodegradability to the attention of the healthcare industry. Swabs consist of a stick that facilitates their easy handling and manoeuvrability even in complex districts and an absorbent tip designed to uptake and release biological samples. In this study, we focused on the fabrication of an innovative biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber swab tip using the electrospinning technique. The innovative swab tip obtained showed comparable uptake and release capacity of protein and bacterial species (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) with those of the commercial foam-type swab. In this way, the obtained swab can be attractive and suitable to fit into this panorama due to its low-cost process, easy scalability, and good uptake and release capabilities.

Encapsulation of essential oil to prepare environment friendly nanobio-fungicide against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici: An experimental and molecular dynamics approach

This study aims to develop a nano-biofungicide comprising of volatile essential oil molecules to enhance its efficacy in the field of agriculture through easily scalable green synthesis technique. It was prepared through one pot hot melt ultrasonication technique with easy water dispersability and long term stability. The effective surface-active agent concentration which controls the size and stability of nano bio-fungicide was studied. The small particle size (158 nm) and narrow particle distribution (0.36) were obtained for the nano bio-fungicide at 20 mg of lecithin and 100 mg of surfactant concentration. The physico-chemical analysis revealed that, nano bio-fungicides were amorphous sphere-shaped nanoparticles with low melting point. The greater molecular level affinity of essential oil towards lipids and their interfacial interaction towards essential oil to achieve stabilised dispersion in aqueous environment were deciphered through molecular dynamics simulation. The unique preferential binding of eugenol, bornanone and cinnamaldehyde with the hydrocarbon chain of glycerol monostearate and phospholipid enhanced their biological stability in aqueous environment by preventing its autoxidation. It was further confirmed through accelarated ageing studies. The major components of essential oil like alpha-terpineol, linalool, thymol and cinamaldehyde had an encapsulation efficiency of 29 %, 65 %, 21 % and 50 % respectively. Subsequently, all these bioactives of essential oil follows Higuchi model of release kinetics. Besides, the essential oil loaded nanostructured lipid carrier had significantly higher mycelial growth inhibition than pure essential oil at the same concentration. Thus, our results suggest that essential oil compactly packed at the intramolecular spaces of lipids and surfactants were having enhanced bio-efficacy with long term storage potential. Hence, the present nano-biofungicide could be a good alternative to the harsh pesticidal chemicals with easy and simple large scale production protocol for the eco- friendly management of wilt disease caused by Fuarium oxysporum.

Commercially Accessible High-Performance Aluminum-Air Battery Cathodes through Electrodeposition of Mn and Ni Species on Fuel Cell Cathodes.

This study presents a cost-effective method for producing high-performance cathodes for aluminum-air batteries. Commercial fuel cell cathodes are modified through electrodeposition of nickel and manganese species. The optimal conditions for electrodeposition are determined using a combination of structural (Raman, SEM, TEM) and electrochemical (LSV, EI, discharge curves) characterization techniques. The structural analysis confirms successful incorporation of nickel and manganese species onto the cathode surface. Electrochemical tests demonstrate enhanced electrochemical activity compared to unmodified cathodes. By combining the favorable properties of electrodeposited manganese species with nickel species, a high-performance cathode is obtained. The developed cathode exhibits capacities of 50 mA h cm-2 in aluminum-air batteries across a wide range of current densities. The electrodeposition method proves effective in improving electrochemical performance. A key advantage of this method is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The use of commercially available materials and well-established electrodeposition techniques allows for easy scalability and commercialization. This makes it a viable option for large-scale production of high-performance cathodes for the next-generation energy storage devices.

Regulating Electrostatic Interactions toward Thermoresponsive Hydrogels with Low Critical Solution Temperature.

Low critical solution temperature (LCST) of commonly used thermoresponsive polymers in water is basically dominated by hydrophobic interactions. Herein, a novel thermoresponsive system based on electrostatic interactions is reported. By simply loading aluminum chloride (AlCl3 ) into non-responsive poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) hydrogels, PHEA-Al gels turn to have reversible thermoresponsive behavior between transparent and opaque without any volume change. Further investigations by changing metal ion-polymer compositions unravel the necessity of specific electrostatic interactions, namely, cation-dipole bonding interactions between hydroxy groups and trivalent metal ions. The thermoresponsive hydrogel demonstrates high transparency (≈95%), excellent luminous modulation capability (>98%), and cyclic reliability, suggesting great potential as an energy-saving material. Although LCST control by salt addition is widely known, salt-induced expression of thermoresponsiveness has barely been discussed before. This design provides a new approach of easy fabrication, low cost, and scalability to develop stimuli-responsive materials.

A scalable solution recipe for a Ag-based neuromorphic device

Integration and scalability have posed significant problems in the advancement of brain-inspired intelligent systems. Here, we report a self-formed Ag device fabricated through a chemical dewetting process using an Ag organic precursor, which offers easy processing, scalability, and flexibility to address the above issues to a certain extent. The conditions of spin coating, precursor dilution, and use of solvents were varied to obtain different dewetted structures (broadly classified as bimodal and nearly unimodal). A microscopic study is performed to obtain insight into the dewetting mechanism. The electrical behavior of selected bimodal and nearly unimodal devices is related to the statistical analysis of their microscopic structures. A capacitance model is proposed to relate the threshold voltage (Vth) obtained electrically to the various microscopic parameters. Synaptic functionalities such as short-term potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) were emulated in a representative nearly unimodal and bimodal device, with the bimodal device showing a better performance. One of the cognitive behaviors, associative learning, was emulated in a bimodal device. Scalability is demonstrated by fabricating more than 1000 devices, with 96% exhibiting switching behavior. A flexible device is also fabricated, demonstrating synaptic functionalities (STP and LTP).

Incorporation of multiple supramolecular binding sites into a robust MOF for benchmark one-step ethylene purification

One-step adsorption separation of C2H4 from ternary C2 hydrocarbon mixtures remains an important and challenging goal for petrochemical industry. Current physisorbents either suffer from unsatisfied separation performance, poor stability, or are difficult to scale up. Herein, we report a strategy of constructing multiple supramolecular binding sites in a robust and scalable MOF (Al-PyDC) for highly efficient one-step C2H4 purification from ternary mixtures. Owing to suitable pore confinement with multiple supramolecular binding sites, Al-PyDC exhibits one of the highest C2H2 and C2H6 uptakes and selectivities over C2H4 at ambient conditions. The gas binding sites have been visualized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, unveiling that the low-polarity pore surfaces with abundant electronegative N/O sites provide stronger multiple supramolecular interactions with C2H2 and C2H6 over C2H4. Breakthrough experiments showed that polymer-grade C2H4 can be separated from ternary mixtures with a maximum productivity of 1.61 mmol g−1. This material can be prepared from two simple reagents using a green synthesis method with water as the sole solvent, and its synthesis can be easily scaled to multikilogram batches. Al-PyDC achieves an effective combination of benchmark separation performance, high stability/recyclability, green synthesis and easy scalability to address major challenges for industrial one-step C2H4 purification.

Hydrothermal integration of MoO2–MoS2@rGO nanoframe networks: A promising approach for efficient bacterial disinfection in wastewater

The efficient disinfection of bacterial contaminants in wastewater is a critical challenge in the field of environmental remediation. Herein, we present a novel approach for efficient bacterial disinfection using hydrothermally integrated MoO2–MoS2@rGO nanoframe networks. The developed nanoframe networks exhibit a unique architecture comprising of molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) impregnated on algae biomass reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The as-synthesized nanoframe networks demonstrate exceptional antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. The disinfection efficiency was evaluated by measuring the bacterial viability and observing the morphological changes using scanning electron microscopy. The MoO2–MoS2@rGO nanoframe networks exhibited a remarkable antibacterial effect, achieving a high disinfection rate of 95.8% within a short contact time of 10 min. The efficient bacterial disinfection capability of the nanoframe networks can be attributed to the synergistic effects of MoO2, MoS2, and rGO components. The MoO2 nanoparticles generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), persuading oxidative stress and leading to bacterial inactivation. The MoS2 nanoparticles possess inherent antibacterial properties through the release of Mo and S ions. The rGO nanosheets provide a conductive and stable platform, facilitating the charge transfer during the antibacterial process. Furthermore, the hydrothermal integration method enables easy scalability and cost-effectiveness of the MoO2–MoS2@rGO nanoframe networks. The nanoframe networks can be easily recovered and reused, reducing waste generation and promoting sustainability. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for efficient bacterial disinfection in wastewater using hydrothermally integrated MoO2–MoS2@rGO nanoframe networks. The remarkable antibacterial performance, along with the advantages of scalability and reusability, makes these nanoframe networks a potential candidate for practical applications in environmental remediation and water treatment processes.

Construction of Negative Electrostatic Pore Environments in a Scalable, Stable and Low‐Cost Metal‐organic Framework for One‐Step Ethylene Purification from Ternary Mixtures

AbstractOne‐step separation of C2H4 from ternary C2 mixtures by physisorbents remains a challenge to combine excellent separation performance with high stability, low cost, and easy scalability for industrial applications. Herein, we report a strategy of constructing negative electrostatic pore environments in a stable, low‐cost, and easily scaled‐up aluminum MOF (MOF‐303) for efficient one‐step C2H2/C2H6/C2H4 separation. This material exhibits not only record high C2H2 and C2H6 uptakes, but also top‐tier C2H2/C2H4 and C2H6/C2H4 selectivities at ambient conditions. Theoretical calculations combined with in situ infrared spectroscopy indicate that multiple N/O sites on pore channels can build a negative electro‐environment to provide stronger interactions with C2H2 and C2H6 over C2H4. Breakthrough experiments confirm its exceptional separation performance for ternary mixtures, affording one of the highest C2H4 productivity of 1.35 mmol g−1. This material is highly stable and can be easily synthesized at kilogram‐scale from cheap raw materials using a water‐based green synthesis. The benchmark combination of excellent separation properties with high stability and low cost in scalable MOF‐303 has unlocked its great potential in this challenging industrial separation.

Construction of Negative Electrostatic Pore Environments in a Scalable, Stable and Low-Cost Metal-organic Framework for One-Step Ethylene Purification from Ternary Mixtures.

One-step separation of C2 H4 from ternary C2 mixtures by physisorbents remains a challenge to combine excellent separation performance with high stability, low cost, and easy scalability for industrial applications. Herein, we report a strategy of constructing negative electrostatic pore environments in a stable, low-cost, and easily scaled-up aluminum MOF (MOF-303) for efficient one-step C2 H2 /C2 H6 /C2 H4 separation. This material exhibits not only record high C2 H2 and C2 H6 uptakes, but also top-tier C2 H2 /C2 H4 and C2 H6 /C2 H4 selectivities at ambient conditions. Theoretical calculations combined with in situ infrared spectroscopy indicate that multiple N/O sites on pore channels can build a negative electro-environment to provide stronger interactions with C2 H2 and C2 H6 over C2 H4 . Breakthrough experiments confirm its exceptional separation performance for ternary mixtures, affording one of the highest C2 H4 productivity of 1.35 mmol g-1 . This material is highly stable and can be easily synthesized at kilogram-scale from cheap raw materials using a water-based green synthesis. The benchmark combination of excellent separation properties with high stability and low cost in scalable MOF-303 has unlocked its great potential in this challenging industrial separation.

A reconfigurable floating-gate-transistor-capacitor filter for analog signal processing

This paper introduces a fully reconfigurable floating-gate-transistor-capacitor (FGT-C) filter that exhibits compactness and power efficiency. The proposed filter incorporates a biquadratic section, enabling the generation of lowpass (LP) and bandpass (BP) outputs with adjustable filter parameters, including gains, natural frequency, quality factor, and DC levels for input and output signals. Moreover, the FGT-C filter topology demonstrates a modular structure, facilitating easy cascading and scalability of the biquadratic sections to implement high-order frequency responses. A prototype chip has been fabricated in the 0.35 μm CMOS process, where each biquadratic section occupies an area of 0.0313 mm2. The chip measurements were conducted with a supply voltage of 1.8 V and both output voltage levels programmed at 0.9 V. The biquadratic FGT-C filter exhibits a power consumption of 118.4 nW and achieves a spurious free dynamic range of 43 dB in a 10 kHz bandwidth setting. It is suitable for low-power analog signal processing in large-scale field programmable analog arrays.

Facile Solvent Regulation for Highly Strong and Tough Physical Eutectogels with Remarkable Strain Sensitivity.

Physical eutectogels have great potential for applications in many fields due to their electrical conductivity, broad temperature stability, and biocompatibility. However, the preparation of high-performance physical eutectogels in a simple, efficient, and cost-effective way remains a challenge. In this study, a facile but efficient solvent regulation strategy was proposed to construct a highly robust poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) physical eutectogel. Hydrogen bonds within the polymer-containing deep eutectic solvent system were dynamically regulated by the introduction-removal of water to induce the formation of a uniform and dense polymer cross-linked network, which imparted excellent mechanical properties to the resulting eutectogel. For the eutectogel with 15 wt % PVA, the tensile strength and toughness were 1.67 MPa and 6.81 MJ m-3, respectively, which were at a high level among existing physical eutectogels. This high-performance eutectogel was available as a strain sensor and exhibited high sensitivity. In addition, this eutectogel can be endowed with a directional muscle-like stretching performance through convenient mechanical training. The easy scalability and low cost made our method an effective strategy for developing high-performance physical eutectogels, which would further promote the application of such materials in areas such as wearable electronics and soft robotics.