Multifunctional Features Research Articles

Achieving Higher Critical Current Density in LGPS-Based Lithium Metal Batteries via a Synergistic Interlayer for Physical Inhibition and Chemical Scavenging of Lithium Dendrites.

Li10.35Ge1.35P1.65S12 (LGPS) electrolyte has garnered attention due to its high ionic conductivity and processability. However, its strong incompatibility with lithium metal hinders its practical application. Conventional interlayer strategy isolates Li from LGPS, avoiding the detrimental side reactions, but lithium dendrite penetration is still a problem. To address the aforementioned challenges, we develop a PVDF-HFP-supported PDOL-based interlayer (PDOL/PVDF-HFP), which stabilizes the LGPS/Li interface by synergistically physically inhibiting and chemically scavenging lithium dendrites. The multifunctional feature of the interlayer comes from the use of a bifunctional initiator, InCl3. On the one hand, InCl3 induces the polymerization of DOL, forming a physical separator and protecting lithium from LGPS; on the other hand, in situ reactions between In3+/Cl- and Li form a LiCl/LiF/LiIn hybrid SEI, homogenizing the surface Li+ flux and suppressing lithium dendrite formation and penetration. In addition, an unexpected dynamic microdendrite scavenging is realized by virtue of the side reactions of LGPS/Li, which converts the undesirable reaction to be an advantage in our design. Benefiting from the comprehensive advantages of such design, the constructed sulfide-based solid-state batteries achieve a super low interfacial impedance of 5.1 Ω, a high critical current density (CCD) value over 5 mA/cm2, and a super long cycling stability over 8000 h. Our synergistic interlayer strategy would open an effective avenue for solving interfacial challenges for practical sulfide-based solid-state batteries.

A novel multifunctional chiral metasurface with asymmetric transmission

The multiband, multifunctional chiral metasurface with asymmetric transmission exhibits significant potential for diverse applications in modern communication systems, ranging from enhanced signal modulation and polarization control to advanced beam steering and compact antenna design. This research presents a versatile and advanced chiral metasurface operating at multiple bands with diverse functionalities, including asymmetric transmission. The proposed metasurface effectively transforms an incoming Linearly Polarized (LP) wave into a Circularly Polarized (CP) wave. Additionally, it functions as a 90° polarization rotator for the incident LP wave. The design starts with an element of a 2 × 2 supercell comprising a Square Split Ring Resonator (SSRR) and an I-shaped resonator. The right diagonal elements of a supercell undergo scaling down, giving rise to a rotational asymmetry. Chirality is introduced into the design, and cross polarization conversion is enhanced by rotating all four elements by 90° relative to each other. On the back side of the substrate, each element undergoes a 90° rotation compared to its counterpart on the front side, realizing the asymmetric transmission feature. The incorporation of multiband and multifunctional features within a single supercell equips the subject chiral metasurface to be utilized in various engineering applications.

Synthesis and characterization of core-shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposites for the detection of interleukin-6.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) belongs to the cytokine family and plays a vital role in regulating immune response, bone maintenance, body temperature adjustment, and cell growth. The overexpression of IL-6 can indicate various health complications, such as anastomotic leakage, cancer, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the availability of highly sensitive and specific biosensing platforms for IL-6 detection is critical. In this study, for the first time, epitope-mediated IL-6-specific magnetic molecularly imprinted core-shell structures with fluorescent properties were synthesized using a three-step protocol, namely, magnetic nanoparticle functionalization, polymerization, and template removal following thorough optimization studies. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were characterized using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS), revealing a hydrodynamic size of 169.9 nm and zeta potential of +17.1 mV, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques showed characteristic peaks of the polymer and fluorescent tag, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations confirmed the successful encapsulation of the magnetic core within the ca. 5-nm-thick polymeric shell. The MMIP-based electrochemical sensing platform achieved a limit of detection of 0.38 pM within a linear detection range of 0.38-380 pM, indicating high affinity (dissociation constant KD = 1.6 pM) for IL-6 protein in 50% diluted serum samples. Moreover, comparative investigations with the non-imprinted control polymer demonstrated an imprinting factor of 4, confirming high selectivity. With multifunctional features, including fluorescence, magnetic properties, and target responsiveness, the synthesized MMIPs hold significant potential for application in various sensor techniques as well as imaging.

A Robust Core-Shell Nanofabric with Personal Protection, Health Monitoring and Physical Comfort for Smart Sportswear.

Smart textiles with a high level of personal protection, health monitoring, physical comfort, and wearing durability are highly demanded in clothing for harsh application scenarios, such as modern sportswear. However, seamlessly integrating such a smart clothing system has been a long-sought but challenging goal. Herein, based on coaxial electrospinning techniques, a smart non-woven textile (Smart-NT) integrated with high impact resistance is developed, multisensory functions, and radiative cooling effects. This Smart-NT is comprised of core-shell nanofibers with an ionic conductive polymer sheath and an impact-stiffening polymer core. The soft smart textile, with a thickness of only 800µm, can attenuate over 60% of impact force, sense pressure stimulus with sensitivity up to 201.5 kPa-1, achieve temperature sensing resolution of 0.1°C, and reduce skin temperature by ≈17°C under a solar intensity of 1kWm-2. In addition, the stretchable Smart-NT is highly durable and robust, retaining its multifunction features over 10000 bending and multiple washing cycles. Finally, application scenarios are demonstrated for real-time health monitoring, body protection, and physical comfort of smart sportswear based on Smart-NT for outdoor sports. The strategy opens a new avenue for seamless integration of smart clothing systems.

GCMEbox: A MATLAB toolbox for extracting and analyzing common-mode errors from GNSS time series

High-precision global navigation satellite system (GNSS) time series data contain rich tectonic and non-tectonic motion information. However, such data also have common-mode errors (CME) related to spatiotemporal characteristics. CME will produce bias in accurate and reliable GNSS station positions and velocities estimations, ultimately deciphering erroneous geophysical signals. Currently, CME extraction methods can be divided into three categories: regional stack filtering, reference frame filtering, and statistical signal decomposition. The third method is widely used in geodetic data processing, including GNSS time series analysis, global time-varying gravity signal extraction, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series analysis, etc. The demand for GNSS time series analysis software with interactive, visualization, and multifunctional features has also increased with the increase in GNSS stations. Therefore, we developed gCMEbox based on MATLAB. The gCMEbox’s primary functions include GNSS time series preprocessing, multiple statistical signal decomposition algorithms for extracting CME, GNSS time series analysis, visualization, velocity field construction, and generation of multiple time series post-processing products. Based on GNSS time series data, this study utilized the gCMEbox for data preprocessing, including format conversion, outlier removal, missing data recovery, etc. By applying statistical signal decomposition methods, gCMEbox successfully extracted CME. The primary objective of this study is to share this toolbox with the scientific community, providing a comprehensive tool for GNSS time series analysis and applications.

Dielectric additive induced weak Li solvation towards stabilized solid electrolyte interface for 4.6V lithium metal batteries

Developing stable electrode-electrolyte interphases on Li metal anode (LMA) and high voltage cathode is crucial for producing durable Li metal batteries. Electrolyte engineering has been regarded as an efficient way to in-situ construct stable and robust interphase. Herein, a dielectric electrolyte system is proposed by introducing LiNbO3 nanoparticles to liquid carbonate-based electrolyte for regulating Li+ solvation structure, and thus inducing stable inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase. Moreover, these dielectric nano LiNbO3 additives can regulate the Li+ flux through their build-in electric field to guide dendrite free Li deposition. These multi-functional features of LiNbO3 allow for exceptional cyclic performance in both symmetric cell configuration (3300 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2) and Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 half-cell charged at 4.6 V with capacity retention of 80% over 200 cycles. These results demonstrate great potential of dielectric electrolyte on improving the performance of lithium metal batteries.

PEDOT: PSS Doped Activated Biochar as a Novel Composite Material for Photocatalytic and Efficient Energy Storage Application

Herein, we report the synthesis of activated biochar from green algae and the effect of its doping on the structural, photocatalytic, and energy storage properties of PEDOT-PSS. The morphology of pure and doped samples was investigated with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). AFM results for PEDOT-PSS@6wt.% of BC indicate that the calculated average peak height, particle size, and roughness were 283 nm, 136 nm, and 71 nm, respectively. Adding biochar to PEDOT-PSS significantly improved the thermal stability of PEDOT-PSS up to 550 °C. The novel photocatalyst PEDOT-PSS@6wt.% BC improved photocatalytic performance by approximately 17% in Methylene Blue (MB) dye removal. The electrochemical performance in terms of supercapacitors for the synthesized samples was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), specific capacitance, stability, and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). PEDOT-PSS@6wt.% of BC as a novel electrode material in supercapacitors exhibits an initial specific capacitance of 1300 Fg−1. Moreover, the PEDOT-PSS@6wt.% of BC electrode shows excellent stability up to 1000 cycles of operation. The EIS studies suggest the presence of charge transfer resistance. Considering the economical biosynthesis and multifunctional features, the PEDOT-PSS@6wt.% of BC could potentially be used as a photocatalyst to remove organic dyes and supercapacitors in energy storage applications.

A multifunctional polyacrylonitrile fibers/alginate-based hydrogel loaded with chamomile extract and silver sulfadiazine for full-thickness wound healing

Most conventional wound dressings do not meet the clinical requisites owing to their limited multifunctionality. Herein, a bilayer wound dressing containing both hydrogel and fibrous structures with multifunctional features was developed for effective skin rehabilitation. Sodium alginate (SA)/gelatin (Gel) hydrogel comprising Matricaria chamomilla L extract and silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) drug as antibacterial agents was cross-linked using genipin and CaCl2. Then, the surface of the hydrogel was covered by electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers to fabricate a bilayer dressing. FESEM images revealed formation of continuous, smooth, and bead-free PAN nanofibers with excellent compatibility between hydrogel and fibers. The bilayer wound dressing exhibited satisfactory mechanical virtues including elastic modulus (2.4 ± 0.2 MPa), tensile strength (6.2 ± 0.5 MPa) and elongation at break (21.8 ± 1 %) as well as suitable swelling ratio. Such bilayer dressing revealed biodegradability, cytocompatibility and effective antibacterial performance against gram positive and gram negative strains. Release kinetics of AgSD drug followed a Fickian diffusion mechanism, ensuring sustained drug release. In vivo studies demonstrated bilayer dressing could promote rate of wound closure, re-epithelialization and collagen deposition, facilitating the replacement of damaged skin with healthy tissue. Such engineered wound dressing has a high potency for inducing skin repair and could be used in skin tissue engineering.

Arginine-loaded globular BSAMA/fibrous GelMA biohybrid cryogels with multifunctional features and enhanced healing for soft gingival tissue regeneration

Mucogingival surgery has been widely used in soft gingival tissue augmentation in which autografts are predominantly employed. However, the autografts face grand challenges, such as scarcity of palatal donor tissue and postoperative discomfort. Therefore, development of alternative soft tissue substitutes has been an imperative need. Here, we engineered an interconnected porous bovine serum albumin methacryloyl (BSAMA: B, as a drug carrier and antioxidant)/gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA: G, as a biocompatible collagen-like component)-based cryogel with L-Arginine (Arg) loaded as an angiogenic molecule, which could serve as a promising gingival tissue biohybrid scaffold. BG@Arg cryogels featured macroporous architecture, biodegradation, sponge-like properties, suturability, and sustained Arg release. Moreover, BG@Arg cryogels promoted vessel formation and collagen deposition which play an important role in tissue regeneration. Most interestingly, BG@Arg cryogels were found to enhance antioxidant effects. Finally, the therapeutic effect of BG@Arg on promoting tissue regeneration was confirmed in rat full-thickness skin and oral gingival defect models. In vivo results revealed that BG@Arg2 could promote better angiogenesis, more collagen production, and better modulation of inflammation, as compared to a commercial collagen membrane. These advantages might render BG@Arg cryogels a promising alternative to commercial collagen membrane products and possibly autografts for soft gingival tissue regeneration.

PAPR Reduction of CC-OFDM MIMO Radar Waveform using Golay Codes

The development of modern radar technology demands multi-functional features that lead to the importance of designing a flexible, software-controlled digital waveform generator. The CC-OFDM MIMO radar waveforms allow flexibility in subcarrier management; hence it is possible to generate multiple narrow beams which transmitted simultaneously for providing all time coverage of the area.However, the main issue of OFDM is the high level of its PAPR value. This will cause non-linear distortion that potentially ruin the orthogonality of the OFDM subcarriers and in the end gives error in the radar detection results. In this paper, PAPR reduction using phase coding is done, by comparing the performance of complementary Hadamard, complementary Golay codes and combining it with Selective Mapping (SLM). The PAPR results show that complementary Golay codes without SLM are superior to complementary Hadamard with or without SLM. The maximum PAPR value of 65 beams transmitted simultaneously are 4.9 dB and 11.1 dB for CC OFDM waveform using complementary Golay codes and Hadamard respectively.

Second order frequency selective surface design multi-functional at two bands

This paper proposes an active frequency selective surface which furnishes three bands of higher order filtering characteristics. It controls multi-functional features, at two bands (centered at 2 GHz and 4 GHz), namely electromagnetic response and polarization of plane wave. Nine discrete filtering outputs are independently controlled through switching in bias supply to four PIN diodes embedded in two layers of AFSS unit cell. Two multifunctional bands hold stability upto 45° angles under all polarizations of wave. Passive band at around 5.9 GHz contributed by all the independent binary combinations exhibits stability upto 45° angles of TE wave only. The equivalent circuit method is used to explain and verify the designed structure. Finally, the AFSS structure is fabricated and reliability of the simulation results is verified through experiments.

Green Synthesis of Stable Lignin Nanoparticles with Reversible Swelling Behavior and Enhanced Multifunctional Features

Green Synthesis of Stable Lignin Nanoparticles with Reversible Swelling Behavior and Enhanced Multifunctional Features

Photocatalytic, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Efficacy of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

The biomass filtrate of the endophytic bacterial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Fa.2 was utilized for the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The yellowish-brown color’s optical properties showed a maximum surface plasmon resonance at 415 nm. The morphological and elemental composition analysis reveals the formation of spherical shapes with sizes of 5–40 nm, and the Ag ion comprises the major component of the produced Ag-NPs. X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline structure, whereas dynamic light scattering reveals the high stability of synthesized Ag-NPs with a polydispersity index of 0.413 and a negative zeta potential value. The photocatalytic experiment showed the efficacy of Ag-NPs to degrade methylene blue with maximum percentages of 73.9 ± 0.5 and 87.4 ± 0.9% under sunshine and UV irradiation, respectively, compared with 39.8% under dark conditions after 210 min. Additionally, the reusability of Ag-NPs was still more active for the fifth run, with a percentage decrease of 11.6% compared with the first run. Interestingly, the biogenic Ag-NPs showed superior antimicrobial activity against different pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 6.25 µg mL−1), Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 12.5 µg mL−1), and uni- and multicellular fungi (MIC = 12.5 µg mL−1). Moreover, the biosynthesized Ag-NPs could target cancer cells (Pc3 and Mcf7) at low concentrations compared with normal cell (Vero) lines. The IC50 of normal cells is 383.7 ± 4.1 µg mL−1 compared with IC50 Pc3 (2.5 ± 3.5 µg mL−1) and McF7 (156.1 ± 6.8 µg mL−1). Overall, the bacterially synthesized Ag-NPs showed multifunctional features to be used in environmental catalysis and biomedical applications.

Injectable Liposome-Loaded Hydrogel Formulations with Controlled Release of Curcumin and α-Tocopherol for Dental Tissue Engineering.

An injectable hydrogel formulation is developed utilizing low- and high-molecular-weight chitosan (LCH and HCH) incorporated with curcumin and α-tocopherol-loaded liposomes (Lip/Cur+Toc). Cur and Toc releases are delayed within the hydrogels. The injectability of hydrogels is proved via rheological analyses. In vitro studies are conducted using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) to examine the biological performance of the hydrogels toward endodontics and periodontics, respectively. The viability of hDPSCs treated with the hydrogels with Lip/Cur+Toc is the highest till day 14, compared to the neat hydrogels. During odontogenic differentiation tests, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity of hDPSCs is induced in the Cur-containing groups. Biomineralization is enhanced mostly with Lip/Cur+Toc incorporation. The viability of hGFs is the highest in HCH combined with Lip/Cur+Toc while wound healing occurs almost 100% in both (Lip/Cur+Toc@LCH and Lip/Cur+Toc@HCH) after 2days. Antioxidant activity of Lip/Cur+Toc@LCH on hGFs is significantly the highest among the groups. Antimicrobial tests demonstrate that Lip/Cur+Toc@LCH is more effective against Escherichia coli whereas so is Lip/Cur+Toc@HCH against Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial mechanism of the hydrogels is investigated for the first time through various computational models. LCH and HCH loaded with Lip/Cur+Toc are promising candidates with multi-functional features for endodontics and periodontics.

THE POND NETWORK IN THE GNIZNA RIVER BASIN: SPATIAL LIMITATION, FUNCTIONAL FEATURES, GEO-ECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

The pond network in the basin of the Hnizna River - the left tributary of the Seret River - was considered. The multifunctional features and spatial contiguity of the ponds to the main river and its tributary of the first order have been clarified. It was established that the most regulated was the Terebna River with its tributaries Dzyurava and Kachava, within the basins of which 35% of the pond network is concentrated. 29% of the number of ponds is allocated to the basin of the right tributary of the Hnizdechna River, and 15% of the number of ponds within the main river Hnizna. The coefficient of regulation of river flow by artificial reservoirs was calculated, which demonstrates a high degree of flow regulation, the result of which is an increase in the area of the water mirror, which means an increase in evaporation from the water surface. Among the positive aspects of flow regulation, we note the absence of sudden water rises in the basin as a result of spring floods and summer floods. Thus, the hydrological regime of the main river and its tributary of the first order has been stabilized. The volume of water in the artificial reservoirs of the basin is 6.7% of the Hnizna river flow. Such volumes of regulated runoff enable its multi-purpose use for agricultural, fish farming, fire prevention, anti-erosion, recreational, sanitary and industrial purposes. A typology of ponds was carried out, which demonstrated the vast majority of artificial multi-functional reservoirs. It is worth noting fishery-recreational-farming and recreational-farming-fishing farms. In addition to these three main functions, most ponds perform the functions of fire protection reservoirs, microclimate regulators, and aesthetic ones. The conducted expedition surveys of the Hnizna River basin in 2023, in comparison with the corresponding surveys of 2007 (stock materials of the Department of Geoecology), showed a more significant orderliness of peripheral landscapes, the presence of access roads with a hard surface, which improves the accessibility of recreationists and fishermen to ponds. It is worth noting the creation in the river basin of two entertainment and recreation complexes on the pond in the village. Okhrimovtsi and "Lemkivsky stav" in the village. Old Zbarazh. In these ponds, the main attention is paid to the creation of entertainment and hotel complexes, gazebos-islands, watercraft with various recreational infrastructure. The services of these complexes include: cozy houses for families, gazebos for group recreation, baths, multi-saunas, salt rooms, a font, a tropical shower, and forms of active recreation - wakeboarding, rowing, etc. Here they offer the holding of solemn events such as birthdays, corporate vacations, weddings. Despite the positive changes in peripheral landscapes and the presence of recreational facilities, the quality of water in the main river is quite low, as evidenced by the following diagram, which shows the dynamics of the discharge of polluted or insufficiently purified return water into the Hnizna River basin over the past 7 years. Together with the polluted runoff, 63.5 tons of pollutants entered the river. Among the proposed optimization measures, it is worth noting: - improvement of the sewage treatment plant system in the city of Zbarazh, village Velyki Birky and the town of Terebovli; - to introduce an effective system of water drainage of municipal sewage in rural settlements under the responsibility of the governing bodies of territorial communities; join the system of on-site regular water monitoring of the Dniester Basin Management; strengthen the responsibility of the public in the person of the basin council of the small river Hnizna. Keywords: the basin of the Hnizna River, pond network, functional and spatial features, geoecological problems.

Potential of Carbon Aerogels in Energy: Design, Characteristics, and Applications.

In energy applications, the use of materials with hierarchical porous structures and large surface areas is essential for efficient charge storage. These structures facilitate rapid electron and ion transport, resulting in high power density and quick charge/discharge capabilities. Carbon-based materials are extensively utilized due to their tunable properties, including pore sizes ranging from ultra- to macropores and surface polarity. Incorporating heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, and boron modifies the carbon structure, enhancing electrocatalytic properties and overall performance. A hierarchical pore structure is necessary for optimal performance, as it ensures efficient access to the material's core. The microstructure of carbon materials significantly impacts energy storage, with factors like polyaromatic condensation, crystallite structure, and interlayer distance playing crucial roles. Carbon aerogels, derived from the carbonization of organic gels, feature a sponge-like structure with large surface area and high porosity, making them suitable for energy storage. Their open pore structure supports fast ion transfer, leading to high energy and power densities. Challenges include maintaining mechanical or structural integrity, multifunctional features, and scalability. This review provides an overview of the current progress in carbon-based aerogels for energy applications, discussing their properties, development strategies, and limitations, and offering significant guidance for future research requirements.

Efficient zinc protection enabled by polyhedral metal-organic framework and ionic-crosslinking binder

Towards the efficient reversibility and cyclability of Zinc (Zn) plating/stripping, surface modification has been recognized as one of the straightforward strategies for Zn electrodes. In this study, 20 μm of a composite layer prepared by blending ZIF-8 and sodium alginate (SA) was uniformly coated on the Zn foil (Z8-SA@Zn) as an alternative protective layer to explore their synergistic contributions in suppressing the side reaction under the aqueous electrolyte. Benefiting from the following characteristics: (a) ionic crosslinking between SA and Zn2+, (b) improved Zn2+ flux, (c) more hydrophilic / zincophilic, and (d) chemical stability, the resulting Z8-SA@Zn revealed the remarkably anti-corrosive property, insignificant zincate growth, high Coulombic efficiency, and prolong cyclability. Encouragingly, the zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor assembled by Z8-SA@Zn anode and commercial activated carbon cathode not only delivers an impressive rate capability (45 mAh/g at 1 mA/cm2, 37 mAh/g at 10 mA/cm2) but also achieves the excellent cycling stability (capacity retention: 91 % after 20,000 cycles at 5 mA). According to the results disclosed here, combining ZIF-8 and SA as the interfacial layer provides multifunctional features, enabling the effective protection of Zn foil. Consequently, it is rationally believed that the Z8-SA@Zn can be a promising anode material for Zn2+ storage applications.

Multi-functionality in de-doped poly 3-methylthiophene memristor device

Multi-functional devices are the recent trends in research, as they are cost-effective and reduce e-waste. In this study, detailed current-voltage measurement is performed on electro-polymerized Poly 3-methylthiophene (P3MT) thin film sandwiched between stainless steel (SS) and silver (Ag) electrodes, and the fabricated two-terminal device consisting of geometry SS/P3MT/Ag. Systematic and comparative measurements on partially doped P3MT devices with three dopants (TBAPF6, LiClO4 & TBABF4) helped in realizing multi-functionality. In all the devices the following multifunctional features are demonstrated: negative differential resistance (NDR), sweep voltage-controlled resistive switching, analog memory, and synaptic plasticity. Charge transport in all the devices is modeled based on charge accumulation, trapping, and de-trapping of injected carriers.

Realization of multi-functional features with ZnO nanosheets/p-Si based electronic device for energy harvesting and memristive switching

This work investigates and reports on the fabrication of a ZnO nanosheets/p-Si heterojunction energy harvester. The proposed nanostructure device exhibits two key functionalities: energy harvesting and memristive characteristics. This allows the device to perform multiple tasks. The ZnO nanostructure sheet was grown using a hydrothermal method. To minimize defect states at the electrode-substrate interface, an optimal phosphorus doping process was employed to achieve minimal substrate sheet resistance. Under an applied pushing force of 0.259 kgf, the energy harvester generated an output voltage and current of 0.5548 V and 44 μA, respectively. The proposed structure produces an output of 24.41 μW at 13 Hz for 2000 cycles. Investigation of the device's transfer characteristics revealed memristive behavior with an on/off ratio of 107. These findings suggest that the multifunctional ZnO nanosheets/p-Si electronic device reported here has promising potential for applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).

Integrated on-board electric vehicle battery charger with multifunctional features

ABSTRACT Because of the continuous demand for reliable, efficient, small-size, light weighted, and low-cost Electric Vehicle (EV) battery charging systems, an integrated on-board charger is proposed with a high-power propulsion motor drive. It utilises stator windings of motor, the 6-leg Voltage Source Converter (VSC), DC-DC converter, and feedback sensors to facilitate vehicular battery charging. With this system, soft switching technique based bidirectional isolated DC-DC converter is proposed that offers the advantage of simple circuitry design due to no usage of extra passive or active components. This paper presents mathematical modelling, analysis, and controller design of this proposed configuration under various operating modes. The complete system is developed in Sim Power system toolbox of MATLAB software and tested in real-time environment. The performance investigations of proposed system are carried out for three operating modes like Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V), Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) under Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) battery charging modes. Furthermore, the investigations ensure the system’s excellent efficiency, less THD, and nearly unity power factor operation under all operating conditions.