Shielding Capability Research Articles

Optimization design of multi-scale TPMS lattices based on geometric continuity fusion and strain energy driven

3D lattice structure is a kind of advanced metamaterial structure with excellent performance, such as lightweight, high specific strength and stiffness, shock damping, heat dissipation, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. With the development of additive manufacturing technology, it has been widely concerned and developed rapidly in recent years. In order to further integrate the performance of lattice structures with mesoscale units into multi-scale optimization, this paper proposes an optimization design method for the multi-scale TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces) lattices based on geometric continuity fusion and strain energy driven. Regarding the challenge of geometric continuity problem of complex transition boundaries in multi-TPMS lattices, interface interpolation and density factor optimization methodologies are studied. At the same time, the mapping mechanism between lattice configuration and mechanical properties of multi-TPMS lattices is discussed in view of the requirements of multi-scale design from macro to micro configurations. Then, the multi-TPMS lattice density and configuration fields in the design domain are co-designed with the strain energy driven. Simulation and experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the multi-scale TPMS lattice designed by the proposed method are significantly improved compared with the traditional single-configuration gradient lattice, including the stiffness of the cantilever beam optimized structure is improved by 20.5% and the flexural stiffness of the three-point flexural beam optimized structure is improved by 51.3%.

Robust Multifunctional Films with Excellent EMI Shielding, Anti-Peeling, and Joule Heating Performances Enabled by an Encapsulated Highly Conductive Fabric Strategy.

Recently, the issue of electromagnetic pollution has become increasingly prominent. Flexible polymer films with various conductive fillers are preferred to address this problem due to their highly efficient and durable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. However, their applications are restricted by the unbalanced and insufficient electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding capabilities, as well as the weak interlayer bonding force. In this work, robust flexible multifunctional AgNW/MXene/NiCo-C (AMN) films are fabricated by hierarchical casting assembly and an encapsulated conductive fabric strategy. The synergistic effect of the conductive-absorption integrated sandwich core fabric and the conductive encapsulation layer collaborate to provide excellent absorption-dominated EMI shielding (EMI SEmax = 89.12dB with an ultralow reflectivityvalue of 0.19) and Joule heating (a high temperature of 103.5°C at 4.5V) performances. Besides, AMN films with embedded fabrics as a reinforcement structure achieved enhanced peel (1.97Nmm-1) and tensile (7.85MPa) strengths through an interface enhancement process (plasma and pre-immersion treatments). In conclusion, this paper proposes a feasible paradigm to prepare flexible multifunctional conductive films, which demonstrate tremendous potential for applications in the wearable electronics and aerospace fields.

Ultraviolet Radiation Driven Multifunctional Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites

ABSTRACTHerein we report the tailoring of the band gap of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO), PVA‐Ag (silver), PVA/GO‐Ag, and PVA/GO/Ag/GA (glutaraldehyde) employing ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Nanocomposites were fabricated by the in situ solution casting method. Among fabricated, PVA/GO/Ag/GA was identified as the nanocomposite having enhanced properties. The structural and chemical studies confirm enhanced interfacial interaction and crosslinking between PVA and GO in the presence of GA. GA crosslinked PVA/GO‐Ag nanocomposite shows a reduction in band gap and enhanced dc conductivity compared to other composites. Post‐UV irradiation studies show PVA/GO/Ag/GA exhibits mechanical stability and good conductivity. The band gap of PVA/GO/Ag/GA decreased from 5.27 eV (unirradiated) to 2.66 eV for 24 h of UV exposure. As the exposure time increased to 48 h, the band gap increased to 5.16 eV and finally band gap decreased to 4.47 eV for 72 h of UV exposure. This reveals that though there is no linear variation in the energy gap with UV exposure time but accurate reproducibility was observed. This brings about the possibility of tailoring the band gap of PVA/GO/Ag/GA with better electrical conductivity (3.4 × 10−9 Sm−1) and good mechanical stability which is very crucial for optoelectronic applications. Additionally, for 72 h of UV radiation exposure, the PVA/GO/Ag/GA composite demonstrates UV transmittance of 3.3%, underscoring its UV shielding capability.

Modulation of optical, mechanical and radiation shielding characteristics in TeO₂-B2O3–BaO–CeO₂ glasses with varying CeO₂ level

The TeO₂-BaO-CeO₂-B₂O₃ glass samples are synthesized using the melt quenching technique in order to examine the impact of varying concentrations of CeO₂ on their physical, mechanical, optical, and gamma ray shielding capabilities. With an increase in the CeO₂ concentration, the density (ρ) of the glasses increased, so the glass structure became more compact, as shown by the drop in molar volume (Vm) from 27.895 to 27.554 cm³/mol and the reduction in the average distance between boron atoms (<dB-B>) from 4.045 × 10⁻⁸ to 3.919 × 10⁻⁸ cm. The Young's modulus (E) increases from 93.209 to 93.527 GPa, the bulk modulus (B) increased from 73.763 to 74.236 GPa, the shear modulus (G) increased from 38.497 to 38.609 GPa, and the longitudinal modulus (L) increased from 125.093 to 125.714 GPa. The absorption edge shifts towards the longer wavelength side as the amount of CeO₂ increased, changing from 336 nm to 527 nm. This shift was followed by a drop in the energy difference between the valence band and the conduction band, known as the band gap energy (Eg), which decreased from 3.082 to 1.574 eV.The radiation shielding properties for the prepared glasses were investigated using Phy-X software in the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The increase of CeO₂ content showed a direct relationship with the radiation shielding characteristics.

Effect of preheating treatment in Ar atmosphere on oxidation resistance of Mg-Y alloys and formation of oxide film

Magnesium and its alloys occupy a vital role in the aerospace, automotive and communications industries due to their low density, high specific strength and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. However, due to the strong affinity of Mg for O and the fact that MgO is generally not protective, application of Mg and its alloys at high temperature often results in catastrophic oxidation. One promising approach is based on the addition of Y in combination with a suitable pretreatment to achieve a protective oxide. Therefore, the oxidation resistance (OR) of Mg-xY (x = 0.5, 2.5 and 5.5 wt%) was investigated after using a preheating treatment in Ar atmosphere. The oxidation resistance of preheated Mg-xY alloys is greatly improved compared to unpreheated alloys and pure Mg, particularly for x = 2.5. This improvement is attributed to the enrichment of Y to the surface caused by outward diffusion of Y, and subsequent selective oxidation of Y under low oxygen partial pressure to generate a dense and compact protective film, composed of an outer thin MgO/Y2O3 composite layer and an inner thick Y2O3 layer. Some flocculent MgO/Y2O3 composites were observed on the surface of preheated Mg-5.5Y during the oxidation process, lowering the OR of this alloy.

Microstructure and radiation shielding capabilities of Al-Cu and Al-Mn alloys

In this study, the microstructure and elemental analysis of aluminum-copper alloy type-2024, Al-2024, and aluminum-manganese alloy type-3003, Al-3003, have been investigated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector. Experimental and theoretical radiation shielding studies were performed to assess the radiation shielding capabilities of the studied alloys. Considering the radiation shielding theoretical assessment, some reliable software tools were used, such as Phy-X/PSD, MCNP5, NXCom, and MRCsC. The microstructural observations and results have shown the presence of second phases rich with the main alloying elements in both alloys. Considering Al-2024 alloy, coarse second-phase particles, having a size range of 8–15 μm, were found aligning in lines parallel to the rolling direction, whereas smaller ones, having a size range of 2–8 μm, were found decorated the grain boundaries. Also, dark holes represent the pull-out large particles separated during preparation indicated poor adhesion with the main matrix that could be a result of losing particle coherency with the matrix where the misorientation in-between the atomic planes increase. However, better adhesion of the second-phase particles with the matrix, which were found possessing smaller particle size, have been observed in the Al-3003 alloy indicating good coherency and better manufacturing process for the non-heat-treatable alloy. The second-phase particles in case of Al-2024 alloy were found containing significant content of high-Z elements like Cu with greater volume fraction equals 7.5%. On the other side, Al-3003 alloy has possessed second-phase particles which lack of high-Z elements with only volume fraction equals 3.5%. All the former besides the higher density and content of high-Z elements like copper in Al-2024 alloy in compare to Al-3003 alloy and pure aluminum, led to relatively better radiation shielding capabilities against energetic photons, the highest in the low energy band and decreases with the increase of the photon energy, and slight superiority in the case of fast neutrons with only 3%inc. over pure aluminum. For instance, the radiation protection efficiency (RPE) values dropped from about; 23.2, 21.6, and 20.8% at 0.100 MeV to only 5.7, 5.9, and 5.6% at Eγ = 2 MeV, for; Al-2024, Al-3003, and Al-Pure, respectively."Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.""confirmed"

Highly protective and functional strengthening strategies for 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites: Manufacturing and properties

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have gradually emerged as a crucial material in the aerospace industry. However, inadequate impact resistance and thermal stability limit survival in extreme environments. Inspired by the specific functions of multiple layers of tissue, from bird feathers to the musculoskeletal system. We propose low-cost composite strengthening strategies and efficient novel three-dimensional graphene aerogel manufacturing methods. A novel graphene aerogel/carbon fiber reinforced polymer (GAC) composite prepared by in-situ laser-induced graphene (LIG) layers on the surface of 3D-printed CFRP. GAC composites enhance CFRP's impact protection, thermal insulation, and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. For protection, GAC composites reduce low-velocity impact damage by 26.2 %. The graphene layer can increase the thermal buffering capacity of the material four times, and the long-term service temperature can be increased by 40 % compared to traditional CFRP. For functionality, the composites enable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of up to 50.2 dB. Furthermore, it can achieve surface heating above 400 °C and rapid de-icing through electrothermal effects. The simple and efficient processing method of GAC composites and tunable functionalities holds promise for the development of highly protective and intelligent aircraft skins.

Radiation protection of W–Al composite films/coatings for aviation using genetic algorithms

This study evaluated electron shielding capabilities of various materials using Geant4 Monte Carlo software. By analyzing materials with different atomic numbers, we designed and tested composite films and coatings for radiation protection. Under 1.2 MeV electron irradiation, these materials reduced the dose deposited in electronic components by over 70 %. The fabricated composite films (W–Al) reduced the actual total dose by 100 % with a 30.67 % mass increase, closely matching the simulation result of 75.36 %. The composite coatings (W–Al) reduced the dose by 89.2 % with a 33 % mass increase, matching the simulation result of 70 %. Cascade collision simulations revealed that higher PKA energies lead to longer times to reach the thermal peak, more peak defects, and more stable defect pairs. This is due to the displacement threshold energy of the atoms in aluminum and tungsten. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our composite films and coatings in enhancing electron shielding performance and validate our design methods.

Assessing the shielding capability of NiO-infused BPSCCO ceramics against low-energy X-rays

This research examines the improvement of radiation shielding capabilities in Bismuth Strontium Calcium Copper Oxide (BSCCO) superconductors via NiO doping. With the increasing need for advanced shielding materials in high-risk areas, exploring effective and nonhazardous alternatives is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the study was to investigate the radiation-shielding characteristics of BPSCCO superconducting ceramics and the effects of NiO additives on their shielding properties. Comparisons of linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), as well as fully simulated values for transmission factor (TF), neutron removal cross section (ΣR), electrical conductivity (Ceff), alpha and proton stopping powers, and radiation protection efficiency (RPE) using NIST XCOM, Phy-X, NIST Pstar and NIST Astar for all ceramic samples. The results indicate that optimal NiO doping notably enhances the radiation shielding capabilities of BSCCO ceramics, highlighting their significant potential for use in the medical, aerospace, and nuclear industries. This research provides a fundamental understanding of the potential of doped superconductor ceramics for radiation protection, promoting further research into these materials and the creation of safer, more efficient shielding solutions.

Space Environmental Effects on Multifunctional Radiation Shielding Materials

AbstractThe two primary material requirements for a crewed habitat or spacecraft to operate beyond low earth orbit (LEO) include effective radiation shielding against the space radiation and secondary neutron environment and sufficient structural and thermal integrity. In this context it is mandatory to study the effect of long duration space environment on any proposed multifunctional radiation shielding material. In this paper we discuss two radiation shielding composite architectures and their long duration performance in LEO. Samples were flown on NASA's The Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platform and their structural, optical, and radiation shielding capabilities were characterized pre and post flight. Results showed composite architecture can be key in determining expected damage irrespective of sample placement orientation on the space station. A surface layer with a protective or sacrificial coating can be instrumental in minimizing property degradation even when exposed to orientations with high estimated sun hours and high fluence of atomic oxygen.

Effect of printing parameters and triply periodic minimal surfaces on electromagnetic shielding efficiency of polyvinylidene fluoride graphene nanocomposites

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is vital in safeguarding electronic devices from the harmful effects of external electromagnetic signals, a critical factor in ensuring the reliability and functionality of these systems. EMI, originating from a myriad of sources, can range from causing temporary disruptions to catastrophic system failures and potentially harmful consequences. This study delves into the EMI shielding capabilities of 3D printed Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-graphene Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures, fabricated using Material Extrusion (ME) process. The focus on TPMS structures stems from their unique geometrical configurations, offering promising potentials in enhancing EMI shielding effectiveness. Four distinct TPMS topologies—gyroid, Neovius, diamond, and I-WP were explored, with each demonstrating varying degrees of shielding effectiveness. 3D printed solid samples showed an average specific shielding effectiveness (SSE) of 13dB cm3/g, and Neovius triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structure exhibited an average SSE of 94dB cm3/g. Absolute shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) for solid samples and Neovius TPMS structure is around 66dB cm2/g and 62.5dB cm2/g respectively. Among the tested samples, those with a Neovius topology emerged as particularly promising, exhibiting high EMI shielding effectiveness suitable for commercial applications. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of several design and printing parameters, including relative density/infill percentage, print orientation, and the size of unit cells, on total shielding effectiveness (SET). Results revealed SET variations ranging between 25dB and 75dB, suggesting that tuning the SET of these samples is feasible by adjusting these parameters. The study's findings, highlighting a strong correlation between SET and frequency influenced by unique geometrical characteristics and frequency-dependent interactions, underscore the potential of architected PVDF-graphene TPMS structures in EMI shielding applications. This opens new avenues for research and development in this field, paving the way for more advanced and effective EMI shielding solutions.

Superplastic deformation mechanisms of coarse-grained rolled Mg-4Y-3RE magnesium alloy

The Mg-4Y-3RE (WE43) magnesium alloy possesses significant advantages such as high specific strength, excellent shock absorption, strong electromagnetic shielding capabilities and recyclability. However, its close-packed hexagonal structure leads to poor plasticity at room temperature, which limits its broader engineering applications. Therefore, superplastic forming at high temperatures is used to manufacture the components from this alloy. This study conducted tensile tests on hot-rolled WE43 rare-earth magnesium alloy with coarse grains at various temperatures and strain rates. The high-temperature superplastic properties were characterized, revealing the intrinsic mechanisms of thermal deformation behavior. The results indicate that the best superplasticity is achieved at 460 °C. This is attributed to the smallest grain size, the weakest texture, and the relatively uniform distribution of the second phase at this temperature. The influence of strain rate on elongation at temperatures among 440 °C∼500 °C is not significant as the impact of strain rate is multifaceted. Meanwhile, the elongation can reach up to 367.7 ± 3.7 % at a strain rate of 0.0 1s−1, which exhibits the high strain rate superplasticity (HSRS). Under these conditions, the deformation of coarse-grained WE43 rare-earth magnesium alloy is controlled by grain boundary sliding (GBS) and solute drag dislocation creep. Furthermore, the GBS involves deformation coordination mechanisms such as grain boundary diffusion, lattice diffusion, dislocation climbing, and dynamic recrystallization accommodation mechanisms.

Tailoring ZrWNb-Based Refractory High Entropy Alloys: A Multidirectional Characterization Through Elemental, Physical, Thermodynamic, and Nuclear Radiation Attenuation Properties

This study explores the development and characterization of 18 novel ZrWNb[(X)(Y)] (where XY are Hf, Ta, Mo, V, Ti) refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) designed to enhance mechanical robustness, thermodynamic stability, and radiation shielding effectiveness. Through a rigorous analysis, we evaluated the elastic modulus, entropy, and enthalpy of mixing, atomic size difference, valence electron concentration, and the omega parameter to understand the alloys’ phase behavior and structural integrity. Our findings revealed a broad range of elastic modulus values, indicating diverse mechanical adaptability suitable for high-stress applications. The thermodynamic assessment highlighted several RHEAs with favorable phase stability, particularly ZrWNbTaHf and ZrWNbTiTaHf, which are poised for high-performance usage due to their balanced mixing entropy and enthalpy. This study also benchmarks the RHEAs against conventional alloys, with sample R1 exhibiting the lowest fast neutron effective removal cross section, underscoring its superior neutron shielding capabilities. Additionally, R1 demonstrated exceptional photon attenuation, as evidenced by its competitive half-value layer performance across an extensive energy spectrum. Collectively, these results position R1 as a standout candidate, offering a significant advancement in materials science for applications demanding stringent radiation shielding, such as in nuclear reactor environments and space exploration.

Experimental and theoretical study on the physico-mechanical characteristics and radiation shielding capability of hardened alumina sludge waste-cement pastes containing MnFe2O4-nanoparticles

This research investigates the impact of incorporating low-cost MnFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles (MF-NPs) at varying concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mass%) on the mechanical and physical properties of blended cement pastes. These pastes were produced by replacing different proportions (5, 10, and 15 mass%) of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with activated alumina sludge waste (AAS), to promote sustainability. Also, the research examined the gamma radiation shielding effectiveness of certain hardened composites against a 137Cs gamma radiation source with an energy of 661.64 keV using a NaI (Tl) detector (Oxford Model) with 3″ × 3″, amplifier and 16 k multi-channel analyzer. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) of all the studded samples were calculated theoretically using a Monte Carlo code MCNP-5 code. The gamma radiation shielding properties were analyzed in depth using a Monte Carlo code MCNP-5 simulation model. The theoretical and experimental results for LAC were found to be in complete agreement. Phy-X/PSD software was applied to estimate the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for gamma radiation at various energies, as well as the effective atomic number (Zeff), mean free path (MFP), half-value layer (HVL), and tenth-value layer (TVL). The findings demonstrated that the addition of 0.5% MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (MF-NPs) to blended cement pastes exhibited the best physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as the most effective gamma radiation shielding.

A Comparative Study of Neutron Shielding Performance in Al-Based Composites Reinforced with Various Boron-Containing Particles for Radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo Simulation.

This study aimed to assess and compare the shielding performance of boron-containing materials for neutrons generated in proton therapy and used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). Five composites, including AlB2, Al-B4C, Al-TiB2, Al-BN, and Al-TiB2-BN, were selected as shielding materials, with concrete used as a benchmark. The mass fraction of boron compounds in these materials ranged from 10% to 50%. The Monte Carlo toolkit Geant4 was employed to calculate shielding parameters, including neutron ambient dose equivalent, dose values, and macroscopic cross-section. Results indicated that, compared to concrete, these boron-containing materials more effectively absorb thermal neutrons. When the boron compound exceeds 30 wt.%, these materials exhibit better shielding performance than concrete of the same thickness for neutrons generated by protons. For a given material, its shielding capability increases with boron content. Among the five materials when the material thickness and boron compound content are the same, the shielding performance for neutrons generated by protons, from best to worst, is as follows: Al-TiB2, Al-B4C, AlB2, Al-TiB2-BN, and Al-BN. For BNCT, the shielding performance from best to worst is in the following order: Al-B4C, AlB2, Al-TiB2, Al-TiB2-BN, and Al-BN. The results of this study provide references and guidelines for the selection and optimization of neutron shielding materials in proton therapy and BNCT facilities.

Advancing gamma radiation shielding with Bitumen-WO₃ composite materials

This research focuses on a manner in which bitumen-WO₃ (petroleum-derived bitumen mixed with tungsten trioxide nanoparticles) materials can be a good shielding candidate against gamma radiation. The objective we set in mixing WO₃ nanoparticles with bitumen was to take advantage of both the bitumen's natural qualities and the WO₃'s excellent shielding capabilities. The prepared composites were tested against various gamma-ray energies emitted from multiple gamma-ray sources to examine their shielding capabilities. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the composites' structural properties verified the effective integration of the WO₃ with the bitumen structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that microstructural changes, such as an increase in material density and an improvement in particle dispersion, are caused by a rise in WO3 concentration, which is an essential step toward efficient shielding. Then, the Mean Free Path (MFP), Half-value Layer (HVL), and Linear Attenuation Coefficients (μl) were computed, showing that the composite's capacity to reduce gamma radiation is much enhanced by raising the WO₃ content, especially at lower gamma-ray energies. For instance, at 20 keV, the LAC of 50 wt% WO₃-bitumen composite increased to 9.18 cm⁻1 compared to pure bitumen's 0.40 cm⁻1, while the HVL decreased from 1.73 cm to 0.08 cm, and the MFP dropped from 2.3 cm to 0.1 cm” The results demonstrate the potential of bitumen-WO₃ composites as a sustainable and efficient material for radiation shielding, particularly highlighting their applicability in various sectors, including the development of building wall paints against gamma radiation.

Microfluidic Exploitation of Liquid Crystal Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Enhancing Neutron Shielding with Aligned Structure

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures characterized by alternating boron and nitrogen atoms. Unlike carbon nanotubes (CNT), BNNTs are electrically insulating and exhibit high thermal stability and neutron shielding capabilities. Their unique tubular structure enables the formation of 1D arrays, which can achieve a nematic liquid crystal phase, ideal for fabricating high‐density structures. However, the widespread application of BNNTs has been hindered by challenges in purifying and dispersing high‐purity BNNTs. This study aims to exploit the liquid crystal properties of BNNTs by generating high‐purity BNNT dispersions through a series of dispersion and purification processes. Furthermore, this study utilizes microfluidics technology to encapsulate the BNNT dispersions. Using this approach, the transition of liquid crystal phases in relation to BNNT concentration is efficiently examined. This process results in the production of high‐density BNNT films characterized by pronounced anisotropy, which in turn provides significant thermal neutron shielding effects.

Ultrathin, flexible, and high-performance bacterial cellulose/copper nanowires film for broadband electromagnetic interference shielding and photothermal conversion

The swift advancements in wearable electronics, implantable medical devices, fifth-generation mobile communication, unmanned aerial vehicles, and military stealth technology have led to a surge in demand for highly flexible multifunctional films. Consequently, the enhancement of electromagnetic radiation and the requirement for normal operation in extreme environments have posed significant challenges for flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding films. In this paper, ultra-thin, flexible bacterial cellulose (BC)/copper nanowires (CuNWs) (BCu) films with Janus structure are prepared by the combination of microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis and vacuum filtration method, which can be used for broadband EMI shielding and photothermal conversion. BCu films demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, boasting a tensile strength range from 48.5 to 77.3 MPa, accompanied fracture strain 4.1–5.9 %. When CuNWs mass in Janus film increases to 10 mg, the conductivity of BCu-4 Janus films can reach 4761.90 S cm−1. The ultra-strong EMI shielding effectiveness (SE, above 56.00 dB) is achieved in 6–26.5 GHz for BCu-4 film with an ultra-thin thickness (16 μm). Moreover, the specific EMI SE of BCu-4 is as high as 4294.38 dB mm−1. Furthermore, BCu Janus films exhibit outstanding photothermal conversion performance. A saturation temperature of BCu-4 Janus film reaches as high as 75 °C under irradiation of one sunlight (100 mW cm−2). The facile and collaborative strategy is provided for fabricating ultra-thin, flexible multifunctional Janus films with EMI shielding and photothermal conversion capabilities, addressing EMI problems in modern electronic technology and offering new avenues for applications in various fields.

Silk fibroin-based bioelectronic devices for high-sensitivity, stable, and prolonged in vivo recording

Silk fibroin, recognized for its biocompatibility and modifiable properties, has significant potential in bioelectronics. Traditional silk bioelectronic devices, however, face rapid functional losses in aqueous or in vivo environments due to high water absorption of silk fibroin, which leads to expansion, structural damage, and conductive failure. In this study, we developed a novel approach by creating oriented crystallization (OC) silk fibroin through physical modification of the silk protein. This advancement enabled the fabrication of electronic interfaces for chronic biopotential recording. A pre-stretching treatment of the silk membrane allowed for tunable molecular orientation and crystallization, markedly enhancing its aqueous stability, biocompatibility, and electronic shielding capabilities. The OC devices demonstrated robust performance in sensitive detection and motion tracking of cutaneous electrical signals, long-term (over seven days) electromyographic signal acquisition in live mice with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR >20), and accurate detection of high-frequency oscillations (HFO) in epileptic models (200–500 Hz). This work not only improves the structural and functional integrity of silk fibroin but also extends its application in durable bioelectronics and interfaces suited for long-term physiological environments.

Enhancing thermoelectric and radiation shielding performance of novel LaFe0.8Mn0.2Sb12 skutterudites for energy applications

We explore the structural, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric properties of LaFe0.8Mn0.2Sb12 skutterudites using first-principles computations and semi-classical Boltzmann Transport equations. These materials are classified as semiconductors exhibiting band gaps of 0.55 eV and 1.8 eV for spin-up and down polarizations. Valence band maxima (VBM) and conduction band minima (CBM) lie on the gamma points, indicating direct band gaps for both spin channels. The band structure, density of states, and optical characteristics reveal that the material is a semiconductor. The optical reflectivity and complex dielectric function were calculated for a wide range of photon radiation to understand these compounds' optical properties. The transport parameters were investigated using electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, the power factor, the heat capacity, and the figure of merit determined using the Boltztrap code. The LaFe0.8Mn0.2Sb12 has a Seebeck coefficient of 5.77×10−6 V/K (Up), whereas the down channel has a 4.2×10−6 V/K. The highest figure of merit is 0.99, and as a result, the theoretical findings provide a robust foundation for upcoming experimental research. In this study, utilize the Phy-X program to evaluate the radiation shielding capabilities of LaFe0.8Mn0.2Sb12, focusing on critical parameters like mass attenuation coefficients (γmac) and half-value layers (γhvl), essential for optimizing protection against hazardous ionizing radiation. Computational study of energy-renewable and thermoelectric properties enables experimenters to investigate fresh applications for predicting photovoltaic materials with atomic-level accuracy.