Integration Of Facilities Research Articles

3D Macroporous Frame Based Microbattery With Ultrahigh Capacity, Energy Density, and Integrability

AbstractIn‐plane microbatteries (MBs) with features of facile integration, mass customization, and especially superior electrochemical performance are urgently required for self‐powered microelectronic devices. In this work, a facile manufacturing process is employed to fabricate Zn–MnO2 MB with a 3D macroporous microelectrode. Benefiting from the high electron/ion transport path of 3D macroporous microelectrode and high mass‐loading of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐manganese dioxide (PEDOT‐MnO2) film, the MB achieves an ultrahigh capacity of 0.78 mAh cm−2 and an outstanding areal energy density of 1.02 mWh cm−2. Moreover, 3D macroporous PEDOT‐MnO2 hybrid film is achieved by one‐step electrodeposition, which effectively improves the cycling performance without reducing areal capacity or hindering the ion diffusion. Notably, the MB can stably drive an electronic timer for ≈400 min or be integrated and operated on the surface of a digital hygro‐thermometer. The MBs are capable of operating stably in the high rotation speed and vibration condition, such as applied on the surface of an axial‐flow fan. Moreover, the MB can integrate by stacking the substrate‐free microelectrodes and achieving outstanding energy density of 3.87 mWh cm−2. Therefore, the PEDOT‐MnO2//Zn MB has good prospects as a next‐generation component applied in self‐powered microelectronic devices.

Integral and Separate Effects Test Facilities To Support Water Cooled Small Modular Reactors: A Review

This study reviews previous experimental facilities and test programs relevant to water-cooled reactor system design and analysis to meet regulatory compliances. This study aims to find the best solution for designing the required experiments, obtaining necessary test data, and verifying the developed computer code/models to support the new reactor design and development while minimizing cost and time while leveraging experiences from previous facilities to minimize. Nuclear reactor licensing requires supportive design, analysis, and experimental results to ensure the safety of the full-scale prototype reactor in regular operation, as well as during postulated accident scenarios. These reactor design analyses are generally performed using system codes and other associated simulation tools that require assessment, verification and validation using an appropriate experimental dataset. Experimental facilities used for reactor system safety analysis and system code assessments are categorized into integral effects test (IET) and separate effects test (SET) facilities. These IET and SET experiments and studies use geometrically scaled systems to reproduce the prototype system behavior at a reasonable cost, albeit with some scaling-related distortions. The design challenge of these model facilities is to identify and minimize scaling distortions while reproducing the most important operational phenomena in steady-state operation and in postulated accident scenarios. Lessons learned from previous experimental facilities, models, and correlations can support the development of new multipurpose, scaled, hybrid, integrated, and modular experimental facilities for advanced light water-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs). Successful operation of these facilities can significantly reduce upfront reactor development and demonstration costs and time to deployment.

Beyond mobile phone displays: Flat panel display technology for biomedical applications

Organ-on-Chips (OoCs) have emerged as a human-specific experimental platform for preclinical research and therapeutics testing that will reduce the cost of pre-clinical drug development, provide better physiological relevance and replace animal testing. Yet, the lack of standardization and cost-effective fabrication technologies can hamper wide-spread adoption of OoCs. In this work we validate the use of flat panel display (FPD) technology as an enabling and cost-effective technology platform for biomedical applications by demonstrating facile integration of key OoC modules like microfluidics and micro electrode arrays (MEAs) in the standardized 96-well plate format. Individual and integrated modules were tested for their biological applicability in OoCs. For microelectrode arrays we demonstrate 90–95% confluency, 3 days after cell seeding and >70% of the initial mitochondrial cell activity for microfluidic devices. Thus highlighting the biocompatibility of these modules fabricated using FPD technology. Furthermore, we provide two examples of monolithically integrated microfluidics and microelectronics, i.e. integrated electronic valves and integrated MEAs, that showcase the strength of FPD technology applied to biomedical device fabrication. Finally, the merits and opportunities provided by FPD technology are discussed through examples of advanced structures and functionalities that are unique to this enabling platform.

3C 120 Disk/Corona vs. Jet Variability in X-rays

The 3C120 (Mrk 1506, UGC 03087, Mrk 9014) is a type 1 Seyfert (Sy1)/broad-line radio galaxy (BLRG) with intriguing variable jet activity featuring “dip” and “outburst” phases. Significant X-ray observational datasets have been collected for 3C120 by INTEGRAL, XMM-Newton, SWIFT, Suzaku, and other X-ray observational facilities. The overall X-ray spectrum of 3C 120 is too soft for typical radio-loud AGN, likely due to both variable spectral shape and jet contamination. Separating the “jet base” and nuclear (disc/corona) counterparts in the X-ray spectrum of 3C 120 can provide us with the possibility to investigate its variability in a more detailed way. Our objectives are to estimate separately the time variations of the accretion disc/corona and SSC/IC jet emission counterparts in the 3C 120 X-ray spectra and to analyze the physical state of the nucleus during different phases. Here, we attempt to use the connections between the synchrotron radio- and X-ray SSC/IC jet spectra and their photon indices and the dependence between the nuclear continuum and Fe-K iron luminescent line emission near 6.4 keV to separate the nuclear and jet base contributions to the total X-ray continuum. Using the X-ray observational dataset of 3C 120, we obtained separated fluxes that were interpreted as originating from the nucleus (disc/corona) and non-thermal SSC/IC jet base contributions. After this component separation, we identified the accretion disc/corona and jet states during different phases and compared them with the “jet/disk cycle” (Lohfink) and “magnetic plasmoid reconnection” (Shukla/Manheim) models.

Code Benchmark of the HTTF Pressurized Conduction Cooldown Test Using SAM

The High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF) at Oregon State University is an integral system test facility to simulate postulated reactor transients of prismatic high-temperature gas-cooled reactors(HTGRs). A series of test campaigns was launched, providing abundant test data that could be used to benchmark reactor system analysis codes like the System Analysis Module (SAM). In this study, a SAM model of the facility is developed based on the two-dimensional (2D) ring model approach. All components including the ceramic matrix, graphite heaters, helium coolant channels, core barrel, upcomer, pressure vessel, and reactor cavity cooling system are modeled as concentric cylindrical rings. The model is used to simulate one of the benchmark problems—Pressurized Conduction Cooldown (PCC)—within the scope of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency International HTTF Benchmark. The simulations consist of two parts. In the first part, operating and boundary conditions as well as thermophysical properties of materials are specified for the benchmark problem. Results from the first part will be used in code-to-code comparison. In the second part, the SAM model is used to simulate Test PG-27, which is the first PCC test carried out in the HTTF, with only two of the ten heater banks activated. The results in the second part are used for code-to-data comparison. Because the helium coolant flow rate is not measured in this facility, it is estimated using the input power and inlet/outlet coolant temperatures. Additionally, radial heat flow in the ceramic blocks is complicated by hundreds of cylindrical coolant channels and heater rods embedded in them. As such, it is necessary to deduce an effective thermal conductivity for the ceramic to analyze the core thermal behavior. SAM predictions of the helium coolant and ceramic temperatures are compared with test data measured in three equivalent sectors. Overall, the SAM results agree reasonably well with test data within the variation of data among the three sectors, which demonstrates SAM’s capability in capturing transient effects in HTGR using the simplified 2D ring model.

Integration Facilities for Pedestrians in Train Station Area

This study aims to determine the characteristics of pedestrians, the level of pedestrian service, the performance of pedestrian facilities, and the level of walkability in Bekasi train station area. This study uses several analytical techniques, described as follows: Pedestrian Analysis; Walkability Index; and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). 100 respondents based on probability sampling technique. The results of the analysis show that pedestrian infrastructure is lacking and inadequate for pedestrians in segments 1 and 2. Segments 3, 4, and 5 already have adequate infrastructure for pedestrians. Importance performance analysis shows that there are indicators that require priority treatment. The indicators are considered very important by pedestrians, however based on pedestrian analysis and the walkability index obtained low ratings.

Synergistic Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Nanoparticles Assembled from Naturally Occurring Building Blocks

AbstractBacterial infections represent one of the serious human healthcare threats, and ≈80% of bacterial infections are related to biofilm. So far, there are extensive investigations on the development of robust biomaterials toward the elimination of biofilms and synergistic antibacterial applications. Despite the progress made, concerns have always been raised regarding the sophisticated synthesis and pre‐modification of hybrid materials, complicated purification and high‐cost work. In this study, a series of robust and integrative nanoparticles (NPs) assembled from two types of natural building blocks (natural polyphenols and tobramycin antibiotics) is successfully fabricated via a one‐pot integration approach, which can efficiently destruct the biofilm structure and kill bacteria via enhanced antibiotic infiltration. Notably, natural polyphenols and tobramycin can release from the formed NPs in an on‐demand manner in the bacterial‐induced environment. The former ones can inhibit quorum sensing within bacteria through competitive combination with autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) to remove the existing biofilm, and the latter antibiotics exert high antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides new inspirations toward robust and synergistic antimicrobial and antibiofilm nanomaterials via the facile integration of naturally occurring molecules.

Selecting the PID Controller Settings for an Automatic Generation Control Device in a Power System

The integration of renewable generation facilities into integrated power systems entails new challenges for maintaining a reliable and safe electric power infrastructure. It is necessary to expand the use of automatic generation control devices to ensure the ability to control the modes of power systems with a significant share of renewable energy sources. The generation control devices can be used not only for frequency control, but also for maintaining the inter-area wheeling in interconnected power systems. The article suggests application of the particle swarm method, which is one of evolutionary optimization methods, to find optimal parameter settings for proportional-integral-differentiating (PID) controllers of the automatic generation control device. The mathematical description of electric power system elements is given, and a structure of automatic generation control is given. The tuning parameters of the PID controllers of the automatic generation control device based on the particle swarm method, as well as some of classical optimization methods, have been determined. The results of tuning PID controllers obtained by different methods in the form of frequency variation characteristics in power system parts, as well as the torques of an equivalent steam turbine in response to power fluctuations in one of the power system parts are compared.

Analysis of 4-inch cold leg top-slot break LOCA in ATLAS experimental facility using MARS-KS

Abstract Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has operated an integral effect test facility, the Advanced Thermal-Hydraulic Test Loop for Accident Simulation (ATLAS) with reference to the Advanced Power Reactor 1400 MW (APR1400) for transient and design basis accidents (DBAs) simulation. An experiment for a 4-inch cold leg top-slot break was performed at ATLAS to resolve a safety issue that the loop seal reformation (LSR) of APR1400 could lead to the increase of peak cladding temperature. In addition, the experimental data has been utilized to validate system codes within a framework of domestic standard problem (DSP) program organized by KAERI in collaboration with Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS). In this study, the experiment has been analyzed by thermal-hydraulic system analysis code, MARS-KS 1.5 and a comparison with experimental and calculation results has been performed. Since the top-slot break is not a typical break geometry for safety analyses, this study aims at examining the applicability of MARS-KS to the top-slot break accident where the LSR occurs repeatedly. The results revealed that overall physical behavior during the accident was predicted by the code, appropriately. MARS-KS showed the excursion of the peak cladding temperature because of the LSR as in experiment. It has been confirmed that the core integrity was maintained because the temperature excursion by the LSR was not large enough to alter the acceptance criteria. In addition, it is presented the results of the sensitivity analysis of parameter that affect the figure of merits.

Inkjet‐Printed Microlenses Integrated onto Organic Photodiodes for Highly Accurate Proximity Sensing

AbstractThe current needs for optical detectors in industrial and consumer electronics require sensors with thin form‐factors, high performance and a facile fabrication and integration. In this work, the integration of inkjet printed microlenses onto solution‐processed organic photodiodes is demonstrated to enable high‐accuracy proximity sensing via the focused induced photoresponse (FIP) effect. By precisely controlling the ink deposition and substrate properties, it is able to tune the microlens focal length from 150 to 775 μm. This allows to the appropriate microlens design to be chosen to take advantage of the FIP effect. By comparing the photocurrent ration of a device with and without microlenses, absolute proximity measurements in the range of 100 μm to 4 mm are achieved. Champion devices yield an accuracy of down to ±50 μm within three standard deviations (3σ). These results highlight the potential of the microlens‐OPD integration for highly accurate and close‐distance proximity applications in a variety of fields.

Synapse-Mimetic Hardware-Implemented Resistive Random-Access Memory for Artificial Neural Network

Memristors mimic synaptic functions in advanced electronics and image sensors, thereby enabling brain-inspired neuromorphic computing to overcome the limitations of the von Neumann architecture. As computing operations based on von Neumann hardware rely on continuous memory transport between processing units and memory, fundamental limitations arise in terms of power consumption and integration density. In biological synapses, chemical stimulation induces information transfer from the pre- to the post-neuron. The memristor operates as resistive random-access memory (RRAM) and is incorporated into the hardware for neuromorphic computing. Hardware composed of synaptic memristor arrays is expected to lead to further breakthroughs owing to their biomimetic in-memory processing capabilities, low power consumption, and amenability to integration; these aspects satisfy the upcoming demands of artificial intelligence for higher computational loads. Among the tremendous efforts toward achieving human-brain-like electronics, layered 2D materials have demonstrated significant potential owing to their outstanding electronic and physical properties, facile integration with other materials, and low-power computing. This review discusses the memristive characteristics of various 2D materials (heterostructures, defect-engineered materials, and alloy materials) used in neuromorphic computing for image segregation or pattern recognition. Neuromorphic computing, the most powerful artificial networks for complicated image processing and recognition, represent a breakthrough in artificial intelligence owing to their enhanced performance and lower power consumption compared with von Neumann architectures. A hardware-implemented CNN with weight control based on synaptic memristor arrays is expected to be a promising candidate for future electronics in society, offering a solution based on non-von Neumann hardware. This emerging paradigm changes the computing algorithm using entirely hardware-connected edge computing and deep neural networks.

All-Printed 3D Solid-State Rechargeable Zinc-Air Microbatteries.

Lightweight, compact, integrated, and miniaturized energy devices are under high pursuit for portable and wearable electronics. However, improving the energy density per area still remains a long-standing challenge. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of a solid-state zinc-air microbattery (ZAmB) by a facile 3D direct printing technique. The interdigital electrodes, gel electrolyte, and encapsulation frame are all printed with a customized design by optimzing the composition of the printing inks to obtain the best battery performance. Multiple layers of interdigital electrodes are sequentially printed with a fine overlap to achieve an ultrahigh thickness of 2.5 mm for a remarkably increased specific areal energy of up to 77.2 mWh cm-2. To meet the practical powering requirements for different output voltages and currents, battery modules consisting of individual ZAmBs connected in series or parallel or a combination of the two are printed with a facile integration to external loads. Powering of LEDs, digital watch, and a miniature rotary motor and even charging of a smartphone by the printed ZAmB modules are successfully demonstrated. The versatile 3D direct printing technique enables the fabricated ZAmBs with an adjustable form factor and integration capability with other electronics, paving the way for exploring new energy systems with diverse structures and extended functionalities.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Waste Infrastructure: Lessons Learned and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed many global challenges, mainly in the healthcare sector; however, the impacts on other vital sectors cannot be overlooked. The waste sector was one of the significantly impacted sectors during the pandemic, as it dramatically changed the dynamics of waste generation. Inadequate waste management practices during COVID-19 shed light on the opportunities for developing systematic, sustainable, and resilient waste infrastructure in the future. This study aimed to exploit the learnings of COVID-19 to identify any potential opportunities in post-pandemic waste infrastructure. A comprehensive review on existing case studies was conducted to understand the waste generation dynamics and the waste management strategies during COVID-19. Infectious medical waste from healthcare facilities had the largest influx of waste compared with non-medical waste from residential and other sectors. This study then identified five key opportunities from a long-term operational perspective: considering healthcare waste sector as a critical area of focus; encouraging the integration and decentralization of waste management facilities; developing systematic and novel approaches and tools for quantifying waste; shifting towards a circular economy approach; and modernizing policies to improve the effectiveness of the post-pandemic waste management infrastructure.

Facile integration of an Al-rich Al1–x In x N photodetector on free-standing GaN by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering

Al1−x In x N, a III-nitride semiconductor material, is currently of great research interest due to its remarkable physical properties and chemical stability. When the Al and In compositions are tuned, its band-gap energy varies from 0.7 eV to 6.2 eV, which shows great potential for application in photodetectors. Here, we report the fabrication and performance evaluation of integrated Al1−x In x N on a free-standing GaN substrate through direct radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. The optical properties of Al1−x In x N will be enhanced by the polarization effect of a heterostructure composed of Al1−x In x N and other III-nitride materials. An Al1−x In x N/GaN visible-light photodetector was prepared by semiconductor fabrication technologies such as lithography and metal deposition. The highest photoresponsivity achieved was 1.52 A⋅W−1 under 365 nm wavelength illumination and the photodetector was determined to have the composition Al0.75In0.25N/GaN. A rise time of 0.55 s was observed after transient analysis of the device. The prepared Al1−x In x N visible-light photodetector had a low dark current, high photoresponsivity and fast response speed. By promoting a low-cost, simple fabrication method, this study expands the application of ternary alloy Al1−x In x N visible-light photodetectors in optical communication.

Association of Skilled Nursing Facility Ownership by Health Care Networks With Utilization and Spending

Health care mergers and acquisitions have increased vertical integration of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in health care networks. While vertical integration may result in improved care coordination and quality, it may also lead to excess utilization, as SNFs are paid a per diem rate. To determine the association of vertical integration of SNFs within hospital networks with SNF utilization, readmissions, and spending for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective hip replacement. This cross-sectional study evaluated 100% Medicare administrative claims for nonfederal acute care hospitals performing at least 10 elective hip replacements during the study period. Fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 years who underwent elective hip replacement between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, with continuous Medicare coverage for 3 months before and 6 months after surgery were included. Data were analyzed from February 2 to August 8, 2022. Treatment at a hospital within a network that also owns at least 1 SNF based on the 2017 American Hospital Association survey. Rates of SNF utilization, 30-day readmissions, and price-standardized 30-day episode payments. Hierarchical multivariable logistic and linear regression clustered at hospitals was performed with adjusting for patient, hospital, and network characteristics. A total of 150 788 patients (61.4% women; mean [SD] age, 74.3 [6.4] years) underwent hip replacement. After risk adjustment, vertical SNF integration was associated with a higher rate of SNF utilization (21.7% [95% CI, 20.4%-23.0%] vs 19.7% [95% CI, 18.7%-20.7%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.03-1.29]; P = .01) and lower 30-day readmission rate (5.6% [95% CI, 5.4%-5.8%] vs 5.9% [95% CI, 5.7%-6.1%]; aOR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89-0.99]; P = .03). Despite higher SNF utilization, the total adjusted 30-day episode payments were slightly lower ($20 230 [95% CI, $20 035-$20 425] vs $20 487 [95% CI, $20 314-$20 660]; difference, -$275 [95% CI, -$15 to -$498]; P = .04) driven by lower postacute payments and shorter SNF length of stays. Adjusted readmission rates were particularly low for patients not sent to an SNF (3.6% [95% CI, 3.4%-3.7%]; P < .001) but were significantly higher for patients with an SNF length of stay less than 5 days (41.3% [95% CI, 39.2%-43.3%]; P < .001). In this cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective hip replacements, vertical integration of SNFs in a hospital network was associated with higher rates of SNF utilization and lower rates of readmissions without evidence of higher overall episode payments. These findings support the purported value of integrating SNFs into hospital networks but also suggest that there is room for improving the postoperative care of patients in SNFs early in their stay.

An Integrated Design Study for an Advanced Tokamak to Close Physics Gaps in Energy Confinement and Power Exhaust

A high-level design study for a new experimental tokamak shows that advances in fusion science and engineering can be leveraged to narrow the gaps in energy confinement and exhaust power handling that remain between present devices and a future fusion pilot plant (FPP). This potential new U.S. facility, an Exhaust and Confinement Integration Tokamak Experiment (EXCITE), will access an operational space close to the projected FPP performance regime via a compact, high-field, high-power-density approach that utilizes advanced tokamak scenarios and high-temperature superconductor magnets. Full-device optimization via system code calculations, physics-based core-edge modeling, plasma control simulations, and finite element structural and thermal analysis has converged on a T, MA, m, , D-D tokamak with strong plasma shaping, long-legged divertors, and 50 MW of auxiliary power. Such a device will match several absolute FPP parameters: plasma pressure, exhaust heat flux, and toroidal magnetic field. It will also narrow or close the gap in key dimensionless parameters: toroidal beta, bootstrap fraction, collisionality, and edge neutral opacity. Integrated neutron shielding preserves personnel access by limiting nuclear activation and maximizes experimental run time by reducing site radiation. In addition to design study results and optimization details, parameter sensitivities and uncertainties are also discussed.

All‐Inorganic Perovskite‐Based Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells with 23.21% Efficiency by Dual‐Interface Engineering

AbstractMonolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (POTSCs) have significant advantages in next‐generation flexible photovoltaics, owing to their capability to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit and facile device integration. However, the compromised sub‐cells performance challenges the fabrication of high‐efficiency POTSCs. Especially for all‐inorganic wide‐bandgap perovskite front sub‐cells (AIWPSCs) based n‐i‐p structured POTSCs (AIPOTSCs), for which the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is much lower than organic–inorganic mixed‐halide wide‐bandgap perovskite based POTSCs. Herein, an ionic liquid, methylammonium formate (MAFm), based dual‐interface engineering approach is developed to modify the bottom and top interfaces of wide‐bandgap CsPbI2Br films. In particular, the Fm− group of MAFm can effectively passivate the interface defects, and the top interface modification can facilitate the formation of uniform perovskite films with enlarged grain size, thereby mitigating the defects and perovskite grain boundaries induced carrier recombination. As a result, CsPbI2Br‐based AIWPSCs with a high PCE of 17.0% and open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.347 V are achieved. By integrating these dual‐interface engineered CsPbI2Br‐based front sub‐cells with the narrow‐bandgap PM6:CH1007‐based rear sub‐cells, a record PCE of 23.21% is obtained for AIPOTSCs, illustrating the potential of AIPOTSCs for achieving high‐efficiency tandem solar cells.

Facile integration of brown TiO2−x with Bi4V2O11 and BiVO4: Double S-scheme mechanism for exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performance in degradation of pollutants

Heterogeneous photocatalysis has been denoted as a promising approach to dealing with environmental and energy crises. Herein, quantum dots (QDs) of TiO2−x/Bi4V2O11/BiVO4 (TOVBBV) heterojunction photocatalysts were successfully synthesized through a facile one-pot hydrothermal process with varying amounts of integrated Bi4V2O11 and BiVO4 semiconductors. The resultant photocatalysts were characterized by XPS, FT-IR, EDX, XRD, PL, EIS, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, BET, and UV–vis DRS techniques, and their photocatalytic efficiencies were examined via removing tetracycline (TC), azithromycin (AZi), and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light illumination. The results showed exceptionally promoted photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of the studied pollutants using the ternary TOVBBV-2 nanocomposite. The TOVBBV-2 nanocomposite was 45.4, 11.6, and 19.8-times more effective than TiO2, 7.24, 5.85 and 2.34-folds better than TiO2−x, and 9.81, 9.23, and 1.61-times more effective than Bi4V2O11/BiVO4 for photooxidation of TC, AZi, and RhB, respectively. The significant enhancement in the photocatalytic efficacy of the TOVBBV-2 nanocomposite originated from the defective oxygen sites in the titanium dioxide structure, which subsequently facilitated the transfer of photo-induced charge carriers through the formed tandem n-n heterojunctions amongst TiO2−x, Bi4V2O11, and BiVO4 components. In addition to high photocatalytic activities, the TOVBBV-2 photocatalyst demonstrated good photostability and durability after concurrent applications. This work recommends the TOVBBV photocatalyst for facile photocatalytic treatment of pollutants owing to its simple preparation route, high degradation outcomes, and robust structure for practical applications.

Recent advances in the integration of renewable energy sources and storage facilities with hybrid power systems

Recent advances in the integration of renewable energy sources and storage facilities with hybrid power systems

Engineering Geometric Electrodes for Electric Field‐Enhanced High‐Performance Flexible In‐Plane Micro‐Supercapacitors

In plane micro‐supercapacitors that are miniaturized energy storage components have attracted significant attention due to their high power densities for various ubiquitous and sustainable device systems as well as their facile integration on various flexible/wearable platform. To implement the micro‐supercapacitors in various practical applications that can accompany solid state or gel electrolyte and flexible substrates, ions must be readily transported to electrodes for achieving high power densities. Herein, we show large enhancement in electrochemical properties of flexible, in‐plane micro‐supercapacitor using sharp‐edged interdigitated electrode design, which was simply fabricated through direct laser scribing method. The sharp‐edged electrodes allowed strong electric field to be induced at the corners of the electrode fingers which led to the greater accumulation of ions near the surface of electrode, significantly enhancing the energy storage performance of micro‐supercapacitors. The electric field‐enhanced in‐plane micro‐supercapacitor showed the volumetric energy density of 1.52 Wh L−1 and the excellent cyclability with capacitive retention of 95.4% after 20 000 cycles. We further showed various practicability of our sharp‐edged design in micro‐supercapacitors by showing circuit applicability, mechanical stability, and air stability. These results present an important pathway for designing electrodes in various energy storage devices.