Fabrication Methodology Research Articles

Biosensor Based on the Immobilization of Laccase on β-Cyclodextrin Membrane for the Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity in Real Samples.

The optimization of a new amperometric biosensor for evaluating antioxidant capacity in real samples is reported. The biosensor is based on the immobilization of Laccase from Trametes versicolor on an electropolymerized β-cyclodextrin polymeric membrane on a glassy carbon electrode. The process of electropolymerization, which was successful even in the presence of the enzyme, was a key step in biosensor synthesis. Variables such as pH, temperature, and enzyme concentration were optimized using a factorial design with two levels for each factor. Different electrodes were constructed and tested using caffeic acid as a standard. The best biosensor is synthesized at pH 3.0 with 6 mg/mL of enzyme and 30 °C. The biosensor presented a response time of ≤30 seconds and good stability in its amperometric response. The biosensor was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of real samples. Infusions of green, black, red, and white tea were assessed. The biosensor showed excellent stability and good performance regarding response time, stability, and easy fabrication. The proposed biosensor is a good option for evaluating antioxidant capacity in real samples without sample pretreatment. It combines a simple fabrication methodology and a minimal extraction process for rapid and reliable phenolic content determination in real samples.

From Molecular Electronics to Molecular Intelligence.

Molecular electronics is a field that explores the ultimate limits of electronic device dimensions by using individual molecules as operable electronic devices. Over the past five decades since the proposal of a molecular rectifier by Aviram and Ratner in 1974 ( Chem. Phys. Lett.1974,29, 277-283), researchers have developed various fabrication and characterization techniques to explore the electrical properties of molecules. With the push of electrical characterizations and data analysis methodologies, the reproducibility issues of the single-molecule conductance measurement have been chiefly resolved, and the origins of conductance variation among different devices have been investigated. Numerous prototypical molecular electronic devices with external physical and chemical stimuli have been demonstrated based on the advances of instrumental and methodological developments. These devices enable functions such as switching, logic computing, and synaptic-like computing. However, as the goal of molecular electronics, how can molecular-based intelligence be achieved through single-molecule electronic devices? At the fiftieth anniversary of molecular electronics, we try to answer this question by summarizing recent progress and providing an outlook on single-molecule electronics. First, we review the fabrication methodologies for molecular junctions, which provide the foundation of molecular electronics. Second, the preliminary efforts of molecular logic devices toward integration circuits are discussed for future potential intelligent applications. Third, some molecular devices with sensing applications through physical and chemical stimuli are introduced, demonstrating phenomena at a single-molecule scale beyond conventional macroscopic devices. From this perspective, we summarize the current challenges and outlook prospects by describing the concepts of "AI for single-molecule electronics" and "single-molecule electronics for AI".

Metal Organic Frameworks Based Wearable and Point-of-Care Electrochemical Sensors for Healthcare Monitoring.

The modern healthcare system strives to provide patients with more comfortable and less invasive experiences, focusing on noninvasive and painless diagnostic and treatment methods. A key priority is the early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases, which can significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling treatment at earlier stages. While most patients must undergo diagnostic procedures before beginning treatment, many existing methods are invasive, time-consuming, and inconvenient. To address these challenges, electrochemical-based wearable and point-of-care (PoC) sensing devices have emerged, playing a crucial role in the noninvasive, continuous, periodic, and remote monitoring of key biomarkers. Due to their numerous advantages, several wearable and PoC devices have been developed. In this focused review, we explore the advancements in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based wearable and PoC devices. MOFs are porous crystalline materials that are cost-effective, biocompatible, and can be synthesized sustainably on a large scale, making them promising candidates for sensor development. However, research on MOF-based wearable and PoC sensors remains limited, and no comprehensive review has yet to synthesize the existing knowledge in this area. This review aims to fill that gap by emphasizing the design of materials, fabrication methodologies, sensing mechanisms, device construction, and real-world applicability of these sensors. Additionally, we underscore the importance and potential of MOF-based wearable and PoC sensors for advancing healthcare technologies. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the current state of the art, the challenges faced, and the opportunities ahead in MOF-based wearable and PoC sensing technologies.

A multifunctional epoxy composites based on cellulose nanofiber/carbon nanotube aerogels: Simultaneously enhancing fire-safety, thermal conductive and photothermal performance

As 5G technology develops and electronic power density increases, preparing epoxy resin (EP) composites with excellent fire-safety, thermostability, and thermal conductivity remains challenging. Herein, hexaphenoxy cyclotriphosphazene and poly(piperazine methylphosphonic acid pentaerythritol ester) were used as synergistic flame retardants (FR) for EP. The cellulose nanofiber/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes aerogels (CCA80) were prepared and immersed into the EP and FR mixture to obtain EP/CCA80/FR composites. Compared with neat EP, the limiting oxygen index of EP/CCA80/6 wt% FR increased by 38.9 %, the total heat release and CO2 production rate decreased by 30.61 % and 39.47 %, respectively, achieving the UL-94 V-0 rating. Moreover, its thermal conductivity was 1.06 W · m−1·K−1, 457.9 % higher than neat EP, while maintaining excellent electrical insulation. Its surface temperature maintained at 94.5 °C under 1.0 kW·m−2 irradiation for 2 h, exhibiting good photothermal conversion capability and photobleaching resistance. A novel fabrication methodology of multifunctional EP composites for high-performance electronic component was proposed.

Enhancing craniofacial bone tissue engineering strategy: integrating rapid wet chemically synthesised bioactive glass with photopolymerized resins

BackgroundCraniofacial bone regeneration represents a dynamic area within tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Central to this field, is the continual exploration of new methodologies for template fabrication, leveraging established bio ceramic materials, with the objective of restoring bone integrity and facilitating successful implant placements.MethodsPhotopolymerized templates were prepared using three distinct bio ceramic materials, specifically a wet chemically synthesized bioactive glass and two commercially sourced hydroxyapatite variants. These templates underwent comprehensive characterization to assess their physicochemical and mechanical attributes, employing techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nano-computed tomography. Evaluation of their biocompatibility was conducted through interaction with primary human osteoblasts (hOB) and subsequent examination using scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe results demonstrated that composite showed intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions with the photopolymer, while computerized tomography unveiled the porous morphology and distribution within the templates. A relatively higher porosity percentage (31.55 ± 8.70%) and compressive strength (1.53 ± 0.11 MPa) was noted for bioactive glass templates. Human osteoblast cultured on bioactive glass showed higher viability compared to other specimens. Scanning micrographs of human osteoblast on templated showed cellular adhesion and the presence of filopodia and lamellipodia.ConclusionIn summary these templates have the potential to be used for alveolar bone regeneration in critical size defect. Photopolymerization of bioceramics may be an interesting technique for scaffolds fabrication for bone tissue engineering application but needs more optimization to overcome existing issues like the ideal ratio of the photopolymer to bioceramics.

Low-profile robust circularly polarized textile patch antenna for WBAN and ISM applications

In this research, a conformal circularly polarized (CP) antenna has been developed employing polyester textile as its substrate material. The proposed antenna configuration demonstrates its efficacy across multiple frequency bands—specifically 3 GHz and 4.5 GHz of WBAN and 5.8 GHz of ISM radio bands. The antenna’s distinctive design is developed on a rectangular plane as its primary radiating component, with a ground structure ingeniously arranged counter-positioning to the antenna’s patch. Electrical conductivity was widely achieved by employing adhesive copper and silver tape, conductive fabric, stitching conductive threads and copper paint, conventionally applied through brush painting techniques. The copper paint fabrication methodology has been chosen for its ability to confer conformability upon the antenna while minimizing its dimensions, ensuring lightweight attributes, and endowing it with remarkable resilience to environmental factors while preserving its optimal radiating performance. The CP polyester antenna showcases noteworthy peak gains: 3.91 dBi at 3 GHz, 5.86 dBi at 4.5 GHz and 6.62 dBi at 5.8 GHz (ISM). These gains highlight the antenna’s ability to efficiently capture and transmit signals within the aforementioned frequency bands, affirming its potential for robust wireless communication.

Comprehensive Insights on MXene-Based TENGs: from Structures, Functions to Applications.

The rapid advancement of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has introduced a transformative approach to energy harvesting and self-powered sensing in recent years. Nonetheless, the untapped potential of TENGs in practical scenarios necessitates multiple strategies like material selections and structure designs to enhance their output performance. Given the various superior properties, MXenes, a kind of novel 2D materials, have demonstrated great promise in enhancing TENG functionality. Here, this review comprehensively delineates the advantages of incorporating MXenes into TENGs, majoring in six pivotal aspects. First, an overview of TENGs is provided, stating their theoretical foundations, working modes, material considerations, and prevailing challenges. Additionally, the structural characteristics, fabrication methodologies, and family of MXenes, charting their developmental trajectory are highlighted. The selection of MXenes as various functional layers (negative and positive triboelectric layer, electrode layer) while designing TENGs is briefed. Furthermore, the distinctive advantages of MXene-based TENGs and their applications are emphasized. Last, the existing challenges are highlighted, and the future developing directions of MXene-based TENGs are forecasted.

Kinetic investigation of the energy storage process in graphene fiber supercapacitors: Unraveling mechanisms, fabrications, property manipulation, and wearable applications

AbstractGraphene fiber supercapacitors (GFSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional features, including high power density, rapid charge/discharge rates, prolonged cycling durability, and versatile weaving capabilities. Nevertheless, inherent challenges in graphene fibers (GFs), particularly the restricted ion‐accessible specific surface area (SSA) and sluggish ion transport kinetics, hinder the achievement of optimal capacitance and rate performance. Despite existing reviews on GFSCs, a notable gap exists in thoroughly exploring the kinetics governing the energy storage process in GFSCs. This review aims to address this gap by thoroughly analyzing the energy storage mechanism, fabrication methodologies, property manipulation, and wearable applications of GFSCs. Through theoretical analysis of the energy storage process, specific parameters in advanced GF fabrication methodologies are carefully summarized, which can be used to modulate nano/micro‐structures, thereby enhancing energy storage kinetics. In particular, enhanced ion storage is realized by creating more ion‐accessible SSA and introducing extra‐capacitive components, while accelerated ion transport is achieved by shortening the transport channel length and improving the accessibility of electrolyte ions. Building on the established structure–property relationship, several critical strategies for constructing optimal surface and structure profiles of GF electrodes are summarized. Capitalizing on the exceptional flexibility and wearability of GFSCs, the review further underscores their potential as foundational elements for constructing multifunctional e‐textiles using conventional textile technologies. In conclusion, this review provides insights into current challenges and suggests potential research directions for GFSCs.

The 140 GHz notch filter development for millimeter-wave diagnostics protection on the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X

The notch filter plays a crucial role as a protective component in microwave diagnostics, primarily by addressing issues related to catastrophic interference. Designed for millimeter-wave diagnostics on the stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), a WR-6 waveguide-based notch filter has been successfully developed to effectively isolate leakage from auxiliary heating gyrotrons operating at 140 GHz. The filter incorporates cylindrical cavities resonating at 140 GHz for the TE11p mode, with coupling structures that are designed and optimized for high-efficiency coupling. This configuration simplifies fabrication, thereby ensuring high-yield production. Experimental fabrication and in-house characterization confirm the notch filter's exceptional performance, with over 60 dB rejection in the vicinity of 140 GHz and low insertion loss (< 2 dB) above and below the notch frequency across a broad frequency bandwidth (121–138 GHz, 142–163 GHz). The utilization of this high-frequency structure fabrication technology can be applied to millimeter-wave diagnostics on other machines. In addition to the design elements of the notch filter, this paper also provides a detailed discussion of the fabrication process and methodology.

Assessing PET composite prosthetic solutions: A step towards inclusive healthcare

The demand for affordable prostheses is particularly high in Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Currently, sockets are predominantly manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers, which lack durability and strength, or consumptive thermoset resin reinforcing with expensive composite fillers like carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibers. However, there exist unmet and demanding needs among amputees for procuring low-cost, high-strength, and faster socket manufacturing methods. We evaluate a socket made from a novel manufacturing technique utilizing an affordable and sustainable composite material called commingled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) yarn, along with a reusable vacuum bag, to produce custom-made sockets in a purpose-built curing oven. Our innovative fabrication methodology enables the production of complex-shaped patient sockets in under 4 h. To evaluate the efficacy and performance of the PET sockets, we conducted trials with both unilateral and bilateral amputees over a six-month period, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in India. Utilizing a 6-min walking test, we measured various gait parameters, including ground reaction forces and flexion angle, for both unilateral and bilateral amputees.The gait analysis conducted on amputees using our PET-based sockets demonstrated their ability to engage in daily activities without interruptions, reaffirming the functional efficacy of our approach. By combining self-reinforced PET with our novel fabrication technique, we offer a unique and accessible solution that benefits clinicians and patients alike. This study represents significant progress towards achieving affordable and personalized prostheses that cater to the needs of LMICs.

Green synthesis and antibacterial potency of Ag/CuO/ZnO nanoparticles derived from Psidium guajava L. extracts

Nanoparticles, characterized by their unique physicochemical properties, represent a significant frontier in interdisciplinary research, particularly within the realms of biomedicine and environmental science. This investigation delves into the eco-friendly synthesis of silver (Ag), copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles utilizing extracts derived from Psidium guajava L. The utilization of these botanical extracts presents a sustainable alternative to traditional nanoparticle fabrication methodologies, aligning with global sustainability imperatives and fostering environmentally conscious practices. The escalating global nanoparticle market, valued at over $30 billion in 2020 and projected to surpass $90 billion by 2027, underscores the economic significance and industrial relevance of nanoparticle research. This research trajectory fuels innovation across a spectrum of sectors, including healthcare, cosmetics and environmental remediation. The commercialization of nanoparticle-based products not only drives substantial revenue streams but also catalyzes advancements in research, development and manufacturing endeavors. Drawing upon aqueous extracts sourced from P. guajava., leaves and fruits, this study capitalizes on their inherent phytochemical composition to serve as stabilizing, reducing and capping agents during nanoparticle synthesis. Employing state-of-the-art characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, FE-SEM and EDS facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles' physicochemical attributes. Assessment of the nanoparticles' antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris) bacterial strains reveals compelling results. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) elucidate notable efficacy, notably against P. vulgaris (3.75 mg/mL), S. aureus (7.5 mg/mL) and B. subtilis (10 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL), indicative of their potential biomedical applications in combating microbial infections.

Tailor-Made Gold Nanomaterials for Applications in Soft Bioelectronics and Optoelectronics.

In modern nanoscience and nanotechnology, gold nanomaterials are indispensable building blocks that have demonstrated a plethora of applications in catalysis, biology, bioelectronics, and optoelectronics. Gold nanomaterials possess many appealing material properties, such as facile control over their size/shape and surface functionality, intrinsic chemical inertness yet with high biocompatibility, adjustable localized surface plasmon resonances, tunable conductivity, wide electrochemical window, etc. Such material attributes have been recently utilized for designing and fabricating soft bioelectronics and optoelectronics. This motivates to give a comprehensive overview of this burgeoning field. The discussion of representative tailor-made gold nanomaterials, including gold nanocrystals, ultrathin gold nanowires, vertically aligned gold nanowires, hard template-assisted gold nanowires/gold nanotubes, bimetallic/trimetallic gold nanowires, gold nanomeshes, and gold nanosheets, is begun. This is followed by the description of various fabrication methodologies for state-of-the-art applications such as strain sensors, pressure sensors, electrochemical sensors, electrophysiological devices, energy-storage devices, energy-harvesting devices, optoelectronics, and others. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities are discussed.

Assessment of photovoltaic efficacy in antimony-based cesium halide perovskite utilizing transition metal chalcogenide

Antimony-based perovskites have been recognized for their distinctive optoelectronic attributes, standard fabrication methodologies, reduced toxicity, and enhanced stability. The objective of this study is to systematically investigate and enhance the performance of all-inorganic solar cell architectures by integrating Cs3Sb2I9, a perovskite-analogous material, with WS2—a promising transition metal dichalcogenide—used as the electron transport layer (ETL), and Cu2O serving as the hole transport layer (HTL). This comprehensive assessment extends beyond the mere characterization of material attributes such as layer thickness, doping levels, and defect densities, to include a thorough investigation of interfacial defect effects within the structure. Optimal efficiency was observed when the Cs3Sb2I9 absorber layer thickness was maintained within the 600-700 nm range. The defect tolerance for the absorber layer was identified at 1×1015/cm3, with the ETL and HTL layers exhibiting significant defect tolerance at 1×1016/cm3 and 1×1017/cm3, respectively. Furthermore, this study calculated the minority carrier lifetime and diffusion length, establishing a strong correlation with defect density; a minority carrier lifetime of approximately 1 µs was noted for a defect density of1×1014/cm3 in the absorber layer. A noteworthy finding pertains to the balance between the high work function of the back contact and the incorporation of p-type back surface field layers, revealing that interposing a highly doped p+ layer between the Cu2O and the metal back contact can elevate the efficiency to 21.60%. This approach also provides the freedom to select metals with lower work functions, offering a cost-effective advantage for commercial-scale applications.

Rational design of continuous and short-range lithium ion pathways based on polydopamine-anchored metal-organic frameworks for all-solid-state electrolytes

The immerging three dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework (MOF)-reinforced composite solid-state electrolytes have attracted great interest because of the enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the defective spatial arrangement of MOFs restricted by fabrication methodology leads to insufficient lithium ion transport in electrolytes. Herein, a 3D interconnected MOF framework tailored for all-solid-state electrolytes is rationally designed by a universal polydopamine (PDA)-engineered “double-sided tape” strategy. The PDA serves as a double-sided tape, firmly adhering on the special single-layer Nylon grid as well as offering uniform nucleation sites to anchor the metal nodes to ensure continuous growth of well-ordered MOFs. Benefiting from the Lewis acid feature of MOFs and its cage effect toward TFSI−, a fast and homogeneous lithium ion transport can be achieved through the internal channels within neighboring MOFs and the continuous MOFs/polymer interfaces both along the short-range circumferential boundary of Nylon fiber. The resultant composite electrolytes exhibit high lithium ion conductivity and prominent mechanical properties, rendering excellent cyclic stability whether used in coin or pouch cells. This work demonstrates a widely applicable “double-sided tape” strategy for controllable spatial arrangement of MOF nanoparticles on optional substrates, which provides a scalable approach to rationally construct desired lithium ion pathways within composite electrolytes.

Design of an on-chip germanium cavity for room-temperature infrared lasing

Germanium (Ge) is one of the most promising material platforms to enable the realization of monolithically integrated laser on silicon because it is a group-IV material with a pseudo-direct-band structure that can be converted into direct-bandgap either through the application of tensile strain or via the tin (Sn) incorporation in Ge. The bandgap modification enhances the light emission efficiency of Ge, where lasing can also be observed if a suitable cavity preserving the strain can be realized. In fact, several different research groups have reported lasing from strained Ge and GeSn optical cavities, however they all report lasing at low temperatures and room-temperature lasing, which is the ultimate goal required for a fully integrated laser, has not been demonstrated yet. In this work, we design an on-chip germanium cavity that has all the ingredients combined to make the room-temperature lasing possible. The design includes a 4.6% uniaxially tensile strained Ge gain medium embedded in a Fabry-Perot like cavity composed of two distributed Bragg reflectors. 3-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Method (FEM) based strain simulations together with a proposed fabrication methodology provides a guideline for the realization of the structure. Furthermore, 3D Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations demonstrate that the designed structure is suitable for the room-temperature lasing in a wavelength range of 2410–2570 nm. 3D FEM-based heat transfer simulations performed for the designed cavity verifies the eligibility of the room-temperature operation paving the way for a possible demonstration of on-chip laser that could take part in the fully integrated infrared systems for a variety of applications including biological and chemical sensing, as well as security such as alarm systems and free-space optical communications.

Polarized Raman mapping and phase-transition by CW excitation for fast purely optical characterization of VO2 thin films

Vanadium dioxide has attracted much interest due to the drastic change of the electrical and optical properties it exhibits during the transition from the semiconductor state to the metallic state, which takes place at a critical temperature of about 68 °C. Much study has been especially devoted to developing advanced fabrication methodologies to improve the performance of VO2 thin films for phase-change applications in optical devices. Films structural and morphological characterisation is normally performed with expensive and time consuming equipment, as x-ray diffractometers, electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes. Here we propose a purely optical approach which combines Polarized Raman Mapping and Phase-Transition by Continuous Wave Optical Excitation (PTCWE) to acquire through two simple measurements structural, morphological and thermal behaviour information on polycrystalline VO2 thin films. The combination of the two techniques allows to reconstruct a complete picture of the properties of the films in a fast and effective manner, and also to unveil an interesting stepped appearance of the hysteresis cycles probably induced by the progressive stabilization of rutile metallic domains embedded in the semiconducting monoclinic matrix.

Organs on chips: fundamentals, bioengineering and applications.

Human body constitutes unique biological system containing specific fluid mechanics and biomechanics. Traditional cell culture techniques of 2D and 3D do not recapitulate these specific natures of the human system. In addition, they lack the spatiotemporal conditions of representing the cells. Moreover, they do not enable the study of cell-cell interactions in multiple cell culture platforms. Therefore, establishing biological system of dynamic cell culture was of great interest. Organs on chips systems were fabricated proving their concept to mimic specific organs functions. Therefore, it paves the way for validating new drugs and establishes mechanisms of emerging diseases. It has played a key role in validating suitable vaccines for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Herein, the concept of organs on chips, fabrication methodology and their applications are discussed.

Heterogeneously Integrated Photonics Based on Thin Film Lithium Niobate Platform

AbstractThe emergence of high‐quality thin film lithium niobate on an insulator has opened up new research opportunities in the field of integrated photonics devices. Through heterogeneous integration, it is possible to integrate light sources, electro‐optic modulators, photodetectors, and other key components onto a single chip, achieving multifunctionality. This is an accomplishment beyond the capability of standalone thin film lithium niobate. Heterogeneous integration offers an effective approach to develop photonic integrated circuits based on thin film lithium niobate platform. This review article summarizes recent advances in heterogeneously integrated photonics based on thin film lithium niobate platform. This work provides an overview of basic heterogeneously integrated photonics materials, including silicon, silicon nitride, III–V semiconductors, and 2D materials, and basic devices such as waveguides, grating couplers, lasers, microring resonators, electro‐optic modulators, and photodetectors. This work discusses the operating mechanism, design principle, fabrication methodology, and performance metrics of each device. Finally, this work summarizes the recent key advances in heterogeneously integrated photonics based on thin film lithium niobate platform and addresses the challenges that need to be tackled for the future development.

(Invited) Lyten’s High Energy Li-S Batteries for a Sustainable and Circular EV Economy

Li-ion batteries (LIB), though widely used in EV batteries will be unable to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding vehicular market, mainly due to the challenges of cost and availability of key materials globally with limited resources, complicated by geopolitical factors. Li-S batteries promise significant advantages over Li-ion batteries with potentially higher specific energy, lower cost, and enhanced safety. However, their implementation has been hampered by poor cycle life due mainly to polysulfide shuttle caused by the soluble polysulfide intermediates. Lyten, an advanced materials company, has developed a family of new 3D Graphene™ materials for various applications including lithium-sulfur batteries. The mechanically flexible and electrically conductive framework of 3D graphene and its hierarchical porous structure make it an ideal host for potentially confining sulfur intermediates and mitigate the polysulfide shuttle. Lyten 3D Graphene™ materials have already shown enhanced sulfur utilization in Li-S cells far superior to the commercial nanocarbons (Fig. 1), even while their further fine-tuning is on-going. Lyten has established environmentally friendly 3D graphene-sulfur cathode fabrication methodology with high sulfur loadings using an aqueous binder.In parallel, Lyten has been developing new protected Li anodes, advanced stable electrolytes that can function at low quantities (electrolyte/sulfur ratio), and multi-functional separators with an ability to block polysulfide crossover. Integration of these cell components resulted in Li-S cells with specific energy comparable to current Li-ion cells (250-275 Wh/kg). The cycle life is, however, relatively modest with 300 cycles @ 100% DOD, C/3 in coin cells, and ~150 cycles@100% DOD and over one thousand cycles @ 50% DOD in multi-layer pouch cells and 18650 cylindrical cells. There is a steady growth in both these categories enabled by further tuning of 3D graphene and advances in other materials.Recently, Lyten has set up semi-automatic assembly lines for both multi-layer pouch and 18650 cylindrical cells, targeting an annual capacity of 2.4 MWh. These cells have started showing excellent consistency in specific energy in both cell formats. Fig.2 shows the narrow variability in the performance of 35 pouch and 18650 cells made recently for a customer.Finally, preliminary safety tests performed on the recent prototype cells have yielded surprisingly good results for the Li-S cells containing Li metal anode. Tolerance to usual abuse conditions, e.g., internal and external shorts, overcharge and overdischarge, as demonstrated in our ARC tests will be an additive advantage of Lyten Li-S cells. Figure 1

Fabrication of Bipolar Membrane Electrolyzers for Seawater Electrolysis: Proof-of-Concept, Operando Design, and Fundamental Studies

Hydrogen (H2) is a critical industrial feedstock, essential in the production of fertilizer, steel, and fuels. Its demand is anticipated to increase ten-fold by 2050 due to its pivotal role in various new green technologies. Renewable energy-driven bipolar membrane water electrolyzers (BPMWEs) are a promising technology for sustainable production of H2 from seawater and other impure water sources. Here we present a detailed protocol on the assembly and operation of zero-gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) BPMWE with water dissociation layers1. We describe steps for spray coating both electrodes and membranes, electrolyzer assembly, and electrochemical evaluation. This protocol provides an avenue to highlight key considerations in BPMWE fabrication methodology to ensure comparable data and rapid progress. We further highlight how this BPM platform can be used for a variety of scientific applications ranging from the seawater resistant BPMWE to an operando water electrolyzers to examine catalyst dynamics through X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As we work together towards a cleaner future, the detailed BPMWE protocol enables scientific communication, aiding in reproducible electrolyzer assembly practices, and accelerating the optimization of next-generation BPM-based devices.