Good Conductivity Research Articles

Ethanol Processable Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Hole Transporting Layers Enabled 20.12 % Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

AbstractIn this study, a high‐performance inorganic‐organic hybrid hole transporting layer (HTL) was developed using ethanol‐soluble alkoxide precursors and a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM). Three metal oxides‐vanadium oxide (VOx), niobium oxide (Nb2O5), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5)‐were synthesized through successive low‐temperature (100 °C) thermal annealing (TA) and UV‐ozone (UVO) treatments of their respective precursors: vanadium oxytriethoxide (EtO−V), niobium ethoxide (EtO−Nb), and tantalum ethoxide (EtO−Ta). Among these, the Nb2O5 film exhibited excellent transmittance, a high work function, and good conductivity, along with a more compact and uniform structure featuring fewer interfacial defects, which facilitated efficient charge extraction and transport. Furthermore, the deposition of a SAM of (2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (2PACz) on top of Nb2O5 further passivated defects, enhancing interfacial contact with the photoactive layer. The resulting inorganic‐organic hybrid HTL of Nb2O5/2PACz demonstrated excellent compatibility with various photoactive blends, achieving impressive power conversion efficiencies of 19.44 %, 19.18 %, and 20.12 % for the PM6:L8‐BO, PM6:BTP‐eC9, and D18:BTP‐eC9 based organic solar cells, respectively. 20.12 % is the best performance for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells with binary components as the photoactive layer.

Flexible silane‐functionalized boron nitride filled polymer composite with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation

AbstractBoron nitride (BN) has excellent thermal conductivity (TC), however, it exhibits high surface energy, strong chemical inertness, poor interface compatibility with polymer matrices, and difficulty in even dispersion within‐polymer matrix, preventive effective construction of TC pathways. Four kinds of modified boron nitride/polyurethane composites (BTPUC) were prepared by different silane‐functionalized BN with polyurethane (TPU). Among them, 3‐trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate (TMSPMA)‐functionalized BN demonstrated better interface compatibility with TPU, significantly improving the mechanical properties and TC of the composites compared to the other three functionalized BN addition. The BN@TMSPMA/PU exhibited good TC and mechanical properties, with a TC of 0.865 W/mK, a tensile stress and a tensile strain of 9.65 ± 1.40 MPa and 759.88 ± 67.93%, respectively. It also showed good electrical insulation properties and mechanical durability. Therefore, the as‐prepared BN@TMSPMA/PU have broad prospects as flexible thermal‐management materials.Highlights The composites are constructed by TMSPMA‐modified BN and polyurethane by NIPS. The composites show good mechanical properties and cyclic failure resistance. The composites exhibit good thermal conductivity and electrical insulation.

Evidence of Quasi-Na Metallic Clusters in Sodium Ion Batteries through In Situ X-Ray Diffraction.

Carbonaceous materials have been considered the most promising anode in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their low cost, good electrical conductivity, and structural stability. The main challenge of carbonaceous anodes prior to their commercialization is low initial coulomb efficiencies, derived from a lack of an efficient technique to reveal a fundamental comprehension of sodium storage mechanisms. Here, the direct observation of quasi-Na metallic clusters in carbonaceous anodes during cycling through in situ XRD is reported. By means of such a technique, a strong self-adsorption behavior forming quasi-Na metallic clusters is detected within a rationally designed highly defective ultrathin carbon nanosheets (HDCS) anode. Such a self-adsorption and crystalline system transformation mechanism in HDCS brings capacity retention about 100% after 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1. This work provides a new principle for designing high-performance carbon anodes for SIBs.

Solar brilliance unleashed: Improving efficiency above 31% of inorganic halide perovskite of Mg3AsX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, I) using DFT and SCAPS-1D

This study investigates the structural, electronic, mechanical, and optical properties of the perovskites Mg3AsX3 (X = F, Cl, Br, I) using DFT and SCAPS-1D. The tolerance factor study shows that these materials are thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, the perovskites Mg3AsF3, Mg3AsCl3, Mg3AsBr3, and Mg3AsI3 exhibit direct bandgaps of 3.48, 2.06, 1.26, and 0.265 eV, respectively, confirming their semiconducting nature. The Mg3AsBr3 stands out for its ductility and excellent optical properties, such as a high dielectric constant and good conductivity, making it ideal for solar cells. Under optimal conditions, the FTO/WS2/Mg3AsBr3/Au structure demonstrated a PCE of 31.70%, with a VOC of 1.08 V, JSC of 36.03 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 81.64%. These computational findings suggest that Mg3AsBr3-based perovskites are promising candidates for developing highly efficient, lead-free, durable, and cost-effective solar cells, offering valuable insights for their practical application in renewable energy technologies.

Characteristics and genesis of high-quality metasilicate mineral water in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province.

Drinking natural mineral water often contains minerals and trace elements essential for human beings, such as strontium and silicon. As people's quality of life improves, so do their requirements for drinking water. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and develop high-quality groundwater that is rich in metasilicate and other minerals. The aim of this study is to reveal the distribution pattern and causes of high-quality metasilicate-rich groundwater in Liaocheng City through scientific methods, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the rational development and protection of mineral water resources. The results shown that Dong'e County was the main concentration area of high-quality metasilicate mineral water in Liaocheng City. The main reason for its high concentration of metasilicic acid was due to water-rock interaction. There was bedrock fissure water in the underlying water supply rock groups in Dong'e County, and the reaction between the metasilicate minerals in the rock groups and water was the main source of metasilicic acid. In addition, the development of fissures in the area provided a good storage and conductivity system for the enrichment of metasilicic acid in groundwater. Based on the analysis of hydrogeological conditions and the mechanism of formation of enriched areas, the enriched areas were divided into developable areas, protected and restricted development areas, and restricted development areas. The results of the study can lay a theoretical foundation for the systematic and scientific development, utilization, and protection of high-quality metasilicate mineral water in Liaocheng City.

Nanocellulose/metal-organic frameworks composites for advanced energy storage of electrodes and separators

Nanocellulose is widely utilized in various fields due to its high surface area, excellent mechanical strength, and environmental friendliness. However, nanocellulose is an insulating material with typically low electrical conductivity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are appealing because of their huge specific surface areas, highly flexible pore size and porosity, diverse topological structure, changeable surface chemistry, and good chemical and thermal strength. The high porosity and surface area, good electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and flexibility of nanocellulose/MOF composites (NC/MOFs) make it a promising material for energy storage. This paper provides a review of the synthesis and application of NC/MOFs for energy storage of electrodes and separators. It presents the physical and chemical properties of nanocellulose and MOF. Particularly, two preparation strategies for NC/MOFs, the in-situ synthesis method and the ex-situ blending method, are introduced. Then the applications of NC/MOFs in energy storage of electrodes and separators are delivered, including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and others. Finally, the challenges and prospects of NC/MOFs for energy storage are addressed.

The Problem of Good Conduct among Financial Advisers

Households in the United States often rely on financial advisers for investment and savings decisions, yet there is a widespread perception that many advisers are dishonest. This distrust is not unwarranted: approximately one in fifteen advisers has a history of serious misconduct, with this rate rising to one in six in certain regions and firms. We explore the economic foundations of the financial advisory industry and demonstrate how heterogeneity in household financial sophistication and conflicts of interest allow poor financial advice to persist. Using data on the universe of financial advisers and the Survey of Consumer Finances, we document who uses financial advisers and the prevalence of misconduct in the industry. Our findings suggest that a lack of financial sophistication is a key friction, making enhanced disclosure a potentially effective policy response. Supporting this, we show through a difference-in-differences approach that “naming and shaming” firms with high misconduct rates was associated with a 10 percent reduction in misconduct.

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on quasi-three-dimensional nanomaterials Nb2CTx/AgNWs for specific detection of sulfadiazine.

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIECS) was constructed for the specific detection of sulfadiazine (SDZ) in food. Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) as a typical two-dimensional lamellar nanomaterial has good electrical conductivity and unique structure, which was assembled with one-dimensional silver nanowires (AgNWs) to form quasi-three-dimensional composite nanomaterials (Nb2CTx/AgNWs). As spacer material, AgNWs prevented the aggregation of Nb2CTx and the collapse of Nb2CTx layers. At the same time, a fast electron transport channel was constructed through the synergistic effect between nanomaterialsthe two. The Nb2CTx/AgNWs realized the enhancement of electrical signals. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) endowed the sensor with selectivity, achieving the specific detection of sulfadiazine. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the method has a wide linear range (1 × 10-8-1 × 10-4 mol L-1) and a low limit of detection (1.30 × 10-9 mol L-1). The sensor was used to detect sulfadiazine in pork, chicken, and feed samples, and the recovery was 82.61-94.87%. The results were in good agreement with the HPLC results, which proved the accuracy and practicability of the method.

Investigation of Structural and Thermal Properties of Mg(ClO4)2 Based PVC + ZnO Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes

PVC+ZnO+Mg(ClO4)2 nanocompistie polymer electrolyte of differnet concentrations of Mg(ClO4)2 electrolytes were prepared using solution casting technique and further characterized using XRD, FTIR and TGA & DTA. The results of XRD suggests that the high amorphous of the PVC/ZnO nanocomposite with x=50 wt.% Mg(ClO4)2. As it due to high amorphous nature it can show a good ionic conductivity. The FTIR peaks shifting may also representing change of bond length and attaining good amorphous nature. The high heat resistance for all the sample can notice for DGA-DTA. Key word: polymer electrolyte, XRD, FTIR, TGA & DTA, Nanofiller

Design and Synthesis of Sb-Doped CuS@C Hollow Nanocubes as Efficient Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Battery.

Copper sulfide has received widespread attention for application as anode materials in sodium-ion batteries due to their potent capabilitiess and eco-friendly properties. However, it is a challenge to achieve a high rate capability and long cycle stability owing to the heterogeneous transfer of sodium ions during charge-discharge, the interior poor electron conductivity and repeated volumetric expansion of copper sulfide. In this study, Sb-doped copper sulfide hollow nanocubes coated with carbon shells (Sb-CuS@C) was designed and constructed as anode nanomaterials in sodium-ion batteries. Thanks to the intrinsic good electron conductivity and chemical stability of carbon shells, Sb-CuS@C possesses a higher overall electron transfer as anode material, avoids agglomeration and structural destruction during the cycling. As a result, the synthesized Sb-CuS@C achieved an excellent reversible capacity of 595 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g-1 and a good rate capability of 340 mA h g-1 at a higher 10 A g-1. DFT calculations clarify that the uniformly doped Sb would act as active sodiophilic nucleation sites to help adsorbing sodium-ion during discharging and leading uniform sodium deposition. This work provides a new insight into the structural and componential modification for common transition-metal sulfides towards application as anode materials in sodium-ion battery.

A photocurable ultra-tough eutectic gel with coordination crosslinking used for wearable sensors and TENG flexible electrodes

Flexible polymer molecular chains are of great interest to researchers in the field of flexible wearable electronics due to their unrivaled flexibility and ductility. However, achieving high toughness, high elasticity, environmental stability and easy machining of flexible electronic materials remains a challenge. In this study, we present a photocurable eutectic gel mainly composed of DMAPS, AAc, Zr4+ and deep eutectic solvents (DES). Due to the strong coordination between zirconium ions and polymer networks, the gel can be endowed with excellent properties, such as excellent tensile strength (1.14 MPa), low hysteresis (5 kJ·m−3) and good adhesion (above 40 kPa). DES can not only give the gel good electrical conductivity, but also maintain the stability of the gel to ensure that the leakage or volatilization of the solvent will not occur in use. The properties mentioned above allow the gel to achieve a sensitivity factor of up to 1.7 over a small strain range, demonstrating its potential applications in the field of flexible strain sensors and triboelectric flexible electrode materials. What’s more, the gel can be used to prepare complex geometric shapes with high precision through digital light processing (DLP) based 3D printing technology. Therefore, this work introduces a novel approach for the development of highly stable flexible wearable devices, which has the potential to expand the applications of eutectic gels.

Study on Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber and its Composite Materials

With the development of civil engineering industry, the use of new composite materials has become an inevitable trend. This paper mainly focuses on the mechanical properties and development status of Basalt Fiber (BF) and its fiber composites which is called Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP). The raw material of BFRP, the basalt ore and the preparation of blast furnace are discussed. Then, the preparation method of BFRP is introduced. In the process of research, it is found that when the preparation of BFRP is completed, the types of BFRP can be roughly divided into mixed reinforcement type and basic profile type. Subsequently, the factors affecting the mechanical properties of blast furnace are studied, which are mainly divided into interface modification and interface aging. In the aspect of interface modification, four modification methods such as acid-base etching modification, plasma surface treatment, silane coupling agent treatment and nanoparticle modification are introduced in detail. Finally, comparing BF with carbon fiber (CF), polyester fiber (PF) and glass fiber (GF), it is found that BF has better plasticity, toughness, good electrical insulation and low thermal conductivity. However, there are still many difficulties to be solved in the production, preparation, modification and application of BF and BFRP

2D versus 3D-Like Electrical Behavior of MXene Thin Films: Insights from Weak Localization in the Role of Thickness, Interflake Coupling and Defects.

MXenes stand out from other 2D materials because they combine very good electrical conductivity with hydrophilicity, allowing cost-effective processing as thin films. Therefore, there is a high fundamental interest in unraveling the electronic transport mechanisms at stake in multilayers of the most conducting MXene, Ti3C2Tx. Although weak localization (WL) has been proposed as the dominating low-temperature (LT) transport mechanism in Ti3C2Tx thin films, there have been few attempts to model it quantitatively. In this work, the role of important structural parameters - thickness, interflake coupling, defects - on the dimensionality of the LT transport mechanisms in spin-coated Ti3C2Tx thin films is investigated through LT and magnetic field dependent resistivity measurements. A dimensional crossover from 2D to 3D WL is clearly evidenced when the film thickness exceeds the dephasing length lϕ, estimated here in the 50-100 nm range. 2D WL can be restored by weakening the coupling between adjacent flakes, the intrinsic thickness of which is lower than lϕ, hence acting as parallel 2D conductors. Alternatively, lϕ can be reduced down to the 10 nm range by defects. These results clearly emphasize the ability of WL quantitative study to give deep insights in the physics of electron transport in MXene thinfilms.

Thermal transport in metal halide perovskites and other third-generation photovoltaic materials

Third-generation photovoltaic materials, including metal halide perovskites (MHPs), colloidal quantum dots (QDs), copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), and organic semiconductors, among others, have become attractive in the past two decades. Unlike their first- and second-generation counterparts, these advanced materials boast properties beyond mere photovoltaic performance, such as mechanical flexibility, light weight, and cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, these materials possess more intricate crystalline structures that aid in understanding and predicting their transport properties. In particular, the distinctive phonon dispersions in MHPs, the layered architecture in quasi-two-dimensional (2D) perovskites, the strong quantum confinement in QDs, and the complex crystal structures interspersed with abundant disorders in quaternary CZTS result in unique and sometimes anomalous thermal transport behaviors. Concurrently, the criticality of thermal management in applications such as photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, light emitting diodes, and photodetection devices has received increased recognition, considering that many of these third-generation photovoltaic materials are not good thermal conductors. Effective thermal management necessitates precise measurement, advanced modeling, and a profound understanding and interpretation of thermal transport properties in these novel materials. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of various techniques for measuring thermal transport properties of these materials and discuss the ultralow thermal conductivities of three-dimensional (3D) MHPs, superlattice-like thermal transport in 2D perovskites, and novel thermal transport characteristics inherent in QDs and CZTS. By collecting and comparing the literature-reported results, we offer a thorough discussion on the thermal transport phenomenon in these materials. The collective understanding from the literature in this area, as reviewed in this article, can provide guidance for improving thermal management across a wide spectrum of applications extending beyond photovoltaics.

Sodium Alginate/MXene-Based Flexible Humidity Sensors with High-Humidity Durability and Application Potentials in Breath Monitoring and Non-Contact Human–Machine Interfaces

Flexible humidity sensors (FHSs) with fast response times and durability to high-humidity environments are highly desirable for practical applications. Herein, an FHS based on crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) and MXene was fabricated, which exhibited high sensitivity (impedance varied from 107 to 105 Ω between 10% and 90% RH), good selectivity, prompt response times (response/recover time of 4 s/11 s), high sensing linearity (R2 = 0.992) on a semi-logarithmic scale, relatively small hysteresis (~5% RH), good repeatability, and good resistance to highly humid environments (negligible changes in sensing properties after being placed in 98% RH over 24 h). It is proposed that the formation of the crosslinking structure of SA and the introduction of MXene with good conductivity and a high specific surface area contributed to the high performance of the composite FHS. Moreover, the FHS could promptly differentiate the respiration status, recognize speech, and measure fingertip movement, indicating potential in breath monitoring and non-contact human–machine interactions. This work provides guidance for developing advanced flexible sensors with a wide application scope in wearable electronics.

Nanoparticle-based Biosensors for Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Many efforts have been made to develop biosensors for monitoring heavy metals in the environment. Development of nanoparticle-based biosensors is the most effective way to solve this problem. This review presents the latest technology of nanoparticle-based biosensors for environment monitoring to detect heavy metal ions, which are magnetic chitosan biosensor, colorimetric biosensor, and electrochemical biosensor. Magnetic chitosan biosensor acts as a nanoabsorbent, which can easily detect and extract poisonous heavy metal ions such as lead ions and copper ions. There are several methods to prepare the chitosan based on the nanoparticle, which are cross-linking, co-precipitation, multi-cyanoguanidine, and covalent binding method. In colorimetric biosensor, gold and silver nanoparticles are commonly used to detect the lead and mercury ions. In addition, this biosensor is very sensitive, fast and selective to detect metal ions based on the color change of the solution mixture. Meanwhile, electrochemical biosensor is widely used to detect heavy metal ions due to a simple and rapid process, easy, convenient and inexpensive. This biosensor is focused on the surface area, which leads to significant improvement in the performance of devices in terms of sensitivity. The wide surface area can affect the performance of the biosensor due to a limited space for operation of electrode. Therefore, reduced graphene oxide is a suitable material for making the electrochemical biosensor due to a wide surface area, good conductivity and high mechanical strength. In conclusion, these three technologies have their own advantages in making a very useful biosensor in the detection of heavy metal ions.

Optical Study of Desmodium Elegan Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Using Tauc’s Equation

Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is more eco-friendly, simpler, and nontoxic as compared to chemical synthesis. Due to their thermal stability and good electrical conduction silver nanoparticles have significant importance these days. In the present work, the stable silver nanoparticles were prepared from the aqueous solution of AgNO3 by green synthesis technique in which the Desmodium elegan plant extract was used as a reducing and capping agent to convert Ag+ to Ag0. A UV-visible spectrometer is used in the range of 200 nm to 800 nm with a scanning speed of 200 nm per minute, the absorption band is found at a 450 nm peak that indicates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The particle size of the nanoparticles was in the range of 11 nm to 70 nm with an average of 45 nm and a spherical shape. Further confirmation of nano size, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized for the size distribution and shape of the synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles SEM studies show irregular spherical morphology with polydispersed trend and the average particle size was found at 45 nm. The absorption band for the synthesized sample was found at 450 nm peak. The bandgap energy was 2.84 eV estimated by Tauc’s equation. This indicates that the synthesized nanoparticles electrically lie in the range of semiconductors and can be used as a biosensor. This synthesis technique is a nontoxic technique so these particles may be used for water treatment.

Promoting Layered Oxide Cathodes Based on Structural Reconstruction for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Reversible Phase Transition, Stable Interface Regulation, and Multifunctional Intergrowth Structure

AbstractLayered transition‐metal oxides (NaxTMO2) are one of the most promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacities, good conductivity, and environmental friendliness. However, several key scientific issues of NaxTMO2 cathode materials still persist in practical applications: i) complex phase transitions during the charge/discharge process owing to the slip of the transition‐metal layer; ii) the tendency for the interface to react with the electrolyte, resulting in structure degradation, and iii) reactions between active materials and H2O as well as CO2 on exposure to air in the environment to form alkaline substances on the surface. To understand electrochemical storage mechanisms and solve these problems, several modification strategies of NaxTMO2 have been reported recently, including bulk doping, concentration gradient structure design, interface regulation, and intergrowth structure construction. This review focuses on reversible phase transitions, stable interface regulation, and multifunctional intergrowth structure of the NaxTMO2 material from the inside to the outside. The future research directions for NaxTMO2 are also analyzed, providing guidance for the development of commercial layered oxides for next‐generation energy storage systems.

Polyphenol-mediated redox-active hydrogel with H2S gaseous-bioelectric coupling for periodontal bone healing in diabetes.

Excessive oxidative response, unbalanced immunomodulation, and impaired mesenchymal stem cell function in periodontitis in diabetes makes it a great challenge to achieve integrated periodontal tissue regeneration. Here, a polyphenol-mediated redox-active algin/gelatin hydrogel encapsulating a conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene)-assembled polydopamine-mediated silk microfiber network and a hydrogen sulfide sustained-release system utilizing bovine serum albumin nanoparticles is developed. This hydrogel is found to reverse the hyperglycemic inflammatory microenvironment and enhance functional tissue regeneration in diabeticperiodontitis. Polydopamine confers the hydrogel with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Theslow, sustained release of hydrogen sulfide from the bovine serum albumin nanoparticles recruits mesenchymal stem cells and promotes subsequent angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Moreover, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene)-assembled polydopamine-mediated silk microfiber confers the hydrogel with good conductivity, which enables it to transmit endogenous bioelectricity, promote cell arrangement, and increase the inflow of calcium ion. In addition, the synergistic effects of hydrogen sulfide gaseous-bioelectric coupling promotes bone formation by amplifying autophagy in periodontal ligament stem cells and modulating macrophage polarization via lipid metabolism regulation. This study provides innovative insights into the synergistic effects of conductivity, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and hydrogen sulfide on the periodontium in a hyperglycemic inflammatory microenvironment, offering a strategy for the design of gaseous-bioelectric biomaterials to promote functional tissue regeneration in immune-related diseases.

Palladium nanocrystals immobilized on boron and nitrogen codoped mesoporous carbon spheres as efficient methanol oxidation electrocatalysts

The development of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts is crucial for the widespread application of direct methanol fuel cell. Herein, a convenient and robust method is developed to the controllable fabrication of Pd nanocrystals in situ immobilized on boron and nitrogen codoped mesoporous carbon spheres (Pd/BNMCS) as anode catalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction. The as-derived Pd/BNMCS hybrids are equipped with a series of useful structural features, such as large specific surface area, abundant mesoporous channels, presence of plentiful B and N atoms, well-dispersive Pd nanoparticles, and good electrical conductivity. As a consequence, the optimized Pd/BNMCS catalyst demonstrates superior electrocatalytic methanol oxidation properties in terms of a large electrochemically active surface area, high mass/specific activities, and reliable long-term stability, which are significantly better than those of traditional carbon black and undoped mesoporous carbon sphere supported Pd catalysts. This study highlights the potential of heteroatom codoped mesoporous carbon matrixes in the construction of advanced noble metal electrocatalysts for practical fuel cell applications.