Electronic Devices Research Articles

Causes of mortality following PCI: the University of New Mexico hospital experience.

Mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a problem. Clinical databases such as the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data CathPCI Registry do not contain enough information to determine the specific cause of death after PCI, and thus are not able to identify opportunities for improvement (OFIs) that might have prevented the death of specific patients. We reviewed cases of death after coronary intervention to identify specific OFIs. The University of New Mexico electronic medical record system was used to identify PCI patients who died before discharge from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2021. Electronic medical records for each patient were reviewed by two physicians to identify presentation before PCI, procedural success of PCI, complications of PCI, contribution of PCI complications to death, and causes of death after PCI. During the study period, 48 of 894 PCI patients died before discharge. Presentation was ST elevation myocardial infarction in 23 (48%) and out of hospital cardiac arrest in 17 (35%). PCI success rate was 90%. Causes of death were most frequently cardiac (80%), septic shock (4%), mixed cardiogenic and septic shock (4%), COVID (8%), and anoxic brain injury (4%). All post-PCI deaths in this series occurred in acutely unstable patients, with cardiac comorbidities and myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest prior to catheterization. PCI reduced culprit stenosis to ≤50% in 96% of cases with an overall procedural success rate of 90% and only one major complication. No deaths were clearly related to operator error.

Triglyceride glucose index is associated with vertebral fracture in older adults: a longitudinal study.

Diabetes is a risk factor for bone fractures. However, the association between insulin resistance and the risk of fracture has not been well studied. In the present study, we explored the association of the triglyceride glucose index as a measure of insulin resistance with the risk of vertebral fracture in older adults. A total of 1995 subjects aged 50 years or older who underwent computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening from 2016-2021 were included in this study. They were followed until July 2023. Demographic information and laboratory test data were collected from the electronic medical system. Vertebral fractures were evaluated on the basis of sagittal CT images of the spine. The triglyceride glucose (TYG) index was calculated via the following equation: Ln [fasting glucose (mg/dl)×fasting triglyceride (mg/dl)/2]. The association between the TYG index and vertebral fracture incidence was evaluated via a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Ninety-five cases of fracture were observed during the 60 months of follow-up. The incidence of fracture was lower for the fourth TYG index than for the first TYG index (3.26% vs. 6.00%, P = 0.04). The risk of vertebral fracture decreased with increasing TYG index (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-0.90). Fracture risk was significantly lower in subjects with the highest TYG (the fourth quartile) than in those with the first quartile (aHR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.22-0.96) according to the fully adjusted model. A similar association was observed in subjects without diabetes (aHR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.95). Restricted cubic splines further revealed that the risk of vertebral fracture decreased with increasing TYG index. A greater TYG index was associated with a lower risk of vertebral fracture, independent of body mass index and bone mass.

Assessing usability of electronic patient-reported outcome measures in older people with and without a rare dermatologic disorder

BackgroundRobust and well-defined data collection is important when using electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) in clinical studies. Questions have been raised as to whether older age may be a barrier to data collection due to patients’ unfamiliarity with electronic devices. Older adults may also have underlying health conditions that affect their ability to fill out patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on electronic devices. The aim of this observational, qualitative research study was to evaluate the usability of electronic PROMs (ePROMs) on a tablet and smartphone in older participants with and without bullous pemphigoid (BP).MethodsOlder people with and without BP were recruited in the US and France. They participated in 60-min in-person interviews, with moderators observing their completion of various tasks, including ePROMs, using a tablet and smartphone. Participants were scored on ease of task completion using a scale from 1 to 5.ResultsA total of 12 participants were recruited (≥65 years old; six each with and without BP [all participants without BP were ≥75 years old]). Most participants (83%) could easily and confidently perform most assigned tasks on both the tablet and smartphone. Although select tasks required assistance, all participants were eventually able to complete all tasks. Overall, ePROM usability did not correlate with age, sex, country, or disease state. Feedback on the general usability of both electronic devices was largely positive, and most participants (n = 11; 92%) were willing to use them. Participants were generally pleased with the training modules offered on both devices, describing the training as sufficient, straightforward, and helpful. In total, 25 usability issues were identified, which fell into three categories: incomplete instructions, unclear language, and insufficient technical/visual design. Participants provided feedback on how to enhance device usability.ConclusionsThe results suggest that older people can confidently use a tablet or smartphone for ePROM completion, particularly with appropriate training. ePROMs should be designed with the needs of the target patient population in mind. These results can be leveraged to improve clinical data recording, optimize device usability, and enhance the user experience for older people and those with functional or physical limitations.Graphical abstract

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

Piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) has surfaced as an innovative technology for supplying power to low‐power electronic devices by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. This technology utilizes the piezoelectric effect, in which specific materials produce an electric charge when they experience mechanical stress. Piezoelectric materials can be categorized into three main types: single crystal, composite, and polymeric. Single‐crystal materials exhibit elevated piezoelectric coefficients and stability; however, they tend to be costly and fragile. Composite materials integrate piezoelectric ceramics with polymer matrices, enhancing flexibility and lowering costs. Polymeric materials exhibit lightweight, flexible, and biocompatibility characteristics, rendering them ideal for wearable and implantable applications. Although PEH presents considerable promise, it is essential to tackle challenges, including low power output, material constraints, and environmental influences. Future investigations will focus on creating innovative materials that exhibit improved piezoelectric characteristics, refining device architecture for optimal energy conversion, and incorporating piezoelectric harvesting technology into intelligent systems. By addressing these challenges and investigating creative solutions, PEH can significantly advance sustainable and self‐powered electronic devices.

Data Collection and Elaboration of Guidelines for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Management in Brazilian Private Higher Education Institutions

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for governments, ecologists, and the Ministry of the Environment. Studies show a growing increase in the generation of WEEE in Brazil and around the world. In a 2024 report by The Global E-Waste Monitor, Brazil was identified as the largest generator of WEEE in South America, ranking second in the Americas, only behind the United States. Given this scenario, sustainability practices and actions are necessary to minimize the incorrect disposal of WEEE. Considering the need to provide innovative tools to support the teaching–learning process, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) invest heavily in technology acquisition and, as a result, are increasingly concerned about equipment disposal when it no longer meets its purchased needs. This study aims to develop guidelines for implementing WEEE management policies to guide the correct disposal of these materials in HEIs. This study made it possible to visualize how important technology is for business continuity and highlight employees’ ecological awareness when disposing of unserviceable electronic equipment. The results of this study made it possible to present comparative data on the generation of WEEE, which served as a basis for drawing up guidelines to support HEIs in improving WEEE management and emphasized the importance of environmental awareness and responsibility.

Challenges and solutions in implementing electronic prescribing in Iran’s health system: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe use of electronic prescribing is recognized as a strategic tool for improving healthcare. Given the nationwide implementation of electronic prescribing systems initiated in 2020, this study aims to explore the challenges and solutions for implementing electronic prescribing in Iran’s health system as a developing country.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted through interviews with physicians, pharmacy staff, and electronic prescribing representatives in 2023. Initially, three in-depth interviews were conducted to develop the interview questions, resulting in three separate interview guides for each participant group (supplementary file no.1). Participants were purposively selected, including 12 physicians, 15 electronic prescribing representatives, and 9 pharmacy staff members. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Inductive content analysis with MAXQDA version 10 software. To identify challenges, sessions were held, and a final list of challenges was categorized. In the final stage, expert panels including 3 researchers, 4 e-prescribing representatives, and 3 insurance experts were formed to propose solutions.ResultThe challenges identified in this study were categorized into two main domains: “Organizational Challenges” and “Systemic Challenges.” Organizational challenges included issues related to insurance (16 cases), patient referrals (4 cases), stakeholder education and communication (6 cases), and supervision (8 cases). Systemic challenges included infrastructure problems (18 cases), user interface (UI) issues (14 cases), and database issues (10 cases). The primary challenges in implementing electronic prescribing were system downtime and sluggishness, internet connectivity issues, and the existence of multiple insurance systems. Expert panel discussions resulted in proposed solutions, including the uniform design of software by the Ministry of Health, the establishment of an integrated electronic referral system, conducting practical training sessions for physicians, and implementing electronic signatures.ConclusionElectronic prescribing in Iran is still in its early stages and will inevitably face challenges and problems. Continuous monitoring of electronic prescribing systems is essential to address implementation issues promptly. Issues related to training insurance monitoring the user interface and database infrastructure were challenging. Overall, improvements in infrastructure, integration of insurance systems, implementation of electronic signatures, adherence to electronic prescribing standards, and provision of practical training are recommended.

Broadening the Bandwidth of Epsilon-Near-Zero Metamaterials with Embedded Square Frames

A narrow frequency bandwidth of epsilon-near-zero metamaterials limits the use of many optical, microwave, and electronic devices. In this paper, we propose a recipe to broaden the operational bandwidth by employing a structure of properly tailored square frames nested within each other. To illustrate this effect, we derive the effective permittivity for the considered frame geometry. Then, we show that combining constituent materials with loss and materials with gain enables us to achieve the effective permittivity over a frequency band as small as desired. This technique may prove valuable for various applications including invisibility cloaks, camouflage, shielding, and sensorics.

Vacuum-Nitrogen Assisted (VANS) Topotactical Deintercalation for Extremely Fast Production of Functionalized Silicene Nanosheets.

Silicene, the analog of graphene composed of silicon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for various applications in electronic devices, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and biomedicals. While the chemical synthesis of silicene nanosheets has traditionally involved time-spending and expensive- methods, this study introduces a rapid vacuum/nitrogen cycle assisted (VANS) protocol that dramatically speeds up the production of silicene. The strategic implementation of vacuum/nitrogen cycles provides the efficient removal of the generated hydrogen, boosting the overall reaction kinetics while maintaining inert reaction conditions to prevent oxidation. In contrast to previous methodologies, usually qualified by prolonged reaction durations of up to 5 days and low reaction temperatures (-30°C), this integrated approach substantially shortens the synthesis time from hours to minutes. Indeed, the VANS method drastically reduces the reaction time, operates at room temperature, and exhibits the successful fabrication of silicene flakes with structural properties comparable to those achieved through prolonged reaction times and low temperatures.

Two-Dimensional Organic-Inorganic van der Waals Hybrids.

Two-dimensional organic-inorganic (2DOI) van der Waals hybrids (vdWhs) have emerged as a groundbreaking subclass of layer-stacked (opto-)electronic materials. The development of 2DOI-vdWhs via systematically integrating inorganic 2D layers with organic 2D crystals at the molecular/atomic scale extends the capabilities of traditional 2D inorganic vdWhs, thanks to their high synthetic flexibility and structural tunability. Constructing an organic-inorganic hybrid interface with atomic precision will unlock new opportunities for generating unique interfacial (opto-)electronic transport properties by combining the strengths of organic and inorganic layers, thus allowing us to satisfy the growing demand for multifunctional applications. Here, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the chemical synthesis, structural characterization, and numerous applications of 2DOI-vdWhs. Firstly, we introduce the chemistry and the physical properties of the recently rising organic 2D crystals (O2DCs), which feature crystalline 2D nanostructures comprising carbon-rich repeated units linked by covalent/noncovalent bonds and exhibit strong in-plane extended π-conjugation and weak interlayer vdWs interaction. Simultaneously, representative inorganic 2D crystals (I2DCs) are briefly summarized. After that, the synthetic strategies will be systematically summarized, including synthesizing single-component O2DCs with dimensional control and their vdWhs with I2DCs. With these synthetic approaches, the control in the dimension, the stacking modes, and the composition of the 2DOI-vdWhs will be highlighted. Subsequently, a special focus will be given on the discussion of the optical and electronic properties of the single-component 2D materials and their vdWhs, which will be closely relevant to their structures, so that we can establish a general structure-property relationship of 2DOI-vdWhs. In addition to these physical properties, the (opto-)electronic devices such as transistors, photodetectors, sensors, spintronics, and neuromorphic devices as well as energy devices will be discussed. Finally, we provide an outlook to discuss the key challenges for the 2DOI-vdWhs and their future development. This review aims to provide a foundational understanding and inspire further innovation in the development of next-generation 2DOI-vdWhs with transformative technological potential.

Serial–parallel cooperative assembly approach for precision micro-assembly of axial holes

Abstract. The assembly of high-density axial holes represents a crucial step in integrating highly sophisticated components for electronic equipment. This process faces two primary challenges: stringent precision requirements and the need for robust control during delicate adjustments. Given the miniaturization of components, manual assembly becomes inefficient. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel dual-robot assembly system. The system incorporates a serial robot for force-controlled compliant assembly of precision axial holes, leveraging joint force sensors for direct force-feedback control to ensure enhanced positional accuracy. Additionally, a parallel robot facilitates precise positional adjustments, with its positioning accuracy further refined through kinematic calibration techniques validated through rigorous simulations. Ultimately, the established dual-robot assembly experimental platform successfully demonstrated the precision assembly of high-density axial holes, offering robust technical support for the precise integration of highly integrated components in electronic equipment.

Study on nanosecond pulsed laser micro-milling of stainless steel miniature gears with intersecting-axes

The utilization rate of miniature gears has increased sharply with the widespread application of micro-pumps, electronic equipment, and measuring instruments, and therefore the design and processing of miniature gear has become a subject of intense research. Current research has predominantly focused on machining miniature parallel-axes gears, but well-established machining methods for miniature intersecting-axes gears are still lacking. This paper presented a nanosecond pulsed laser micro-milling technology for miniature intersecting-axes gear (MIAG). Firstly, the 3D models of driving MIAG and driven MIAG were established, and the machining schemes were proposed on the basis of the characteristics of the models. Then, the influences of processing parameters such as defocusing distance, pulse overlap, and scanning strategy on the output responses, including removal rate, surface roughness, and shape accuracy were analyzed. Afterward, some miniature structures, such as miniature grooves, cylinders and cones, were machined by combining these process parameters. Finally, the MIAGs were machined, and the accuracy evaluation and kinematics experiment were carried out. The diameter of driving MIAG was 1.21 mm, and the diameter of driven MIAG was 3.389 mm. The experimental results indicate that the proposed machining technology can process MIAG with relatively high precision and can also offer a valuable reference for the manufacturing of other miniature components.

Flexible solid-state supercapacitors based on biowaste-derived activated carbon and nanomaterials for enhanced performance.

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with long cycle life that can harvest and deliver high power. This makes them attractive for a broad range of applications including flexible and lightweight wearable consumer electronics. In this work, we fabricate flexible solid-state supercapacitors with improved capacitance and cycle life. We synthesize activated carbon (AC) from cabbage leaves as a low cost, biowaste-derived active electrode material. To improve mechanical flexibility and conductivity, we incorporate reduced graphene oxide sheets (RGO) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) into the electrodes. We show that at the optimum AC/RGO/CQD composition, the capacitance of the solid-state supercapacitor is maximized while its scan rate dependence and bending stability are simultaneously improved. We envision that this approach offers significant potential for delivering efficient energy storage devices for consumer electronics.

Integrating Experimental and Computational Insights: A Dual Approach to Ba2CoWO6 Double Perovskites

Double perovskite materials have emerged as key players in the realm of advanced materials due to their unique structural and functional properties. This research mainly focuses on the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of Ba2CoWO6 double perovskite nanopowders utilizing a high-temperature conventional solid-state reaction technique. The successful formation of Ba2CoWO6 powders was confirmed through detailed analysis employing advanced characterization techniques. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman data established that Ba2CoWO6 crystallizes in a cubic crystal structure with the space group Fm-3m, indicative of a highly ordered perovskite lattice. The typical crystallite size, approximately 65 nm, highlights the nanocrystalline nature of the material. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) discovered a distinctive morphology characterized by spherical shaped particles, suggesting a complex particle formation process influenced by synthesis conditions. To probe the electronic structure, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) identified cobalt and tungsten valence states, critical for understanding dielectric properties associated with localized charge carriers. The semiconducting character of the synthesized Ba2CoWO6 nanocrystalline material was confirmed through UV-Visible analysis, which revealed an energy bandgap value of 3.3 eV, which aligns well with the theoretical predictions, indicating the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibited two distinct emissions in the blue-green region. These emissions were attributed to the transitions 3P0→3H4, 3P0→3H5, and 3P0→3H6, primarily resulting from the contributions of Ba2+ ions. The dielectric characteristics of the compound were analyzed across a different range of frequencies, spanning from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. Magnetic characterization using Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) revealed antiferromagnetic behavior of Ba2CoWO6 ceramics at room temperature, attributed to super-exchange interactions between Co3+ and W5+ ions mediated by oxygen ions in the perovskite lattice. Additionally, first-principles calculations based on the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA+U) with a modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) potential were employed to gain a deeper understanding of the structural and electronic properties of the materials. This approach involved systematically varying the Hubbard U parameter to optimize the description of electron correlation effects. These results deliver an extensive understanding of the structural, optical, morphological, electronic, and magnetic properties of Ba2CoWO6 ceramics, underscoring their potential for electronic and magnetic device applications.

Synergistic Enhancement of Energy Storage Performance in NaNbO3-Based Lead-Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics via Weakly Coupled Relaxation Behavior.

Advancements in pulsed electronic power systems depend significantly on high-performance dielectric energy storage ceramics. Lead-free NaNbO3-based energy-storage ceramics are important materials for next-generation pulsed power capacitors owing to their large polarization and bandgaps. However, the high energy loss caused by the antiferroelectric-ferroelectric phase transition leads to low recoverable energy storage density and efficiency, which hinders its practical application. Herein, a weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric is designed via chemical modification, which realises a high recoverable density of 12.7Jcm- 3 and a decent η of 85.7%. Compositionally induced domain-size refinement effectively delays low-field polarization saturation and elevates η. Experimental characterization and theoretical-model analysis confirm that the superior comprehensive energy-storage performance is attributed to the component-driven formation of polar nano-micro-regions with weak interactions, which suppresses the polarization hysteresis and improves the polarization difference. This study demonstrates that component-driven construction of weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric materials is an effective strategy for achieving ultrahigh energy-storage characteristics.

Post‐operative incidence of lymphedema after RARP with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection in a cohort study

AbstractObjectivesLymphedema of the lower limbs and pubic area is a potential complication following extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The incidence of lymphedema after ePLND has not been systematically reported in the literature. This study aimed to determine the incidence of lymphedema, describe its clinical characteristics and identify specific risk factors in patients undergoing RARP with or without ePLND.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre between April 2016 and July 2020. Structured electronic case report forms (eCRFs) integrated into the electronic health record system were used to document intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative data. The primary endpoint was the incidence of lymphedema. Secondary endpoints included risk factors for and localization of the postoperative lymphedema.ResultsA total of 500 patients who underwent RARP were included, with 301 patients undergoing ePLND and 199 patients without any form of PLND. Median follow‐up period was 18 (range 3–49) months. Seventy‐eight out of 301 (26%) of patients who underwent ePLND developed lymphedema, compared to only 2 out of 199 (1%) patients without ePLND. In most patients (49/301, 16%), lymphedema was mild (grade 1), whereas 29 patients (10%) developed grade 2 lymphedema. Twenty‐six patients (9%) received decongestive lymphatic therapy. The most frequent site of lymphedema occurrence were the lower (54%) and the upper legs (40%). The number of nodes removed during RARP was identified as a risk factor for post‐operative lymphedema (OR 1.04; p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this cohort study, approximately one in four patients undergoing RARP with ePLND developed lower limb and/or midline oedema, whereas one in ten patients started decongestive lymphatic therapy for symptomatic lymphedema. These findings provide valuable information for patient counselling about the potential benefits and risks of ePLND.

Epidemiological pattern of injuries among road traffic crash victims: the first experience of a large tertiary care hospital in the West Bank of Palestine

BackgroundRoad traffic injuries are a global public health challenge. This study was conducted to describe the epidemiological patterns of road traffic injuries in a large tertiary care hospital in the West Bank of Palestine. In addition, associations between the different variables of the victims and the patterns of road traffic injuries were also assessed.MethodsThis study was conducted in a retrospective cohort observational design between January 2021 and July 2023 at a large tertiary care hospital in Nablus, Palestine. The data were collected from the electronic medical record system of the large tertiary care hospital using a data collection form.ResultsA total of 1,544 victims of traffic road injuries were included in this study. Lower limb (43.0%), neck (41.2), and upper limb (39.8%) injuries were the most common types of road traffic injuries sustained by the victims admitted to the large tertiary care hospital.The victims who were 30 years or older were more likely to sustain back injuries (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.20–2.45) pelvic injuries (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.08–3.12), chest injuries (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.06–2.38), and neck injuries (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.68–3.82) compared to the victims who were younger than 30 years.The victims who did not use seatbelts were more likely to sustain abdominal injuries (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.34–2.63) and head injuries (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.06–2.10) compared to the victims who used seatbelts. The victims who did not have the airbag deployed were more likely (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.31–2.63) to sustain neck injuries compared to the victims who had the airbag deployed.ConclusionThe epidemiological patterns of road traffic injuries in a large tertiary care hospital in Nablus, Palestine were described and the associations between the different variables of the victims and the patterns of road traffic injuries were assessed. The findings indicated a need to design measures to prevent/minimize these injuries. Future studies are still needed to determine the best measures to avoid/minimize the incidence of serious road traffic injuries.

ELECTRONIC CRIMINAL CASE: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN RUSSIAN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

The rapid development of science and technology changes people’s lives every day. Legal regulation and the sphere of law enforcement should promptly adapt to these changes, especially through creation of new ways of information exchange. The article examines the possibilities of introducing electronic criminal case technology into the Russian criminal process. The concept of criminal case materials as one of the central procedural documents is formulated, and the main approaches of scientists to defining its digital form are considered. The experience of foreign countries in using information technologies in the implementation of criminal proceedings is analyzed. The most successful, according to the authors, version of the idea implementation can be found in Italy, where a system of exchange and accumulation of information between the court, preliminary investigation bodies and the prosecutor’s office has been created. For the Russian legal field, the technology of conducting criminal cases using digital technologies is still at the concept stage, with respect to which it is impossible to draw a conclusion about the unambiguous need and form of possible implementation. At the same time, the article concludes that the corresponding software can provide a huge number of opportunities for persons participating in the case. The supposed advantages include simplification of the procedure for storing materials, ensuring equal access to them by the prosecution, defense and the court, and reducing the time frame for office work. However, the legislator’s passive position regarding this project can be explained by the disproportionate amount of resources that will be required for its implementation.

DLTS characterisation of 107 MeV krypton ion-irradiated nitrogen-doped 4H-silicon carbide

Swift heavy ions, such as krypton ions, play a significant role in developing and enhancing the performance of various devices. In this study, the influence of Kr2+ on nitrogen-doped 4H-silicon carbide has been investigated using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Krypton ions, with an energy of 107 MeV, were used to irradiate the Au/Ni/4H-SiC Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) at a fluence of 1 × 1010 cm–2 at room temperature (300 K). Before the irradiation of the samples, the electrical measurements revealed good rectifying behaviour. However, rectification properties of the Au/Ni/4H-SiC SBDs were completely lost after irradiation at a fluence of 1 × 1010 cm–2. Annealing was performed at 300 °C in flowing argon, and the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) revealed partial rectification. DLTS of the as-grown devices analyses revealed the presence of four deep level defects. After annealing the irradiated device, the DLTS spectra showed a reduction in the intensity of the E0.10 and the disappearance of the E0.12 as well as the E0.16 defects compared to that as-grown. Two defects with energies of 280 and 410 meV showed inverted peaks, as would have been expected from minority carriers trap instead of majority carriers, which led to confusion as the peaks were inverted. It was concluded that the peculiar characteristics of DLTS measurements on SBDs may be due to the extremely high value of the series resistance as well as the low capacitance. The results of this study provide insight into the behaviour of SBDs under extreme irradiation and can be used to improve the radiation tolerance of electronic devices made from SiC.

A Review on MXene/Nanocellulose Composites: Toward Wearable Multifunctional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Application.

With the rapid development of mobile communication technology and wearable electronic devices, the electromagnetic radiation generated by high-frequency information exchange inevitably threatens human health, so high-performance wearable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are urgently needed. The 2D nanomaterial MXene exhibits superior EMI shielding performance owing to its high conductivity, however, its mechanical properties are limited due to the high porosity between MXene nanosheets. In recent years, it has been reported that by introducing natural nanocellulose as an organic framework, the EMI shielding and mechanical properties of MXene/nanocellulose composites can be synergically improved, which are expected to be widely used in wearable multifunctional shielding devices. In this review, the electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation mechanism of EMI shielding materials is briefly introduced, and the latest progress of MXene/nanocellulose composites in wearable multifunctional EMI shielding applications is comprehensively reviewed, wherein the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods and various types of composites are summarized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed, regarding the performance improvement, the performance control mechanism, and the large-scale production of MXene/nanocellulose composites. This review can provide guidance on the design of flexible MXene/nanocellulose composites for multifunctional electromagnetic protection applications in the future intelligent wearable field.

Operando Observation of Electrically Triggered Phase Transition in Thin Cu2S Crystal.

Cu2S has been identified as a functional material of memristors with multilevel resistance switching. However, as the migration of Cu ions under the electric field is tangled with defect evolution and phase transition, the electroresistance mechanism of Cu2S remains largely unclear. Here, the electrically triggered phase transition was studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the γ(L)-Cu2S phase is transformed into β-Cu2S accompanied by the change in resistance, when a voltage lower than 1 V is applied at room temperature. The electrically triggered phase transition is also observed at -150 °C. Precipitation of metal Cu nanoparticles is observed when the applied voltage is further increased after the complete formation of β-Cu2S. These findings indicate that Cu2S can achieve fast and controllable phase switching through electrical tuning when the energy consumption is appropriately controlled, offering the potential for low-power electronic devices such as memory and sensors.