Hybrid Devices Research Articles

Memristive switching of nanofluidic diodes by ionic concentration gradients

We demonstrate that nanofluidic diodes exhibit a memristive behavior that can be controlled not only by the amplitude and frequency of the driving oscillatory signal but also by changing the relative orientations of the externally imposed ionic concentration difference with respect to the pore charge density gradient. Because ionic concentration differences, memristive properties, and nanofluidic pores are of broad interest to electrochemical technology and membrane bioelectrochemistry, this study can be a useful contribution to the field. In our case, the memristor is a polymer membrane with current rectifying conical nanopores. The electrical interaction between the mobile ions in the aqueous solution and the pore surface charges leads to rich physico-chemical phenomena, including memory effects and the neuromorphic-like potentiation of the membrane conductance following voltage pulses (spikes). The multipore membrane can be used in the design of electrochemical circuits for signal conversion and information processing in iontronic hybrid devices.

Bismuth sulfide quantum dots-CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals heterojunction for enhanced broadband photodetection

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) or quantum dots (QDs) have shown great potential for solution-processable photodetector due to their exceptional optical and electronic properties. However, broadband and sensitive photodetection from single QDs- based devices is quite challenging. Nano-heterojunction with proper band alignment based on two different materials offers significant advantages for developing broadband photodetector. Herein, we report ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) to near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive photodetector based on solution-processed nano-heterojunction of visible light absorber CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs and wide absorption range, environment-friendly Bi2S3 QDs. Our results demonstrate that the CsPbBr3–Bi2S3 nano-heterojunction-based photodetector has higher responsivity (380 μA/W at a wavelength of 532 nm) and higher specific detectivity (1.02 × 105 Jones), as compared to the individual CsPbBr3 or Bi2S3 QDs based devices. Interestingly, the detection wavelength range of our heterojunction device is further extended to the near-infrared region (1064 nm) due to the broadband absorption range of Bi2S3 QDs, which is not observed in the visible light absorber CsPbBr3 devices. Remarkably, the responsivity of the heterojunction device is 90 μA W−1. The enhanced specific detectivity and the broadband response of hybrid devices are attributed to the improved charge carrier generation, efficient charge separation and transfer at the interface between CsPbBr3 and Bi2S3 QDs.

Synergistic effect of co-sputtered tungsten-titanium nitride as electrode material for efficient hybrid supercapacitors

The dawn of bimetallic transition metal nitrides has attracted considerable interest as battery grade electrode material for potential energy storage applications. In addition, it is essential to investigate binder-free processes to improve the performance of the fabricated electrodes. In this study, binder-free tungsten‑titanium nitrides (W-TiN) are deposited through RF/DC magnetron co-sputtering onto the conducting nickel foam (NF). SEM, EDX and X-ray diffraction are exploited to investigate surface morphology, elemental composition, and structural properties of sputtered materials. The W-TiN electrodes are characterized through electrochemical investigation in half-cell configuration. The tested W-TiN electrode is further utilized with activated carbon (AC) electrode to develop hybrid supercapacitor device W-TiN//AC. The hybrid device revealed a maximum energy density (Es) of 88.8 Wh/kg and power density (Ps) 1700 W /kg. To further understand the mechanism of hybrid devices, the capacitive and diffusive contributions are computed using linear and quadradic models. This study provides a new direction to integrate co-sputtered binder-free electrode materials and devices for large scale production of advanced hybrid energy storage devices.

Hybrid device allows drug toxicity testing in liver cells

Designed to be low cost, a microfluidic device can test spheroid liver cell cultures on a chip for long-term drug toxicity experimentation.

Hydrothermal synthesized nickel tungstate (NiWO4) microflowers for supercapacitor and water-splitting

Herein, we have synthesized nickel tungstate microflowers (NWO MFs) using the hydrothermal route and used them as an electrode in electrochemical and electrocatalytic applications. In this article, we discuss the effects of the concentration of surfactant on the NWO MFs. Additionally, the resultant products are undergone to assess the energy storage and water-splitting phenomena. In addition, NWO-SM (steel mesh) electrode demonstrates the maximum specific capacitance (Cg) and specific capacity (Csp) of 712 F/g and 158 mAh/g at 5 mV/s with ∼95% capacitive retention over the 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the fabricated device reveals the maximum performance of the capacitance and capacity of 185 F/g and 75 mAh/g at 5 mV/s and 160 F/g and 53 mAh/g with the highest energy (Ed) and power densities (Pd) of 24 Wh/kg and 1600 W/kg at 5 mA/cm2 respectively. The hybrid device shows better capacitive properties with excellent stability (94% over 5000 cycles). The NWO-SM electrodes were tested for electrocatalytic activities using different techniques. The NWO-1 SM electrode exhibited strong electrocatalytic activity with a moderate overpotential value of 302 mV, a negligible Tafel slope (118 mV/dec), an acceptable electrochemical surface area (ECSA) value of 121 cm2, and exceptional stability over 10 hours.

Enhanced performance of hybrid piezo/triboelectric using BaTiO3/polymer composite film modified with rGO

ABSTRACT Hybrid piezo/triboelectric technology is an emerging energy source that can continuously power small electronic devices by harvesting ambient mechanical energy and converting it into electricity. In this work, a high-performance hybrid piezo/triboelectric device was presented. The composite film was synthesized that co-doped BaTiO3 powders (BT) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) embedded within a host material made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The hybrid device is made by mixing BT powders into the PDMS to form a series of composite films, ranging from 10% to 45% by wt.%. Additionally, 1–5 wt.% of rGO was loaded into fabricates 40BT/PDMS. The results show that the addition of rGO can improve the uniform dispersion of BT powder in the PDMS matrix. The 4 wt.% of rGO for 40BT/PDMS exhibited the optimal energy harvesting performance among all compositions, achieving notable output voltage and current. This work demonstrates a facile, low-cost approach for obtaining high-performance hybrid piezo/triboelectric by utilizing a composite film BaTiO3 and polymer (PDMS) modified with rGO.

Design and Analysis of Lifting Carriage of 4T Overhead Stacker Crane

The Overhead Stacker Crane is a hybrid device that combines the features and constructions of "Industrial Forklifts" and "Electric Overhead Cranes." Stacker cranes are equipment with varied levels of automation that are used to store materials. They travel along the aisles of the operating areas, where they enter, position, or extract the material. This type of crane is widely used in assembly shops, production stores, warehouses, etc. Each application needs customizing. The lifting carriage of different overhead stacker crane design is studied in this study. The new design has two advantages: the lifting carriage is bracketed to the mast of the overhead stacker, and the new lifting mechanism is more compact. The most common structure configurations are single-mast and twin-mast constructions. Single-mast structures are used for investigation in our research. A live example has been chosen, and several design engineering stages have been implemented, with the goal of achieving compliance with safety-related standards as well as possible enhancements for future consideration. All the concerned parts have been 3D modelled, analyzed using classical means as well as advanced means of FEA. The goal of using design engineering concepts is to provide a verified design with documentation that can be manufactured with or without indicated improvements. Static analysis of identified parts is performed using both hand calculation and the FEA approach.

Categorising hybrid material microfluidic devices

Microfluidic devices are useful tools for a wide range of biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications. Hybrid microfluidic devices utilising more than two materials are increasingly being used for their capacity to produce unique structures and perform novel functions. However, an analysis of publications across the field shows that whilst hybrid microfluidic devices have been reported, there remains no system of classifying hybrid devices which could help future researchers in optimising material selection. To resolve this issue, we propose a system of classifying hybrid microfluidic devices primarily as containing either hybrid structural, chemical, or electrical components. This is expanded upon and developed into a hierarchy, with combinations of different primary components categorised into secondary or tertiary hybrid device groupings. This classification approach is useful as it describes materials that can be combined to create novel hybrid microfluidic devices.

Investigating the influence of copper benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate ligands (Cu-BTC) on the electrochemical capacity of hybrid supercapacitors

The elevated energy demand and crises have rooted the urge to develop advanced electrode materials that can overcome the energy dilemma present all over the globe. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising electrode materials in recent times due to their better electrochemical properties. Herein the metal ligand synergy produced in MOFs is observed for the same metal center (Cu) with different ligands i.e., benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (1,3,5-BTC) and benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate (1,2-BDC). The hybrid device of the best performing MOF (Cu-1,3,5-BTC//AC) reveals the energy and power density of 88.32 Wh kg−1 and 680 W kg−1, respectively. Even at the highest current density of 15 A/g, the device retained the Es of 21.25 Wh kg−1 and Ps of 12,750 W kg−1. Furthermore, the semi-empirical approach was utilized for the evaluation of capacitive and diffusive contributions.

The Mass-Balancing between Positive and Negative Electrodes for Optimizing Energy Density of Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are some of the most promising energy storage devices, but their low energy density is one main weakness. Over the decades, superior electrode materials and suitable electrolytes have been widely developed to enhance the energy storage ability of SCs. Particularly, constructing asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) can extend their electrochemical stable voltage windows (ESVWs) and thus achieve high energy density. However, only full utilization of the electrochemical stable potential windows (ESPWs) of both positive and negative electrodes can endow the ASC devices with a maximum ESVW by using a suitable mass-ratio between two electrodes (the mass-balancing). Nevertheless, insufficient attention is directed to mass-balancing, and even numerous misunderstandings and misuses have appeared. Therefore, in this Perspective, we focus on the mass-balancing: summarize theoretic basis of the mass-balancing, derive relevant relation equations, analyze and discuss the change trends of the specific capacitance and energy density of ASCs with mass-ratios, and finally recommend some guidelines for the normative implementation of the mass-balancing. Especially, the issues related to pseudocapacitive materials, hybrid devices, and different open circuit potentials (OCPs) of the positive and negative electrodes in the mass-balancing are included and emphasized. These analyses and guidelines can be conducive to understanding and performing mass-balancing for developing high-performance SCs.

Numerical Investigation of PV/T System by Using Graphene Based Nanofluids

The effective use of solar radiation can be maximized by the implementation of a novel hybrid device referred to as a photovoltaic thermal collector (PV/T), which has the capability to simultaneously generate both electrical and thermal energy. As temperature increases, the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) cell drops. The present work employs graphene nanofluids as a means to decrease the temperature of the system in order to evaluate the photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) performance. The PV/T system is subjected to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, wherein graphene nanofluids of different volume concentrations (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and mass flow rates (0.065, 0.075, and 0.085 kg/s) are employed. The PV/T system demonstrated enhanced performance as a result of the implementation of the proposed approach, which effectively reduced the temperature of the solar cell during the period of maximum solar radiation, spanning from 9 AM to 4 PM. The utilization of the system was employed for the generation of thermal and electrical energy due to its respective thermal and electrical efficiency of 67% and 11.5%. The completed research has demonstrated that the integration of graphene nanofluids has the potential to enhance the efficiency of PV/T systems.

Synergetic supercapattery: Stitching of cobalt zinc manganese oxide and polyaniline matrix for efficient energy storage applications

Optimizing energy storage performance requires the integration of both battery and supercapacitor advantages into a hybrid device. This study focuses on the strategic combination of positive (battery-like) and negative (electrical double layer, EDL) electrode materials in a single device, known as a supercapattery. Cobalt zinc manganese oxide (CZMO) ternary composite and polyaniline (PANI) are synthesized via hydrothermal and polymerization methods, respectively. The CZMO/PANI composite is prepared using a physical blending method. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the composition of CZMO/PANI, while surface morphological analysis (FESEM and HRTEM) demonstrated successful intercalation between CZMO nanorods and the PANI matrix. XPS and BET analyses are employed to examine the chemical composition and surface area of the composite. Electrochemical performance of CZMO, PANI, and CZMO/PANI is individually analyzed using a three-electrode system. It is evident that the CZMO/PANI composite exhibits a better specific capacity (340 C g−1) than CZMO and PANI. The two-electrode system (device), embodying CZMO/PANI as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, exhibits promising Specific energy 30.75 Wh kg−1 and specific power 820 W kg−1. Based on these results, it is evident that the CZMO/PANI composite will be a viable option for supercapattery applications.

Transport signatures of Bogoliubov Fermi surfaces in normal metal/time-reversal symmetry broken d-wave superconductor junctions

In recent times, Bogoliubov Fermi surfaces (BFSs) in superconductors (SCs) have drawn significant attention due to a substantial population of Bogoliubov quasiparticles (BQPs) together with Cooper pairs (CPs) in them. The BQPs as zero energy excitations give rise to captivating and intricate charge dynamics within the BFSs. In this theoretical study, we propose to reveal the unique signatures of the topologically protected BFSs in bulk d-wave SCs using normal metal/time-reversal symmetry (TRS) broken d-wave SC hybrid setup, in terms of the differential conductance and Fano factor (FF). Orientation of crystal a axis with respect to junction normal, quantified by the parameter α, is crucial for transport properties in these hybrid devices. For α = 0, an enhancement in zero-bias conductance (ZBC) can be identified as a key signature of BFSs. However, for α≠0 , this feature does not replicate due to the presence of the localized Andreev bound state (ABS) at the interface. The interplay of ABS and BFSs gives rise to an anomalous behavior in ZBC compared to the α = 0 case. This behavior remains qualitatively similar even at finite temperatures. Finally, we explain this anomalous behavior by analyzing the effective charge of the carriers in terms of the FF. The simplicity of our setup based on d-wave SC makes our proposal persuasive.

Magnetic Nonreciprocity in a Hybrid Device of Asymmetric Artificial Spin-Ice-Superconductors

Controlling the size and distribution of potential barriers within a medium of interacting particles can unveil unique collective behaviors and innovative functionalities. We introduce a unique superconducting hybrid device using a novel artificial spin ice structure composed of asymmetric nanomagnets. This structure forms a distinctive superconducting pinning potential that steers unconventional motion of superconducting vortices, thereby inducing a magnetic nonreciprocal effect, in contrast to the electric nonreciprocal effect commonly observed in superconducting diodes. Furthermore, the polarity of the magnetic nonreciprocity is in situ reversible through the tunable magnetic patterns of artificial spin ice. Our findings demonstrate that artificial spin ice not only precisely modulates superconducting characteristics but also opens the door to novel functionalities, offering a groundbreaking paradigm for superconducting electronics.

Hybrid Photonics: Integration, Design and Devices: feature issue introduction

We introduce the Optical Materials Express feature issue on Hybrid Photonics: Integration, Design and Devices. This issue comprises a collection of ten papers including six invited and four contributed papers from well-established research groups and prominent scientists in the field. These papers cover the development, characterization, control, technologies and applications of hybrid devices for photonics.

Superior electrochemical performance of metal ligand framework-neodymium oxide composite for energy storage devices

Battery supercapacitor hybrids are gaining increasing importance in the realm of energy storage, driven by their exceptional electrochemical attributes, where the choice of electrode material emerges as a paramount factor for their efficacy. Here the enhancement in the electrochemical activity from the synergistic effect produced by combining copper benzene tetra carboxylate with neodymium oxide (Cu-1,3,5-BTC/Nd2O3) along with the individual samples Cu-1,3,5-BTC, and Nd2O3, is studied via various electrochemical measurements which includes CV, GCD and EIS in half cell assembly and for real-world applications in full cell assembly. The hybrid device achieved a specific capacity (Qs) of 390 C/g with an energy density (Es) of 91 Wh/kg and power density (Ps) of 5950 W/kg respectively. Semi-empirical approaches such as linear and quadratic models were further employed and compared to scrutinize the CV curves and to deconvolute the capacitive and diffusive contribution.

Ginzburg–Landau simulations of three-terminal operation of a superconducting nanowire cryotron

Abstract Superconducting nanowire cryotrons (nTrons) are expected to be used as interfaces for super-high-performance hybrid devices in which superconductor and semiconductor circuits are combined. However, nTrons are still under development, and diverse analyses of these devices are needed. Accordingly, we have developed a numerical technique to simulate the three-terminal operation of an nTron by using the finite element method to solve the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau (TDGL) equation and the heat-diffusion equation. Simulations using this technique offer understanding of the dynamics of the order parameter, the thermal behavior, and the characteristics of three-terminal operation, and the TDGL model reproduces qualitatively the results of nTron experiments conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition, we investigated how some geometric and physical parameters (the design elements) affect the operation characteristics. The TDGL model has far fewer free parameters compared with the lumped-element electrothermal model commonly used for simulating superconducting devices. Furthermore, the TDGL model provides time-dependent visual information about the superconducting state and the normal state, thereby offering insights into the relationship between nTron geometry and three-terminal operation. These simulation results offer a route to nTron optimization and the development of nTron applications.

The Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent: A One-Fits-All Strategy for the Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?

The treatment of DeBakey type I aortic dissection remains a major challenge in the field of aortic surgery. To upgrade the standard of care hemiarch replacement, a novel device called an "Ascyrus Medical Dissection Stent" (AMDS) is now available. This hybrid device composed of a proximal polytetrafluoroethylene cuff and a distal non-covered nitinol stent is inserted into the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta during hypothermic circulatory arrest in addition to hemiarch replacement. Due to its specific design, it may result in a reduced risk for distal anastomotic new entries, the effective restoration of branch vessel malperfusion and positive aortic remodeling. In this narrative review, we provide an overview about the indications and the technical use of the AMDS. Additionally, we summarize the current available literature and discuss potential pitfalls in the application of the AMDS regarding device failure and aortic re-intervention.

Exploring the Synergistic Potential of Bimetallic Sulfide (SrCuS) as Battery‐Grade Electrode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitor Applications

State‐of‐the art hybrid energy storage devices, owing to their attractive electrochemical features of high specific energy, power, and great stability, have earned incredible attention throughout the world. Herein, bimetallic sulfide (SrCuS) composites with different concentration are electrochemically analyzed for hybrid supercapacitor applications. In half‐cell assembly, amidst all compositions, Sr0.5Cu0.5S reveals relatively better performance demonstrating specific capacity “Qs” of 596.48 C g−1. To assess the hybrid device's (Sr0.5Cu0.5S//AC) electrochemical performance, positive electrode (Sr0.5Cu0.5S) along with activated carbon as negative electrode is utilized. The device displayed energy density “Ed” of (51.28 W h kg−1) and power density “‘Pd” of 6800 W kg−1. Furthermore, the device is examined for capacitive‐ and diffusive‐controlled processes employing a semi‐empirical approach, using linear and quadratic models, respectively.

Exploring the effect of concentration on hydrothermally synthesized mesoporous spherical nanoflowers of bismuth tungstate for hybrid supercapacitor and water-splitting applications

This paper describes how the synergistic effect of concentration changes the electrode conductivity and enhances the electrochemical and electrocatalytic activities of bismuth tungstate nanoflowers (BWO NFs). This research mainly aims to develop mesoporous spherical BWO NFs using a hydrothermal route. The structural analysis of the BWO NFs revealed the presence of an orthorhombic phase with a regular atomic arrangement. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the different BWO NFs samples had nonuniform spherical NFs, which play an important role in supercapacitor and electrocatalytic applications. The identification of functional groups and stretching–bending vibrations of Bi–W–O bonds are revealed by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy respectively. Additionally, the transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the morphological, structural, and electronic states of the BWO NFs. Furthermore, the supercapacitive and electrocatalytic activity of BWO–nickel foam (NF) electrodes were investigated using an aqueous 1 M KOH electrolyte. The results revealed that the BWO-2 electrode exhibited an improved specific capacity (Csp) of (647 F/g) 72 mAh/g and excellent capacitive retention of 81 % over 5000 cycles. An asymmetrical hybrid device was fabricated using a two-electrode cell with BWO–NF and reduced graphene oxide acting as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The device demonstrated favorable electrochemical properties: a Csp of 52 mAh/g at 5 mV/s as well as a Csp of 46 mAh/g, the highest energy density of 32 Wh/kg, and the highest power density of 2330 W/kg at 5 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the BWO NFs were investigated for water-splitting activity, and the BWO-2 electrode was found to exhibit better electrocatalytic performance (overpotential: 328 mV, Tafel slope: 80.9 mV/dec, and electrochemical surface area: 41.2 cm2) and stability than the other electrodes. The designed asymmetric structure offers a suitable cathode material for energy storage and electrocatalytic applications.