Adapting Single-Atom Catalysts to Li-O Batteries: Enhancing Energy Storage.

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O₂) batteries (LOBs) are promising candidates for energy storage, primarily due to their remarkable energy density. Yet, the practical implementation of LOBs is hampered by the large overpotentials they require during charging, given the Li₂O₂ they produce is not conductive. This both undermines their energy efficiency and accelerates associated solvent breakdown.

Engineering Active Sites into Iron Hydroxide/Pt-Based Nanocatalysts to Enrich the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Surface engineering of nanocatalysts─including defect engineering and metal-metal (hydr-)oxide interfacial site generation─can improve catalytic activity. Here, we report that the incorporation of iron hydroxide into PdPtW (PPW-14) ternary alloy nanocatalysts boosts the electrocatalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Iron hydroxide incorporation into PPW-14 alloy catalysts modifies the catalyst surface by exposing more active metal-hydroxide interface sites.

Rolling the Dice with Light Competition: Introducing a True Random Number Generator Powered by Photo-Induced Polarity Current.

The pursuit of hardware-based security solutions has highlighted the true random number generator (TRNG). Various physical phenomena, from noise generation to quantum physics complexities, have been explored for random number generation. The arc discharge light-induced TRNG (ALTRNG) is introduced, featuring wavelength-dependent photocurrent generation and arc discharge irradiation.

Cutting-Edge Developments in Metal Halide Perovskites Core/Shell Heterocrystals: from Photodetectors to Biomedical Applications.

In recent years, the performance of metal halide perovskite (MHP)-based detectors (photon, biomedical, and X-ray detection) has significantly improved, resulting in higher carrier mobilities, longer carrier diffusion lengths, and excellent absorption coefficients. However, the widespread adoption of halide perovskites has been hindered by issues related to their stability and toxicity. Various strategies have been adopted to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing ambient stability and reducing toxicity by encapsulating MHPs within stable and robust host materials, such as silicon compounds, metal oxides, chalcogenides, and lead-free perovskites.

Recent Advances in Phthalocyanine-Based Hybrid Composites for Electrochemical Biosensors.

Biosensors are smart devices that convert biochemical responses to electrical signals. Designing biosensor devices with high sensitivity and selectivity is of great interest because of their wide range of functional operations. However, the major obstacles in the practical application of biosensors are their binding affinity toward biomolecules and the conversion and amplification of the interaction to various signals such as electrical, optical, gravimetric, and electrochemical signals.

Versatile Papertronics: Photo-Induced Synapse and Security Applications on Papers.

Paper is a readily available material in nature. Its recyclability, eco-friendliness, portability, flexibility, and affordability make it a favored substrate for researchers seeking cost-effective solutions. Electronic devices based on solution process are fabricated on paper and banknotes using PVK and SnO nanoparticles.

Overcoming Downscaling Limitations in Organic Semiconductors: Strategies and Progress.

Organic semiconductors have great potential to revolutionize electronics by enabling flexible and eco-friendly manufacturing of electronic devices on plastic film substrates. Recent research and development led to the creation of printed displays, radio-frequency identification tags, smart labels, and sensors based on organic electronics. Over the last 3 decades, significant progress has been made in realizing electronic devices with unprecedented features, such as wearable sensors, disposable electronics, and foldable displays, through the exploitation of desirable characteristics in organic electronics.

Electron-rich hybrid matrix to enhance molybdenum oxide-based anode performance for Lithium-Ion batteries.

Although MoO-based electrodes have been intensively studied as potential candidate anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on their high theoretical capacity (840 mAh g and 5447 mAh cm), common issues such as severe volume variation, electrical conductivity loss, and low ionic conductivity, are prevalent. In this study, we demonstrate enhanced Li-ion kinetics and electrical conductivity of MoO-based anodes with ternary MoO-Cu-C composite materials. The MoO-Cu-C was synthesized via two-step high energy ball milling where Mo and CuO are milled, followed by the secondary milling with C.

Gallium-Telluride-Based Composite as Promising Lithium Storage Material.

Various applications of gallium telluride have been investigated, such as in optoelectronic devices, radiation detectors, solar cells, and semiconductors, owing to its unique electronic, mechanical, and structural properties. Among the various forms of gallium telluride (e.g.

GaTe-Based Composite Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Recently, metal chalcogenides have received considerable attention as prospective anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of their high theoretical capacities based on their alloying or conversion reactions. Herein, we demonstrate a gallium(III) telluride (GaTe)-based ternary composite (GaTe-TiO-C) synthesized via a simple high-energy ball mill as a great candidate SIB anode material for the first time. The electrochemical performance, as well as the phase transition mechanism of GaTe during sodiation/desodiation, is investigated.

Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications.

Nanomaterials offer opportunities to improve battery performance in terms of energy density and electrochemical reaction kinetics owing to a significant increase in the effective surface area of electrodes and reduced ion diffusion pathways [...

Gallium-Indium-Tin Eutectic as a Self-Healing Room-Temperature Liquid Metal Anode for High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Owing to their intrinsic properties, such as deformability, high electrical conductivity, and superior electrochemical performance, room-temperature liquid metals and liquid metal alloys have attracted the attention of researchers for a wide variety of applications, including portable and large-scale energy storage applications. In this study, novel gallium-indium-tin eutectic (EGaInSn) room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles synthesized using a facile and scalable probe-ultrasonication method were used as anode material in lithium-ion batteries. The morphology, geometry, and self-healing properties of the synthesized room-temperature liquid metal nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS and TEM/EDS).

The Effects of the Binder and Buffering Matrix on InSb-Based Anodes for High-Performance Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries.

C-decorated intermetallic InSb (InSb-C) was developed as a novel high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). InSb nanoparticles synthesized via a mechanochemical reaction were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The effects of the binder and buffering matrix on the active InSb were investigated.

Zn Metal Anodes for Zn-Ion Batteries in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes: Challenges and Strategies.

Over the past few years, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have garnered significant interest as potential alternatives for lithium-ion batteries because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and environmentally friendliness. However, several constraints associated with Zn metal anodes, such as the growth of Zn dendrites, occurrence of side reactions, and hydrogen evolution during repeated stripping/plating processes result in poor cycling life and low Coulombic efficiency, which severely impede further advancements in this technology. Despite recent efforts and impressive breakthroughs, the origin of these fundamental obstacles remains unclear and no successful strategy that can address these issues has been developed yet to realize the practical applications of rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Review of ZnO Binary and Ternary Composite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

To enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, zinc oxide (ZnO) has generated interest as an anode candidate owing to its high theoretical capacity. However, because of its limitations such as its slow chemical reaction kinetics, intense capacity fading on potential cycling, and low rate capability, composite anodes of ZnO and other materials are manufactured. In this study, we introduce binary and ternary composites of ZnO with other metal oxides (MOs) and carbon-based materials.

Recent Advances in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Cathode Materials for Aqueous Rechargeable Multivalent Metal-Ion Batteries.

The generation of renewable energy is a promising solution to counter the rapid increase in energy consumption. Nevertheless, the availability of renewable resources (e.g.

Self-Powered Low-Cost UVC Sensor Based on Organic-Inorganic Heterojunction for Partial Discharge Detection.

Power outages caused by the aging of high-voltage power facilities can cause significant economic and social damage. To prevent such problems, it is necessary to implement a widespread and sustainable monitoring system. Partial discharge (PD) is a preliminary symptom of power equipment aging accompanying the light, typically in the UV range.

Room Temperature Operation of UV Photocatalytic Functionalized AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure Hydrogen Sensor.

An AlGaN/GaN heterostructure based hydrogen sensor was fabricated using a dual catalyst layer with ZnO-nanoparticles (NPs) atop of Pd catalyst film. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized to have an average diameter of ~10 nm and spin coated on the Pd catalyst layer. Unlike the conventional catalytic reaction, the fabricated sensors exhibited room temperature operation without heating owing to the photocatalytic reaction of the ZnO-NPs with ultraviolet illumination at 280 nm.

Inorganic Fillers in Composite Gel Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Lithium and Non-Lithium Polymer Batteries.

Among the various types of polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising electrolytes for high-performance lithium and non-lithium batteries. The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer-salt system of gel polymer electrolytes has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve high ionic conductivity and excellent interfacial contact with the electrode. In this review, the detailed roles of inorganic fillers in composite gel polymer electrolytes are presented based on their physical and electrochemical properties in lithium and non-lithium polymer batteries.

GaP-TiO₂-C Nanocomposite as High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries Anode.

GaP-TiO₂-C composites with three different C concentrations are synthesized via a high-energy mechanical milling. The analysis of the structural characteristics of GaP-TiO₂-C using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals that the nanosized GaP and TiO₂ crystallites are uniformly distributed in the amorphous C matrix. The GaP-TiO₂-C(20%) composite exhibits a high Na storage capacity of 266 mAh g at the current density of 0.

Zinc Telluride as Electrochemical Storage Material for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

High-energy ball milling (HEBM) is used to synthesize zinc telluride (ZnTe) and amorphous C (ZnTe-C) nanocomposites as novel anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). A nanostruc-tured ZnTe-C composite is prepared using Zn, Te, and acetylene black as precursor materials via a facile two-step HEBM process. The initial HEBM of Zn and Te induces the formation of the ZnTe alloy nanostructure via a mechanochemical reaction.

Development of Antimicrobial CuO/(3-aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane Activated Carbon Fiber.

CuO nanoparticles (NPs) have been used for the antimicrobial agent against different pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, CuO NPs are immobilized on the surface of activated carbon fiber (ACF) with the enhancement of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as an organic binder. The obtained fibers are evaluated by coating efficiency, structural deformation, and antimicrobial activities.

A Study on the Characteristics of Perovskite/ZnO-Based Ultraviolet Sensors.

In this study, a UVC sensor was implemented using CH₃NH₃PbI₃, a perovskite material. The UV sensor made with a structure uses PEDOT:PSS as the -type material and ZnO as the -type material. The fabricated device shows a responsivity of 1.