Electronic Devices Research Articles

Silicon carbide nanowire-reinforced micro-Ag joint based on pinning effect for power electronics packaging

Low-temperature sintering Ag technology is a feasible approach employed in power electron devices. In this study, the influence of the different amounts (0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10, 0.20 wt%) of silicon carbide nanowires (SiC NWs) on the properties and microstructure of micro-Ag paste sintered at 250 °C without pressure has been investigated. The results exhibit that the bonding strength of the Ag-SiC joint reaches a maximum of 43.57 MPa after doping 0.07 wt% SiC NWs, with an increase of 13 % compared with pure Ag joint. This enhancement mechanism can be owed to the Orowan mechanism and the pinning effect of SiC NWs, which nail at grain boundaries that will restrain the dislocation motion of Ag grains. Meanwhile, the electrical resistivity of Ag-0.07SiC shows a minimum value of 5.20 μΩ cm, approximately 10.65 % lower than pure Ag joint. This is attributed to the well-sintered Ag network and the bridging effect of SiC NWs distributed in Ag particles. Thus, incorporating appropriate content of SiC NWs into micro-Ag paste can strengthen the mechanical performance and electrical conductivity of sintered Ag joint. It is hoped that this research could develop a new micro-Ag paste with outstanding properties that could be employed in high-power electronic devices.

Self-assembled nest-like BN skeletons enable polymer composites with high thermal management capacity

The lagging development of thermally conductive but electrically insulating materials has become a bottleneck problem for the next generation of advanced high-power density electronic devices. Although second-phase reinforced composites are promising materials for addressing thermal management issues, the inherent mechanism of severe phonon scattering at the interphase results in actual thermal conductivity enhancement efficiency far below expectations. Here, we report a high-performance polymer composite with a nest-like interconnected boron nitride skeleton. This nest-like interconnected BN skeleton without mechanical contact can provide high-efficiency and long-distance phonon transport channel, realizing high thermal conductivity of 1.827 W m-1 K-1 in polymer composite with ultra-low content (4.7 vol%). Meanwhile, the EP/ nest-like BS composites possess ideal electrical properties and dimensional stability. In the actual heat dissipation process of LED chips, the optimal composite material as the thermal interface material can display a temperature drop of more than 34.8% compared to neat epoxy, which proves the broad application prospects of this strategy in advanced electronic devices.

Numerical Modelling of Carrier Transport in Organic Field Effect Transistors

Background: Organic field effect transistors (OFETs), used in the fabrication of nanosensors, are one of the most promising devices in organic electronics because of their lightweight, flexibility, and low fabrication cost. However, the optimization of such OFETs is still in an early stage due to the minimal analytical and numerical models presented in the literature. Objective: This research presses to demonstrate a numerical carrier transport model based on the finite element method (FEM) to investigate the I-V characteristic of OFETs. Methods: Two various organic semiconductor materials have been included in the study, polyaniline and pentacene, where micro-scale, as well as nano-scale models have been presented. OFETs regarding channel length, dielectric thickness, and doping level impact have been studied. We nominated the threshold voltage, the on/off current ratio, the sub-threshold swing, and the field effect mobilities as the primary output evaluating parameters. Results: The numerical model has shown the criticality of the doping effect on tuning the device flowing drain current to exceed 300 μA saturation current, along with a threshold voltage of -0.1 V under a channel length of 30 nm. Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of polyaniline over pentacene as nano-channel length OFET due to the boosted conductivity of polyaniline concerning pentacene.

Electronic nicotine delivery system flavors, devices, and brands used by adults in the United States who smoke and formerly smoked in 2022: Findings from the United States International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey

ObjectiveThis study estimated prevalence of current electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) used by US adults who smoked cigarettes or formerly smoked in 2022 and assessed ENDS flavors, devices, and brands used most often. MethodsData are from the 2022 US ITC Smoking and Vaping Survey. Respondents were recruited from a web panel of a nationally representative sample of US adults ages 18+ who smoked, formerly smoked, and/or vaped ENDS. Using weighted data, we estimated prevalence of current vaping among adults who smoke or formerly smoked (N = 2,016). Among the subset who vaped (n = 554), we assessed flavors and devices used most often. Using unweighted data, we assessed the frequency (count) of reported brands used most often. ResultsIn 2022, 22.0 % of US adults who smoked or formerly smoked were vaping at least monthly. A significantly higher proportion of adults who formerly smoked and/or were younger (18–39) were vaping than adults who were smoking and/or were older (40+) (both p < 0.001). Tank devices were used most often (34.7 %), followed by disposables (27.4 %), pre-filled pods/cartridges (23.0 %), and refillable pods/cartridges (14.9 %). The five most commonly used flavors were fruit (33.9 %), tobacco (20.1 %), menthol (12.2 %), candy/sweets (10.8 %), and mixed ice flavors (10.0 %). The top 5 brands were JUUL, Smok, Vuse, Geekvape, and Blu. ConclusionsIn 2022, a majority of adults who smoked cigarettes or who had quit smoking used a variety of flavors and devices that go beyond the choices that FDA currently has authorized for sale.

The implementation of an electronic symptom management system to monitor postoperative pain in gynecologic oncology surgery patients: A multicenter evaluation

The implementation of an electronic symptom management system to monitor postoperative pain in gynecologic oncology surgery patients: A multicenter evaluation

The implementation of an electronic symptom management system to monitor the severity of symptoms in gynecologic oncology patients initiating chemotherapy: A multicenter evaluation

The implementation of an electronic symptom management system to monitor the severity of symptoms in gynecologic oncology patients initiating chemotherapy: A multicenter evaluation

Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Imaging in Patients With Implantable Cardiac Devices: Challenges, Techniques, and Clinical Applications.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cardiac implants, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, has gained importance in recent years with the development of modern cardiac implantable electronic devices. The increasing clinical need to perform MRI examinations in patients with cardiac implants has driven the development of new advanced MRI sequences to mitigate image artifacts associated with cardiac implants. More specifically, advances in imaging techniques, such as wideband late gadolinium enhancement imaging, wideband T1 mapping, and wideband perfusion, have been designed to improve image quality and examinations in patients with cardiac implants, enabling a comprehensive and more reliable diagnosis, which was previously unattainable in these patients. This review article explores recent developments and applications of wideband techniques in the field of cardiovascular MRI, offering insights into their transformative potential. Clinical applications of wideband cardiovascular MRI are highlighted, particularly in assessing myocardial viability, guiding ventricular tachycardia ablation, and characterizing myocardial tissue.

Electrothermally actuated network metamaterials with reconfigurable bending deformation modes

Reconfigurable metamaterials with specific deformation modes show great promise in applications such as multifunctional antenna, stretchable electronic device, and reconfigurable soft robot, due to their ability to achieve multiple operational states within a single system. Previous researches on active metamaterials with bending deformation responses revealed two main issues: (1) achieving reconfigurable deformation within the same metamaterial is challenging due to the reliance on uniform external field actuation; and (2) there is a lack of in-depth studies on the microstructure-property relationships for the bending deformation responses of network metamaterials due to the lack of theoretical analysis. To address these issues, this study presents a mechanical design strategy for an electrothermally actuated network metamaterials to realize reconfigurable bending deformation. A theoretical model describing the electrothermally actuated bending deformation responses is developed through a three-level analysis, which offers a comprehensive understanding of the parameter-property relationships and accurately describes the bending deformation behaviors. The validity of these mechanical models is confirmed through finite element analyses (FEAs) and experimental results. These mechanical models provide analytical solutions for crucial mechanical quantities, including the electrothermally actuated bending angles and effective strains for bending deformation responses. The bending behaviors of the reconfigurable metamaterials under electrothermal actuation can be adjusted by the key nondimensional geometric parameters and the actuation strategies. Additionally, experimental results and FE calculations demonstrate that multiple bending responses can be realized within a single metamaterial by different actuation strategies. This study offers comprehensive guideline from theoretical predictions, FE calculations, and experimental demonstrations for future researched of reconfigurable metamaterials to realize required deformation behaviors.

Synergetic Interplay of MnNi-MOF Composite with 2D MXene for Improved Supercapacitor Application

The growing demand for high-performance energy storage systems has driven the development of advanced materials to improve supercapacitor efficiency. In this study, MXene-MnNi nanocomposites are synthesized and evaluated for their potential as next-generation supercapacitor electrodes. The MnNi alloy, known for its excellent pseudocapacitive properties, is combined with MXene, a two-dimensional material recognized for its exceptional conductivity, mechanical robustness, and large surface area. The uniform dispersion of MnNi and MXene achieved through a straightforward hydrothermal method, optimizes charge transfer and enhances electrochemical performance. Electrochemical testing demonstrates that the 100 MX-MN nanocomposite exhibits a high specific capacity of 1028 C g-1 at 1 A g-1, along with excellent rate capability and long-term stability, outperforming many conventional materials. This outstanding performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of MnNi’s redox activity and MXene’s high conductivity, which together increase active site availability, accelerate ion diffusion, and maintain structural integrity. Additionally, a hybrid aqueous device is assembled using 100 MX-MN as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode. The device delivers a maximum energy density of 87.35 W h kg-1 at a power density of 1.98 kW kg-1 and exhibits excellent capacity retention of 88 % after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. These findings highlight the potential of MXene-MnNi nanocomposites as advanced materials for supercapacitor applications, offering a promising path for more efficient energy storage solutions in modern electronic devices.

Guidance device for visually impaired people based on ultrasonic signals and open hardware

&lt;span&gt;Visual impairment is a complex challenge that affects people of all ages, and it is estimated that around 2.2 billion people worldwide lack adequate access to medical treatment and support. In Latin America, there is a lack of attention to people with visual disabilities, evidenced by poor urban infrastructure and lack of compliance with inclusion laws. Some projects stand out for the use of prototypes with artificial vision technology, global positioning system (GPS) and smart canes. Therefore, the objective of the project is to use ultrasonic sensors and a low-cost electronic device coupled to canes, for obstacle detection and mobility using an open hardware embedded system. The results confirmed the efficiency in the detection and operation of the ultrasonic sensor by activating the light emitting diode (LED), the buzzer and the vibrating motor according to the programmed distances. Challenges were identified, such as adapting the sensor to the tilt of the cane and the importance of accurate calibration of the ultrasonic sensor. The system met its objectives by detecting objects in a range of 2 to 50 cm and providing sound alerts to improve the perception of blind people.&lt;/span&gt;

Fluorinated co-solvent electrolytes enable lithium metal batteries to operate at low temperatures

Enhancing the energy output of batteries in low temperatures is critical to broadening the application areas of advanced electronic devices, which can be accomplished by utilizing high-voltage cathodes to match lithium metal anode, optimizing electrolyte electrochemical windows and forming stable solid electrolyte interphases to provide facile ion-transmission kinetics at low temperature. Herein, we demonstrate a fluorinated ester co-solvent electrolyte, which applies 1 M LiPF6 in an ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro butyrate/fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) (4/1 by volume ratio) that jointly satisfies high voltage cathode and lithium metal anode reversibility at required ambient. The performance of the battery is due to the rapid dissociation of Li+ and the formation of a fluorine-rich inorganic electrolyte interface in the fluorinated solvent. Therefore, the fluorinated ester co-solvent electrolyte system can provide 209.9 mAh g−1, 194.8 mAh g−1, and 175.5 mAh g−1 when discharged at room temperature, −20 ℃ and −40 ℃, respectively, those far exceeds the performance of carbonate electrolytes. This work advances the development of low-temperature lithium metal batteries.

Multiply-charged argon ion irradiation of microfabricated niobium wires

While rare on Earth, multiply-charged ions (MCIs) are abundant species in outer space. For spacecraft outside the Earth’s atmosphere, MCIs are some of the main contributors to the failure of electronic devices. While the detrimental effects of MCIs on space electronics have been known for quite some time, the underlying physics of their interactions, which are tied to the coupling of both electronic and lattice degrees of freedom, are complex and remain relatively unexplored. The impacts of MCIs on superconducting electronics used for detection and communication in outer space are particularly unknown. Here, we aim to shed light on such interactions by examining the effect of low- to medium-dose Ar8+ irradiation on the physical characteristics (e.g., surface topography, electrical transport) of microfabricated niobium (Nb) wires.

Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Thin Films by Sol-Gel Dip Coating Process

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a non-toxic material known for its distinctive physical and chemical properties, including a direct band gap energy of 3.37 eV and a large exciton binding energy of 60 meV, which contribute to its significant thermal and chemical stability at room temperature. Due to these characteristics, ZnO plays a critical role in various applications, such as UV light emitters, transparent conducting thin films in electronic devices, gas sensors, piezoelectric materials, transducers, and as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer in thin-film photoelectrochemical cells. Numerous fabrication techniques have been employed to produce ZnO thin films. However, many of these methods require costly equipment, high vacuum environments, and elevated temperatures. In contrast, the sol-gel process stands out as a convenient, cost-effective, and versatile method for ZnO thin film fabrication. It offers advantages such as simplicity, low crystallization temperature, ease of reproducibility, molecular-level homogeneity, and precise compositional control. In this study, ZnO thin films were deposited onto Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) glass substrates using the sol-gel dip coating method, with varying preparative parameters: sol concentrations and annealing temperatures. The resulting samples were characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results demonstrated that the unique properties of ZnO thin films are highly dependent on the preparative parameters. Specifically, the band gap energy decreased from 3.25 eV to 3.18 eV with increasing sol concentration and also showed a similar decline with higher annealing temperatures. XRD patterns revealed a smaller full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the most intense peak (002) at higher sol concentrations and annealing temperatures, indicating an increase in crystallite size. FESEM images highlighted distinct morphological changes corresponding to the variations in sol precursor concentration and annealing temperature, while EDX analysis confirmed the formation of highly pure ZnO thin films on ITO glass substrates.

Thermal electron attachment to halogenated silanes in the gas phase.

Silane derivatives play a crucial role in industrial plasma processes for the fabrication of various electronic devices such as lighting devices, solar cells, and displays. Accurate quantitative data are essential for modeling technological plasmas. This study reports the rate coefficients (k) and activation energies (Ea) for thermal electron attachment to Si2Cl6, Si (CH3)3CHF2, and SiCl (CH3)2Si(CH3)3, which are key parameters for understanding the underlying processes in plasmas. The results obtained for other silane derivatives were also analyzed and discussed. The measurements were conducted using the pulsed Townsend technique. In this technique, electrons generated by a laser under an electric field travel to the anode, inducing a charge on it. In the presence of a scavenger gas, electrons are captured, leading to a decrease in the rate of charge increase over time. The kinetic parameters were deduced from the shape of the pulse. The G4 method was used to obtain bond dissociation energies (BDEs). This study determined the kinetic parameters for thermal electron attachment to Si2Cl6, Si (CH3)3CHF2, and SiCl (CH3)2Si(CH3)3 for the first time. The rate coefficients at 298 K were found to be 2.17 ±0.04 × 10-9cm3s-1, 2.01 ±0.09 × 10-12cm3s-1, and 8.05 ±0.07 × 10-12cm3s-1, respectively. The corresponding activation energies were determined to be 0.37 ±0.04 eV, 0.29 ±0.03 eV, and 0.21 ±0.01 eV for Si2Cl6, Si (CH3)3CHF2, and SiCl (CH3)2Si(CH3)3, respectively. The experiment was conducted over the temperature range of 298-378 K. The findings of this study provide significant new insights into fundamental parameters such as rate coefficients and activation energies for thermal electron capture by chlorinated and fluorinated silane derivatives. These data contribute to advancing our understanding of thermal electron interactions with chlorosilanes, which can be utilized for controlling important species in the plasmas of various modern technologies.

The role of electronic data capture systems in clinical trials: Streamlining data integrity and improving compliance with FDA and ICH/GCP guidelines

This study investigates the transformative role of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems in clinical trials, emphasizing their impact on data integrity, compliance with regulatory standards, and the efficiency of trial processes. The purpose of the research was to critically analyze how EDC systems align with FDA and ICH/GCP guidelines, addressing the complexities of modern clinical trials. By conducting a detailed literature review, the study explores the benefits, challenges, and technological advancements associated with EDC systems. Key findings highlight the significant advantages of EDC systems in enhancing data accuracy, real-time monitoring, and facilitating regulatory compliance through secure data management and audit trails. The study also identifies several challenges, including high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and integration issues with other digital trial technologies. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and decentralized trial models, are explored as promising solutions to these limitations, offering new avenues for optimizing clinical trial management. The study concludes that EDC systems have revolutionized clinical trials, streamlining data collection and analysis while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. It recommends continued investment in EDC technologies, enhanced training for trial staff, and the integration of cutting-edge innovations to ensure future clinical trials' success.

Review of methods for lithium extraction from geothermal brines

Lithium, a highly reactive and valuable metal, is essential for the clean energy transition, powering electronic devices, electric cars, and energy storage systems. With demand for lithium surging, environmentally responsible and economically viable extraction methods are crucial. Traditional sources include brines and mineral clays, but lithium-ion batteries have become a significant secondary source due to their high consumption of lithium. This review explores various extraction methods from geothermal brines, focusing on conventional techniques like solar evaporation, precipitation, and solvent extraction, highlighting their efficiency and limitations. Advanced electrochemical methods are also discussed, including the use of electrochemical ion pumping and electrodialysis, showcasing their potential for high-purity lithium recovery. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers over 90% recovery and reduces impurities by over 99%, is identified as a promising approach. The review underscores the need for large-scale field experiments and the development of new lithium sources to meet growing demand.

Nanomaterials in electronics: Advancements and challenges in high-performance devices

Nanomaterials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal oxides, are revolutionizing the field of electronics by enabling the development of high-performance devices. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, characterization, and application of these nanostructured materials. The unique properties of nanomaterials, including exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal management capabilities, and potential for device miniaturization, offer significant advantages over traditional materials. Graphene, for instance, exhibits remarkable electrical and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal candidate for applications in transistors and sensors. Carbon nanotubes, known for their strength and conductivity, enhance the performance of various electronic components, while metal oxides play a crucial role in semiconductor applications. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain. Issues related to scalability hinder the large-scale production of nanomaterials, while reproducibility concerns affect the reliability of devices fabricated from these materials. Moreover, the environmental impact of synthesizing and disposing of nanomaterials raises significant ethical considerations that must be addressed as the field progresses. This paper aims to provide insights into the current research trends and potential future directions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the synthesis and application of nanomaterials in electronics. By addressing these challenges, we can pave the way for the next generation of high-performance electronic devices that are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.

Modification of New Semiconductor Materials by Doping

In the era of information, people’s lives are inseparable from electronic equipments. Semiconductors are key materials for manufacturing electronic equipment, which can be applied in multiple fields such as integrated circuits, solar cells, and so on. However, pure semiconductors have a single property, which are difficult to meet the design and usage requirements of different electronic devices. To solve the problem, introducing heteroatoms for modification to make them have more suitable performance will be a good way. Good semiconductor performance generally relies on precise control of the doping process. Different types of semiconductor materials typically require specific doping techniques to improve its performance. Adding small amounts of heteroatoms to pure semiconductors can significantly improve their conductivity by forming p/n junctions or achieving specific functions. Doping technology has been widely used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. It is of great significance for the manufacturing of chips, photovoltaics and other devices. At present, there are still many shortcomings in doping technology. It may come across the semiconductor structure failure caused by doping, or difficulty in meeting performance requirements for use. Thereofore, continuous research and improvement are still needed. This paper reviewed the applications and the doping techniques of various semiconductor materials including two-dimensional semiconductors and organic semiconductors. In addition, it also provides prospects for their related applications and development.

Solution Processable Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis Strategy and Applications.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), constructed by inorganic secondary building units with organic linkers via reticular chemistry, inherently suffer from poor solution processability due to their insoluble nature, resulting from their extensive crystalline networks and structural rigidity. The ubiquitous occurrence of precipitation and agglomeration of MOFs upon formation poses a significant obstacle to the scale-up production of MOF-based monolith, aerogels, membranes, and electronic devices, thus restricting their practical applications in various scenarios. To address the previously mentioned challenge, significant strides have been achieved over the past decade in the development of various strategies aimed at preparing solution-processable MOF systems. In this review, the latest advance in the synthetic strategies for the construction of solution-processable MOFs, including direct dispersion in ionic liquids, surface modification, controllable calcination, and bottom-up synthesis, is comprehensively summarized. The respective advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Additionally, the intriguing applications of solution-processable MOF systems in the fields of liquid adsorbent, molecular capture, sensing, and separation are systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities about the continued advancement of solution-processable MOFs and their potential applications are outlooked.

Sleep Health Patterns in Romania: Insights from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background: Sleep is one of the most essential processes for sustaining cognitive, emotional, and physical health across all age groups. Insomnia or inadequate sleep significantly impacts health and poses economic burdens due to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Objectives and Methods: This study aimed to investigate sleep quality in the Romanian active population using an online survey incorporating the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Conducted over four months in 2023, the survey gathered 2243 complete responses from urban and rural residents over the age of 18. Results: The results highlight gender and urban–rural disparities in sleep quality, revealing that females and urban residents experienced poorer sleep compared to their counterparts. Additionally, sleep quality was found to significantly worsen with age, with elders (56+ years) reporting the highest PSQI scores, indicating greater sleep difficulties compared to middle-aged adults and youngsters. A high prevalence of sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunctions, and sleep medication use was reported. Common pre-sleep activities included using electronic devices and watching TV, while fewer participants engaged in reading books or consuming alcohol and caffeine. Additionally, participants’ bedding preferences were documented. Conclusions: Our study highlights the influence of various factors on sleep quality and emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions to improve sleep health in Romania.