Non-conductive Materials Research Articles

Ensemble Pretrained Convolutional Neural Networks for the Classification of Insulator Surface Conditions

Overhead transmission line insulators are non-conductive materials that separate conductors from grounded transmission towers. Once in operation, they frequently experience environmental pollution and electrical or mechanical stress. Since adverse operational conditions can lead to insulation failure, regular inspections are essential to prevent power outages. To this end, this paper proposes a novel technique based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify high-voltage insulator surface conditions based on their image. Successful applications of CNNs in computer vision have led to several pretrained architectures for image classification. To use these pretrained models, a practitioner typically fine-tunes and selects one final model via a model selection stage and discards all other models. In contrast with many existing studies that use such a “winner-takes-all” approach, here, we identify the best subset of seven popular pretrained CNN architectures that are combined by soft voting to form an ensemble classifier. From a machine learning (ML) perspective, this focus is warranted because the convolutional base of each pretrained architecture operates as a feature extractor and an ensemble of them works as a combination of various feature extraction rules. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the advantage of the identified ensemble model to individual pretrained architectures.

Design of eddy current and capacitance dual-mode sensor for thickness detection of thermal barrier coatings

Abstract Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) can markedly enhance the service temperature of high-temperature alloys, thereby enhancing the engine thrust-to-weight ratio. However, TBCs must be capable of withstanding a multitude of harsh environments, including high temperatures, high pressures, and high-speed particle impacts, which can potentially lead to damage and failure. Consequently, nondestructive testing of TBCs is of particular importance for the assessment of structural health. As eddy current detection is applicable to conductive materials and capacitive detection is applicable to non-conductive materials, this paper proposes a novel, eddy current/capacitance detection, dual-mode sensor, which combines the advantages of the two detection modes. This study examines the structural configuration and excitation characteristics of the eddy current and capacitance dual-mode sensor. Furthermore, the interaction between the capacitive electrode and the eddy current coil is examined, and the viability of the dual-mode sensor is demonstrated through experimentation. The experimental results demonstrate that the dual-mode sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 2.67 mΩ mm−1 for bond coating thickness detection in eddy current mode with an excitation frequency of 5 MHz, and a maximum sensitivity of 80.31 pF mm−1 for top coating thickness detection in capacitive mode.

Carbon-based conductive carriers promote coupled Fe(II)-driven autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification of wastewater with low C/N ratios

Denitrification of wastewater with a low organic carbon to NO3--N ratio (C/N ratio) faces challenges due to slow rates and low efficiency. This study reported that carbon-based conductive carriers are able to enhance the removal of nitrogen from wastewater with low C/N ratio by coupling Fe(II)-driven autotrophic and heterotrophic bioelectrochemical denitrification. When Fe(II) was the sole electron donor, the bioreactor using conductive carrier achieved a denitrification rate constant (kDN) of 0.016 h−1, 1.7 times of that with non-conductive materials. This enhancement was due to the conductive carrier boosting direct electron transfer and supporting the growth of electroactive microorganisms. For wastewater with a low C/N ratio of 0.76, the bioreactor featuring both Fe(II) and the conductive carrier reached a kDN of 0.095 h−1, five times higher than without Fe(II). The presence of Fe(II) promoted denitrification by enhancing electron transfer and serving as a mediator. Microbial analysis showed that adding Fe(II) enriched electroactive bacteria like Comamonas and denitrifiers such as Chryseobacterium. Our findings suggest a promising strategy to enhance denitrification in wastewater treatment systems with low C/N ratios.

Misidentified subglacial lake beneath the Devon Ice Cap, Canadian Arctic: a new interpretation from seismic and electromagnetic data

Abstract. In 2018 the first subglacial lake in the Canadian Arctic was proposed to exist beneath the Devon Ice Cap, based on the analysis of airborne radar data. Here, we report a new interpretation of the subglacial material beneath the Devon Ice Cap, supported by data acquired from multiple surface-based geophysical methods in 2022. The geophysical data recorded included 9 km of active-source seismic-reflection profiles, seven transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings, and 17 magnetotellurics (MT) stations. These surface-based geophysical datasets were collected above the inferred locations of the subglacial lakes and show no evidence for the presence of subglacial water. The acoustic impedance of the subglacial material, estimated from the seismic data, is 9.49 ± 1.92 × 106 kg m−2 s−1, comparable to consolidated or frozen sediment. The resistivity models obtained by inversion of both the TEM and MT measurements show the presence of highly resistive rock layers (1000–100 000 Ω m) directly beneath the ice. Re-evaluation of the airborne reflectivity data shows that the radar attenuation rates were likely overestimated, leading to an overestimation of the basal reflectivity in the original radar studies. Here, we derive new radar attenuation rates using the temperature- and chemistry-dependent Arrhenius equation, and when applied to correct the returned bed power, the bed power does not meet the basal reflectivity threshold expected over subglacial water. Thus, the radar interpretation is now consistent with the seismic and electromagnetic observations of dry or frozen, non-conductive basal material.

Ab-initio investigation of stability and electronic properties of new yttrium-based solid solution of double transition metal YMXTx (M= Ti and zr; X= C and N; Tx= H, O, and F) MXenes

In this study, an extensive examination was carried out to explore the stability, and physical characteristics of a novel solid solution comprising two transition metals, namely YMXTx (M = Ti and Zr; X = C and N; Tx = H, O, and F) MXenes. The Quantum-Espresso computational package which is based on density functional theory (DFT) and pseudopotential techniques has been employed for performing calculations. The results obtained from the investigation of the structural, dynamic, and mechanical stability revealed that the YTiX and YZrX MXenes exhibited remarkable stability. These findings strongly suggest the feasibility and potential success of experimental synthesis of these materials. Furthermore, the result of cohesive energy indicated that Nitride-based MXenes (Y(Ti/Zr)N) are more stable than Carbide-based MXenes (Y(Ti/Zr)C). By performing comprehensive calculations of the total density of states and band structures, using various approximations such as LDA, GGA, and GGA + HSE06, the investigation revealed a metallic behavior in YMX MXenes. Additionally, the analysis of the TDOS revealed the presence of a pseudogap close to the Fermi level. This observation provides further evidence for the structural stability of the investigated mentioned MXenes. After undergoing saturation with different functional groups, it was observed that the YTiNH2 and YTiNF2 MXenes displayed semiconducting behavior, whereas YZrNO2 is classified as a non-conductive material, and the remaining monolayers exhibit metallic properties. Analyses of charge density and electron localization functions confirmed the metallic behavior of the studied MXenes. Modifying the electronic band gap of 2D MXenes, while also preserving structural stability, could lead to enhancing the application of these materials in optoelectronic devices.

Radiofrequency Induction Heating for Green Chemicals Manufacture: A Systematic Model of Energy Losses and a Scale-Up Case-Study.

Radiofrequency (RF) induction heating has generated much interest for the abatement of carbon emissions from the chemicals sector as a direct electrification technology. Three challenges have held back its deployment at scale: reactors must be built from nonconductive materials which eliminates steel as a design choice; the viability of scale-up is uncertain; and to date the reported energy efficiency has been too low. This paper presents a model that for the first time makes a comprehensive analysis of energy losses that arise from RF induction heating. The maximum energy efficiency for radio frequency induction heating was previously reported to be 23% with a typical frequency range of 200-400 kHz. The results from the model show that an energy efficiency of 65-82% is achieved at a much lower frequency of 10 kHz and a reactor diameter of 0.2 m. Energy efficiency above 90% with reactor diameters above 1 m in diameter are predicted if higher voltage radio frequency sources can be developed. A new location of the work coil inside of the reactor wall is shown to be highly effective. Losses arising from heating a steel reactor wall in this configuration are shown to be insignificant, even when the wall is immediately adjacent to the work coil. This analysis demonstrates that RF induction heating can be a highly efficient and effective industrial technology for coupling high energy demand chemicals manufacture electricity from zero carbon renewables.

Non-conductive silicon-containing materials improve methane production by pure cultures of methanogens

Conductive materials (CM) enhance methanogenesis, but there is no clear correlation between conductivity and faster methane production (MP) rates. We investigated if MP by pure cultures of methanogens (Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanospirillum hungatei, Methanothrix harundinacea and Methanosarcina barkeri) is affected by CM (activated carbon (AC), magnetite), and other sustainable alternatives (sand and glass beads, without conductivity, and zeolites (Zeo)). The significant impact of the materials was on M. formicicum as MP was significantly accelerated by non-CM (e.g., sand reduced the lag phase (LP) duration by 48 %), Zeo and AC (LP reduction in 71% and 75 %, respectively). Conductivity was not correlated with LP reduction. Instead, silicon content in the materials was inversely correlated with the time required for complete MP, and silicon per se stimulated M. formicicum’s activity. These findings highlight the potential of using non-CM silicon-containing materials in anaerobic digesters to accelerate methanogenesis.

SPRISS: Scalable and precise resistive impact sensor for smallsats, architecture description and tests

Space debris are a tangible risk for satellites in Earth orbits. Indeed, in the last decades fragmentation events have generated a large number of uncontrolled objects that have made the debris population grow. Modelling the space debris environment is becoming a fundamental task to evaluate the vulnerability of operational satellites, the probability of accidental collisions with uncontrolled objects, and the evolution of the debris population. With this aim, remote and in-situ measurements provide valuable data to tune the space debris population models and improve their reliability. While large satellites can be observed and tracked from ground, the sub-millimeter debris population requires in-situ measurements. In this context, in-orbit impact sensors are a key technology to obtain information about the sub-mm space debris environment. In this framework, a small-scale impact sensor sized to be integrated in a 2U CubeSat is being developed at the University of Padova. The sensor consists of a multitude of thin, conductive stripes arranged on a thin film of non-conductive material. When a debris hits the sensor, one or more stripes are severed, and the impact is detected. Moreover, the sensor design ensures low power consumption, making it feasible for CubeSat space missions. This work presents the latest outcomes obtained from the development of the sensor. Specifically, structural analyses are performed to assess that the sensor can withstand the launch loads, as well as thermal analyses to confirm its endurance capability with in-orbit temperatures. The number of expected impacts during the mission is predicted through orbital propagation, using state-of-the-art debris environment modelling tools. Finally, the paper presents a functional shooting test and vibration tests, executed onto a development model of the sensor, which verify its functionality and validate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4.

Electrooxidation of ethylene glycol using Ag-Pt nanotubes supported on silica: Correlating the unexpected O-vacancies creation with catalytic performance

Electrooxidation of small organic compounds is crucial in achieving clean and efficient energy production. In this context, ethylene glycol (EG) has attracted considerable interest due to its notable energy density, which is suitable for applications in direct alcohol fuel cells. In light of this, we prepared Ag-Pt nanotubes (Ag-PtNTs) supported on silica (SiO2) for the electrooxidation of this alcohol. However, our goal was not only to create an electrocatalyst that enhances electrooxidation efficiency but also to explore the interaction between the SiO2 and the nanotubes. Such an exploration aims to contest the prevailing perception of SiO2 as an inert and non-conductive material. Thus, comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the electrocatalyst was conducted, supported by density functional tight-binding (DFTB) calculations, to elucidate the correlation between composition, electronic effects, and catalytic performance, showing that Ag interacts more with the oxygen of SiO2 that Pt. The interaction between SiO2 and Ag-Pt NTs was explored through Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, revealing the creation of oxygen vacancies (o-vacancies) and heterojunction formation, which enhance charge transfer and catalytic activity, both supported by theoretical calculations. In addition, mechanistic insights into the electrooxidation process were obtained through potential energy surface (PES) assessments, revealing a concerted pathway for glycolaldehyde formation with low barrier energy and favorable thermodynamics. Finally, the synthesized Ag-PtNTs/Si electrocatalyst exhibited an onset potential/current density of 0.45 V/0.09 mV mA cm−2 at 25 °C, demonstrating efficient electrooxidation capabilities. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into designing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for alcohol electrooxidation, contributing to improving cleaner energy technologies.

Reduced Graphene-Oxide-Doped Elastic Biodegradable Polyurethane Fibers for Cardiomyocyte Maturation.

Conductive biomaterials offer promising solutions to enhance the maturity of cultured cardiomyocytes. While the conventional culture of cardiomyocytes on nonconductive materials leads to more immature characteristics, conductive microenvironments have the potential to support sarcomere development, gap junction formation, and beating of cardiomyocytes in vitro. In this study, we systematically investigated the behaviors of cardiomyocytes on aligned electrospun fibrous membranes composed of elastic and biodegradable polyurethane (PU) doped with varying concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Compared to PU and PU-4%rGO membranes, the PU-10%rGO membrane exhibited the highest conductivity, approaching levels close to those of native heart tissue. The PU-rGO membranes retained anisotropic viscoelastic behavior similar to that of the porcine left ventricle and a superior tensile strength. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) on the PU-rGO membranes displayed enhanced maturation with cell alignment and enhanced sarcomere structure and gap junction formation with PU-10%rGO having the most improved sarcomere structure and CX-43 presence. hiPSC-CMs on the PU-rGO membranes exhibited a uniform and synchronous beating pattern compared with that on PU membranes. Overall, PU-10%rGO exhibited the best performance for cardiomyocyte maturation. The conductive PU-rGO membranes provide a promising matrix for in vitro cardiomyocyte culture with promoted cell maturation/functionality and the potential for cardiac disease treatment.

Investigation of the influence of different types of electrolytes on the performance of the Electrochemical Discharge Machining process during micromachining of molybdenum

Electrochemical Discharge Machining (ECDM) is a hybrid process that integrates the principles of Electrochemical Machining (ECM) and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) to create micro-holes in both conductive and non-conductive materials that are typically difficult to machine. Given the unpredictable nature of this hybrid method, the composition of the electrolyte emerges as a critical factor influencing the accuracy and performance of the machining process. Consequently, the optimization and analysis of electrolytes are pivotal for the efficient utilization of energy during ECDM and for ensuring machining precision. This study aims to experimentally investigate the impact of various types of electrolytes and their concentrations. These are divided into two categories: neutral solutions, which include sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl), and alkaline solutions, comprising sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), as well as a mixture of both NaOH and KOH. The evaluation metrics considered include the Material Removal Rate (MRR), Tool Wear Rate (TWR), overcut (OC), Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and surface quality. It was observed that alkaline solutions, particularly the mixed electrolyte, resulted in higher MRR and HAZ, reduced TWR, and the production of micro-holes with minimized overcut compared to using KOH and NaOH separately or neutral solutions, while also enhancing surface quality. Further analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) of the brass tools used with different electrolytes revealed that tools used in KOH and mixed electrolytes exhibited less wear and material erosion compared to those used in NaOH and neutral solutions.

Fabrication of Polypyrrole Hollow Nanospheres by Hard-Template Method for Supercapacitor Electrode Material.

Conducting polymers like polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene with nanostructures offers several advantages, such as high conductivity, a conjugated structure, and a large surface area, making them highly desirable for energy storage applications. However, the direct synthesis of conducting polymers with nanostructures poses a challenge. In this study, we employed a hard template method to fabricate polystyrene@polypyrrole (PS@PPy) core-shell nanoparticles. It is important to note that PS itself is a nonconductive material that hinders electron and ion transport, compromising the desired electrochemical properties. To overcome this limitation, the PS cores were removed using organic solvents to create hollow PPy nanospheres. We investigated six different organic solvents (cyclohexane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, acetone, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)) for etching the PS cores. The resulting hollow PPy nanospheres showed various nanostructures, including intact, hollow, buckling, and collapsed structures, depending on the thickness of the PPy shell and the organic solvent used. PPy nanospheres synthesized with DMF demonstrated superior electrochemical properties compared to those prepared with other solvents, attributed to their highly effective PS removal efficiency, increased specific surface area, and improved charge transport efficiency. The specific capacitances of PPy nanospheres treated with DMF were as high as 350 F/g at 1 A/g. And the corresponding symmetric supercapacitor demonstrated a maximum energy density of 40 Wh/kg at a power density of 490 W/kg. These findings provide new insights into the synthesis method and energy storage mechanisms of PPy nanoparticles.

Enhancement of the electrostatic–magnetic hybrid thrust performance using a stagnant ring

Electrostatic–magnetic hybrid ion acceleration has been researched to realize high-thrust density and efficient thrust operations. In this study, a newly designed stagnant ring (SR) was installed in an electrostatic–magnetic hybrid thruster with the nominal anode inner radius of 40 mm to improve the thrust performance, and the effects of SR on the thruster operation of xenon propellant were analyzed. During constant-discharge-voltage operations, the discharge current increased with both electrically conductive (copper) and non-conductive (ceramic) SR materials, yet the thrust increased only with the copper SR, which was equipotential to the anode. At lower values of the radial width (H) of the copper SR, the thrust and discharge current were almost dominated by the propellant flow rate from the anode surface. However, the contribution of the propellant flow rate from the cathode tip on the thrust and discharge current became significant when H ≥ 9 mm. The thrust coefficient in electromagnetic acceleration form exhibited a maximum value at H = 9 mm, whereas that in electrostatic acceleration form monotonically increased when H ranged from 0 to 20 mm. The highest thrust efficiency was obtained at H = 12 mm. The study findings indicate that installing a conductive SR can effectively enhance the thrust performance in electrostatic–magnetic hybrid thrusters.

Synthesis and Characterization of PVA/PANI Nanofiber as Active Material for Humidity Sensors

PANI is a nanostructure conductive polymer that has been widely researched by making nanofibers using electrospinning, by adding PVA as a non-conductive material. In this research, we have successfully synthesized PVA/PANI nanofiber using the electrospinning method and applied it as a humidity sensor. The oxidation polymerization method was conducted to produce polyaniline (PANI) powder. PVA was used as a non-conductive polymer to carry PANI. PANI is blended with 10 % PVA to produce nanofiber PVA/PANI. The results of the synthesis of PVA/PANI nanofibers using the electrospinning method have been characterized by FTIR and EDX to identify the functional groups and elements of PVA/PANI. The FTIR results confirmed that for the PVA nanofiber samples, the type of polyvinyl alcohol bond has been identified according to the reference. The EDX results show the elements C, O and N. The element nitrogen (N) is the characteristic element of polyaniline (C6H5(NH)2)n. The optical Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope show that the electrospinning method has succeeded in synthesizing PVA/PANI nanofibers with a fiber size of around 0.313 mm. The porosity of PVA/PANI is around 55 %, which is related to the ability of PVA/PANI sensitivity to detect humidity. These results are demonstrated by measurements using a Four-Point Probe (FPP), with the humidity value varying from 64 - 80 %. The results show that variations of PANI powder content improve the sensitivity performance of PVA/PANI nanofibers. This method can optimize PVA/PANI nanofiber as a humidity sensor, increase conductivity flexibility, make it easier and enhance the PANI to use as an active sensor. HIGHLIGHTS The active material for the sensor is polyaniline-based. Polyaniline oxidation polymerization using a method with solid acid doping, which can increase the conductivity of polyaniline (PANI). The formation of PANI nanofibers increases the sensing activities’ effectiveness. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as a carrier to facilitate the synthesis process by electrospinning. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Frequency-Dependent Contrast Enhancement for Conductive and Non-Conductive Materials in Electrical Impedance Tomography

This research investigates the critical role of frequency selection in Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), a non-invasive imaging technique that reconstructs internal conductivity distributions through injected electrical currents. Empirical frequency selection is paramount to maximizing the fidelity and specificity of EIT images. The study explores the impact of distinct frequency ranges—low, medium, and high—on image contrast and clarity, particularly focusing on differentiating conductive materials from non-conductive materials. The findings reveal distinct empirical frequency bands for enhancing the respective contrasts: 15–38 kHz for conductive materials (copper) and 45–75 kHz for non-conductive materials (acrylic resin). These insights shed light on the frequency-dependent nature of material contrast in EIT images, guiding the selection of empirical operating ranges for various target materials. This research paves the way for improved sensitivity and broader applicability of EIT in diverse areas.

Cross-linked polymer film on copper stubs as a reusable substrate enabling imaging and quantitative analyses of aluminosilicate particles

Access issues to potable waters around the planet is the motivation for research in desalination technologies. One class of materials that is a research focus for desalination membranes are zeolites that are comprised of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), and oxygen, and have structures that include regular pores of varying sizes dependent on the type of zeolite. A motivation for this study was to enable characterization of non-conductive materials containing Si or Al (e.g., zeolites) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. To avoid significant background signals directly overlapping with these samples, common sample supports and preparation protocols involving Al or Si were precluded. Cross-linked polymer coatings applied via spin coating onto polished copper (Cu) stubs are shown to be durable for reuse even with the use of aggressive cleaning techniques between samples. SEM and EDS analyses of Cu stubs were performed before and after applying the polymer coating, after drop-cast application of zeolite particles and after their subsequent removal by sonication-based techniques. The data from those trials confirmed there was no background signal from Si or Al and no cross-contamination between samples during these analyses, enabling quantitation of Al and Si in the samples.

4’-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl - 5CB

ABSTRACT Thermotropic liquid crystals have been known from 1888, but have experienced little practical application or commercial usage up until the 1970s, when they were sandwiched between conducting glass plates and an electric field was applied. Their response to the field precipitously demonstrated an opportunity for creating and changing visible images using low voltage electric fields. At a similar time, the world was about to experience the invention of integrated electrical circuits, or CHIPs as they became known. The strange connection between solid-state semi-conductor electronics and the imagery provided via semi-fluid non-conducting organic materials meant that visual communication devices became a possibility, provided that there was an associated revolution in the design of nematogens as no suitable research or commercial materials were available at that time. With the synthesis of cyanobiphenyls by chemists at the University of Hull in 1972, within two years the picture dramatically changed. This is the story of the birth 5CB.

Characteristics and improvement of the double-pass electro-chemical discharge machining

Glass and ceramics have broad applications in modern industries; however, unique properties such as brittleness, and low machinability limit their fabrication processes. This way, electro-chemical discharge machining (ECDM) is a new method that can shape hard, brittle, and non-conductive materials. ECDM improvement is the subject of recent investigations through the application of chemical and physical phenomena. Current research studies the accuracy and surface integrity (cracks and HAZ) aspects of the double-pass ECDM process (DP) which is a new and straightforward method. During the double-pass process, two sequential passes are employed to shape the final geometry. In addition, the variable voltage technique is studied to achieve higher machining efficiency in DP. Results showed that in the diameter difference of 100 µm, the double-pass process reduced overcut by up to 21% compared to the typical ECDM process. Also, the size and number of cracks and the extent of HAZ were significantly decreased. Finally, in the diameter difference larger than 300 μm (the constant voltage of 32 V), the enhancement modification (variable voltage) reduced the overcut by more than 80%. At the same time, depth results remained close (less than 5% difference) to the simple ECDM process.

Micro ECDM process comparison using different tool feed methods of constant gravity and spring-force

Quartz glass has been widely used in multiple frontier fields of science and technology owing to its excellent chemical and mechanical properties, such as optical communication, semiconductor, photovoltaic power, and aerospace. ECDM (electrochemical discharge machining) is a non-traditional material removal process suitable for machining non-conductive materials of high hardness and brittleness. The tool electrode feed method is a key factor affecting the ECDM process. Experimental research was carried out for comparing the conventional gravity feed method and a newly-developed spring-force feed method. Micro tool electrodes of Φ150 µm were fabricated by combining the method of TF-WEDG (tangential feed-wire electrical discharge grinding) and reverse micro EDM (electrical discharge machining). Machined microstructures of blind holes, channels, squares, and patterns were compared by the gravity feed method and the spring-force feed method respectively. The experimental results show that the spring-force feed method can improve the micro ECDM process considering the aspects of dimensional accuracy, overcuts, deteriorated edges, surface topography, and tool wear.

Recent progress in 2D inorganic non-conductive materials for alkali metal-based batteries

The recent progress in the strategies for the preparation of 2D inorganic non-conductive materials and their and application in alkali metal-based batteries is summarized in this review.