Showing papers in "Electronic Materials Letters in 2016"

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of Ti 3 C 2 T x with hydrothermal process

Abstract: In this study, a simple hydrothermal method has been developed to prepare Ti3C2Tx from Ti3AlC2 as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. This method is environmentally friendly and has a low level of danger. The morphology and structure of the Ti3C2Tx can be controlled by hydrothermal reaction time, temperature and NH4F amounts. The prepared Ti3C2Tx was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller. The results show that the prepared Ti3C2Tx is terminated by O, OH, and F groups. The electrochemical properties of the Ti3C2Tx sample exhibit specific capacitance up to 141 Fcm−3 in 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, and even after 1000 cycles, no significant degradation of the volumetric capacitance was observed. These results indicate that the Ti3C2Tx material prepared by this hydrothermal method can be used in high performance supercapacitors.

Synthesis and applications of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride in electronics manufacturing

Abstract: In similarity to graphene, two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has some remarkable properties, such as mechanical robustness and high thermal conductivity. In addition, hBN has superb chemical stability and it is electrically insulating. 2D hBN has been considered a promising material for many applications in electronics, including 2D hBN based substrates, gate dielectrics for graphene transistors and interconnects, and electronic packaging insulators. This paper reviews the synthesis, transfer and fabrication of 2D hBN films, hBN based composites and hBN-based van der Waals heterostructures. In particular, this review focuses on applications in manufacturing electronic devices where the insulating and thermal properties of hBN can potentially be exploited. 2D hBN and related composite systems are emerging as new and industrially important materials, which could address many challenges in future complex electronics devices and systems.

Development of carbon-based cathodes for Li-air batteries: Present and future

Abstract: Rechargeable lithium-air (Li-air) batteries are regarded as one of the most fascinating energy storage devices for use in the future electric vehicles, since Li-air batteries provide ten-times-higher theoretical capacities than those from current Li-ion batteries. Nonetheless, Li-air batteries have not yet been implemented to the market because of several major drawbacks such as low capacity, poor cycle life, and low round-trip efficiency. These battery performances are highly dependent on the design of air cathodes, thus much effort has been devoted to the development of high performance cathode. Among various materials, carbonaceous materials have been widely studied as the basis of air cathodes especially for non-aqueous Li-O2 cells due to their high electric conductivity, low cost, and ease of fabrication. This review summarizes the history, scientific background, and perspectives of Liair batteries, particularly from the viewpoint of carbon-based air cathodes.

Microstructure and micromorphology of Cu/Co nanoparticles: Surface texture analysis

Abstract: This paper analyses the three-dimensional (3-D) surface texture of Cu/Co thin films deposited by DC-Magnetron sputtering method on the silicon substrates. The prepared Cu/Co nanoparticles were used as research materials. Three groups of samples were deposited on silicon substrates in the argon atmosphere and gradually cooled down to room temperature. The crystalline structures and elemental compositions were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum with conventional Bragg-Brentano geometry. X-ray diffraction profile indicates that Co and Cu interpenetrating crystalline structures are formed in these films. The sample surface images were recorded using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and analyzed by means of the fractal geometry. Statistical, fractal and functional surface properties of prepared samples were computed to describe major characteristics of the spatial surface texture of Cu/Co nanoparticles. Presented deposition method is a versatile, costeffective, and simple method to synthesize nano- and microstructures of Cu/Co thin films. This type of 3-D morphology allows to understand the structure/property relationships and to investigate defect-related properties of Cu/Co nanoparticles. Presented results confirm the possibility of preparing high-quality Cu/Co nanoparticles via DC-Magnetron sputtering method on silicon substrates.

ZrO 2 /MoS 2 heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Abstract: We report a simple solution-chemistry approach for the synthesis of ZrO2/MoS2 hybrid photocatalysts, which contain MoS2 as a cocatalyst. The material is usually obtained by a wet chemical method using ZrO(NO3)2 or (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O and C8H6S as precursors. The structural features of obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal analysis (TG-DTA), N2 adsorption-desorption, and photoluminescence (PL). The influence on the photocatalytic activity of the MoS2 cocatalyst concentration with ZrO2 nanoparticles was studied. The MZr-2 hybrid sample had the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange (MO), which was 8.45 times higher than that of pristine ZrO2 ascribed to high specific surface area and absorbance efficiency. Recycling experiments revealed that the reusability of the MZr-2 hybrid was due to the low photocorrosive effect and good catalytic stability. PL spectra confirmed the electronic interaction between ZrO2 and MoS2. The photoinduced electrons could be easily transferred from CB of ZrO2 to the MoS2 cocatalyst, which facilitate effective charge separation and enhanced the photocatalytic degradation in the UV region. A photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. It is believed that the ZrO2/MoS2 hybrid structure has promise as a photocatalyst with low cost and high efficiency for photoreactions.

Lightweight Polyaniline-Cobalt Coated Fly Ash Cenosphere Composite Film for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Abstract: Thermal power plant's solid environmental waste fly ash cenosphere (FAC) is cobalt coated chemically and functionalized by in situ synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) under nitrogen atmosphere at -30 +/- 2 degrees C and characterized by various techniques. The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of free standing PANI/Co-FAC (PCC) films prepared by solution casting indicates an appreciable shielding. The most effective average EMI SE of similar to 30 dB was obtained for 89 +/- 3 mu m thicker flexible film over the frequency range of 12.4-18 GHz (Ku-band). Mechanistically, EMI shielding due to absorption was found to be dominant. The obtained shielding effectiveness due to absorbance (SEA) of PCC film is nearly two times higher than PC film. The microwave conductivity (sigma) of PCC film (157-184 Sm-1) is much higher than PC film (118-142 Sm-1). Moreover, the high EM attenuation constant (alpha) value of PCC film indicates excellent suitability of EMI shielding due to absorption.

Architectural Modifications for Flexible Supercapacitor Performance Optimization

Abstract: We have developed material and architectural alternatives for flexible supercapacitors and investigated their effect on practical performance. The substrate alternatives include paperboard as well as various polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and laminates, with aqueous NaCl electrolyte used in all devices. In all the supercapacitors, activated carbon is used as the active layer and graphite ink as the current collector, with various aluminium or copper structures applied to enhance the current collectors’ conductivity. The capacitance of the supercapacitors was between 0.05 F and 0.58 F and their equivalent series resistance (ESR) was from <1 Ω to 14 Ω, depending mainly on the current collector structure. Furthermore, leakage current and selfdischarge rates were defined and compared for the various architectures. The barrier properties of the supercapacitor encapsulation have a clear correlation with leakage current, as was clearly shown by the lower leakage in devices with an aluminium barrier layer. A cycle life test showed that after 40000 charge-discharge cycles the capacitance decreases by less than 10%.

Improved electrochemical performance of polyindole/carbon nanotubes composite as electrode material for supercapacitors

Abstract: Polyindole/carbon nanotubes (PIN/CNTs) composite was prepared by an in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of indole monomer with CNTs using ammonium persulfate as oxidant. The obtained composite material was characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, XRD and BET surface areas measurements. It was found that the CNTs were incorporated into the PIN matrix and nanoporous structure was formed. Spectroscopy results showed that interfacial interaction bonds might be formed between the polyindole chains and CNTs during the in-situ polymerization. PIN/CNTs composite was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and charge/discharge tests to determine electrode performances in relation to supercapacitors properties in both aqueous and non-aqueous system. A maximum specific capacitance and specific volumetric capacitance of 555.6 F/g and 222.2 F/cm3 can be achieved at 0.5 A/g in non-aqueous system. It also displayed good rate performance and cycling stability. The specific capacitance retention is over 60% at 10 A/g and 91.3% after 5000 cycles at 2 A/g, respectively. These characteristics point to its promising applications in the electrode material for supercapacitors.

Recent progress in tungsten oxides based memristors and their neuromorphological applications

Abstract: The advance in conventional silicon based semiconductor industry is now becoming indeterminacy as it still along the road of Moore’s Law and concomitant problems associated with it are the emergence of a number of practical issues such as short channel effect. In terms of memory applications, it is generally believed that transistors based memory devices will approach to their scaling limits up to 2018. Therefore, one of the most prominent challenges today in semiconductor industry is the need of a new memory technology which is able to combine the best characterises of current devices. The resistive switching memories which are regarded as “memristors” thus gain great attentions thanks to their specific nonlinear electrical properties. More importantly, their behaviour resembles with the transmission characteristic of synapse in biology. Therefore, the research of synapses biomimetic devices based on memristor will certainly bring a great research prospect in studying synapse emulation as well as building artificial neural networks. Tungsten oxides (WO x ) exhibits many essential characteristics as a great candidate for memristive devices including: accredited endurance (over 105 cycles), stoichiometric flexibility, complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process compatibility and configurable properties including non-volatile rectification, memorization and learning functions. Herein, recent progress on Tungsten oxide based materials and its associating memory devices had been reviewed. The possible implementation of this material as a bio-inspired artificial synapse is also highlighted. The penultimate section summaries the current research progress for tungsten oxide based biological synapses and end up with several proposals that have been suggested for possible future developments.

Highly efficient visible light mediated azo dye degradation through barium titanate decorated reduced graphene oxide sheets

Abstract: This study investigates BaTiO3 decorated reduced graphene oxide sheets as a potential visible light active catalyst for dye degradation (Rhodamine B). The composites were prepared through conventional hydrothermal synthesis technique using hydrazine as a reducing agent. A number of techniques have been employed to affirm the morphology, composition and photocatalytic properties of the composites; these include UV-visible spectrophotoscopy that assisted in quantifying the concentration difference of Rhodamine B. The phase homogeneity of the composites was examined through x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was employed to confirm the orientation of the BaTiO3 particles over the reduced graphene oxide sheets. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra assisted in determining the surface structure and excited state of the catalyst. Fourier transformed-infrared (FTIR) spectra investigated the vibrations and adsorption peak of the composites, thereby ascertaining the formation of reduced graphene oxide. In addition, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) demonstrated an enhanced absorption in the visible region. The experimental investigations revealed that graphene oxide acted as charge collector and simultaneously facilitated surface adsorption and photo-sensitization. It could be deduced that BaTiO3-reduced graphene oxide composites are of significant interest the field of water purification through solar photocatalysis.

The effect of UV intensities and curing time on polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) display: A detailed analysis study

Abstract: In current study polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films whose composition based on nematic liquid crystal (LC) E7 and prepolymeric NOA65 were formed via the photo induced phase separation method, in a wide intensity range of the UV light (I = 0.33-1.8 mW/cm2) and curing duration (t = 120-600 sec). The PDLC characteristics were monitored by surface morphology, electro optical studies, as well as by phase separation process through measuring the FTIR absorption of the composite layers. Increase of curing light intensity accelerates the phase separation and drastically influences the final morphology of LC droplets inside PDLCs. Likewise by widening the curing duration the enhancement in phase separation was observed. Increase of light intensity from 0.89 mW/cm2 and duration t = 120-240 sec resulted into transition from large LC domains of irregular shape (due to aggregation of droplets) to fine mono dispersed LC droplets. This morphology caused increase in optical scattering on zero voltage and high driving voltage. However unexpectedly, this response was not directly related with the curing conditions (intensity and time). These findings extend the potential applications of thiol-ene based PDLCs.

Improving the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films by binary secondary doping

Abstract: In this work, the electrical conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films was effectively enhanced by binary secondary doping. Initially, doping with 5 vol.% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) improved the electrical conductivity from 0.3 S cm−1 to 437 S cm−1 and a further increase to 950 S cm−1 was achieved by adding LiClO4. The conductivity value we report here is one of the highest reported for pretreated PEDOT:PSS films. The obtained maximum electrical conductivity is almost 3000 times higher than that shown by pristine PEDOT:PSS films. The increase in the electrical conductivity is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the two dopants. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated the absence of any changes to the chemical structure of PEDOT:PSS. Atomic force microscopy images demonstrate an increased surface roughness and suggest the occurrence of conformational changes of PEDOT chains from the coiled to coil-extended one, which is the key reason for the electrical conductivity enhancement. The pretreatments we propose here are rapid, simple and effective for the large-scale preparation of high-conductivity PEDOT:PSS films.

3D flower-like hierarchical Ag@nickel-cobalt hydroxide microsphere with enhanced electrochemical properties

Abstract: The morphology and electrical conductivity are essential to electrochemical performance of electrode materials in renewable energy conversion and storage technologies such as fuel cells and supercapacitors. Here, we explored a facile method to grow Ag@nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide (Ag@Ni/Co-LDHs) with 3D flower-like microsphere structure. The results show the morphology of Ni/Co-LDHs varies with the introduction of Ag species. The prepared Ag@Ni/Co-LDHs not only exhibits an open hierarchical structure with high specific capacitance but also shows good electrical conductivity to support fast electron transport. Benefiting from the unique structural features, these flower-like Ag@Ni/Co-LDHs microspheres have impressive specific capacitance as high as 1768 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. It can be concluded that engineering the structure of the electrode can increase the efficiency of the specific capacitance as a battery-type electrode for hybrid supercapacitors.

Effect of gas sensing properties by Sn-Rh codoped ZnO nanosheets

Abstract: The hierarchically porous Sn-Rh codoped ZnO, Sn-doped ZnO and pure ZnO nanosheets have been successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal reaction process without any surfactant or template at 180°C. The morphology and composition were carefully characterized by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, field emission scanning electronic microscopy and BET. The gas-sensing testing results indicated that the Sn-Rh codoped ZnO nanosheets, with the specific surface area was 26.9 m2/g, exhibited enhanced gas-sensing performance compared with that of pure ZnO and Sn-doped ZnO. The high sensitivity of the sensor based on Sn-Rh codoped ZnO was 149.38 to 100 ppm ethanol and the detection limit was less than 5 ppm (5.8). The response and recovery times were measured to be ∼3 s and ∼10 s when exposed to 100 ppm ethanol at the test temperature of 300°C. The good sensing performance of the Sn-Rh codoped ZnO sensor indicated that hierarchically porous Sn-Rh codoped ZnO could be a promising candidate for highly sensitive gas sensors.

Fabrication of Flexible Magnetic Papers Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Barium Hexaferrite with Improved Mechanical Properties

Abstract: We report on a simple approach to fabricate mechanically robust magnetic cellulose papers containing M-type barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) nanoplates. BaFe12O19 nanoplates were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and then chemically functionalized by using a silane coupling agent. The magnetic cellulose papers prepared with the silane-treated BaFe12O19 nanoplates exhibited improved mechanical properties with tensile strength of 58.5 MPa and Young’s modulus of 2.95 GPa.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic water oxidation of Cu2O nanocube-loaded BiVO4 nanocrystal heterostructures

Abstract: Reducing the fast recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs of semiconductor photocatalyst is very important to improve its photocatalysis. In this paper we fabricate Cu2O nanocube-decorated BiVO4 nanocrystal (denoted as BiVO4@Cu2O nanocrystal@nanocube) heterostructure photocatalyst by coupling n-type BiVO4 with p-type Cu2O. The BiVO4@Cu2O nanocrystal@nanocube photocatalysts show superior photocatalytic activities in photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity and photocatalytic water oxidation to BiVO4 photocatalysts under visible light illumination. The BiVO4@Cu2O nanocrystal@nanocube heterostructure electrode achieves the highest photocurrent density of ∼ 10 μA cm−2 at 0 V versus Ag/AgCl, 5 times higher than that of BiVO4 nanocrystal electrode (∼ 2 μA cm−2). The light induced evolution rate of O2 generation for BiVO4@Cu2O nanocrystal@nanocube heterostructures is as high as 150 μmol h−1100 mg cat−1, more than 3 times higher than that (48 μmol h−1100 mg cat−1) of BiVO4 nanocrystals. The enhanced photocatalysis activities of the BiVO4@Cu2O nanocrystal@nanocube photocatalysts are attributed to the efficient separation of the photoexcited electron-hole pairs caused by inner electronic field (IEF) of p-n junction. This study opens up new opportunities in designing photoactive materials with highly enhanced performance for solar energy conversion.

Improving charge transport of P3HT:PCBM organic solar cell using MoO 3 nanoparticles as an interfacial buffer layer

Abstract: In this work, P3HT:PCBM based organic solar cells (OSCs) were fabricated. We investigated the protection of PEDOT:PSS from active layer using the solution processed molybdenum oxide nanoparticles layer (MoO3 NPs, ≤100 nm). The device structure was ITO/ZnO/P3HT: PCBM/MoO3/PEDOT:PSS/Ag. A thin film MoO3 NPs was spin-coated and it acts as a hole transporting layer between the active layer and PEDOT:PSS. The MoO3 NPs based device showed an improved short circuit current compared without MoO3 NP layer. The pristine OSCs showed short circuit current density (J sc ) of 11.56 mA/cm2 and PCE of 3.70% under AM 1.5G (100 mW/cm2). MoO3 NPs based device showed an increased PCE of 4.11% with J sc of 12.74 mA/cm2. MoO3 NPs also decreased the charge recombination and resistance of the OSCs.

Three-dimensional FeSe2 microflowers assembled by nanosheets: Synthesis, optical properties, and catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract: Three-dimensional FeSe2 microflowers were synthesized for the first time by a facile solvothermal method, using FeCl2·4H2O and selenium powder as raw materials, along with ethanolamine as solvent. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that the FeSe2 microflowers consist of nanosheets with a thickness of about 50 – 80 nm. The Raman spectrum shows the characteristic peaks of Se-Se vibration modes. The optical band gap of the sample was determined to be 1.48 eV by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The photoluminescence properties of the FeSe2 microflowers and their catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction were also assessed. Finally, a possible growth mechanism of the FeSe2 microflowers is proposed.

Controlled synthesis and luminescence properties of Ca 0.5 Y 1-x (MoO 4 ) 2 :xRE 3+ (RE = Eu, Pr, Sm, Tb, Dy, Yb/Er, Yb/Tm, and Yb/Ho) phosphors by hydrothermal method versus pulsed laser deposition

Abstract: Herein, we report on rare-earth (RE) activated Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2:xRE3+ (RE = Eu, Pr, Sm, Tb, Dy, Yb/Er, Yb/Ho, and Yb/Tm) phosphors synthesized using a surfactant-mediated hydrothermal route. Timedependent experiments were performed, and the morphological evolution of the phosphors was studied. From prepared powder samples of Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2:xRE3+ (RE = Eu and Yb/Er), nano-sized thin phosphor films were grown using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The surface topography of the as-grown thin phosphor films was analyzed. The asprepared phosphors were characterized by structural and optical studies. The powder phosphor exhibited bi pyramid-like micro-architectures. Structural studies indicated that Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2 possesses the scheelite tetragonal crystal structure. The down-conversion luminescence of Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2:xRE3+ (RE = Eu, Pr, Sm, Tb, and Dy) as powder phosphors and Eu3+ doped Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2 thin phosphor film were studied. Upon irradiation with a 980 nm laser, the Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2: xRE3+ (RE = Yb/Er, Yb/Ho, and Yb/Tm) powder phosphors and Ca0.5Y1-x(MoO4)2:xRE3+ (RE = Yb/Er) thin phosphor film showed intense up-converted visible emissions in green, yellow, and blue regions. The fluorescence decay time and color co-ordinates were determined for all synthesized phosphors. From the obtained results, the prepared powder and thin film phosphors are suggested to be suitable candidates for display and electro-luminescence applications.

Evolution of detrimental secondary phases in unstable Cu2ZnSnS4 films during annealing

Abstract: The formation and phase evolution of Cu-S based compounds in kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) absorbing thin films is a critical factor affecting the performance of these materials in thin film solar cells (TFSCs). However, to the best of our knowledge, few studies have investigated the segregation of Cu-S based compounds in kesterite thin films during the sulfurization process. In this study, stacked Cu/SnS2/ZnS precursor thin films were annealed to systematically study the segregation and phase evolution of Cu-S based compounds in kesterite thin films subjected to functional sulfurization times at 550°C. The stacked precursor thin films appeared to be fully transformed to the pure kesterite phase when the sulfurization times are over 30 min. when analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. However, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization revealed that Cu-S based compounds segregated in the kesterite CZTS thin films annealed for 120 min. at 550°C. Based on the experimental results obtained for functional sulfurization times, a mechanism for Cu-S based compounds segregation and the phase evolution process is proposed.

Enhanced thermoelectric properties and development of nanotwins in Na-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 alloy

Abstract: We found that Na is a good source to develop twin structures in the Bi-Te system, such as Ag as noted in a previous study. The twin boundaries had a considerable influence on reductions of the lattice thermal conductivity due to phonon scattering by the nano-ordered layers and on reductions of the electrical resistivity owing to the defects generated by the substitution of Na into the cation sites. Here, we report the enhanced thermoelectric properties of a Na-doped p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 alloy. Measurements show that the electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficient decrease with Na doping due to an increase in the free carrier (hole) concentration and that the lattice thermal conductivity decreases with Na doping. The achieved maximum ZT value was 1.20 at 423 K, which is approximately 20% higher than that of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 under the same fabrication conditions. These results were achievable by controlling the morphology of the twin structure and the carrier concentration by means of Na doping.

Numerical modelling on stress and dislocation generation in multi-crystalline silicon during directional solidification for PV applications

Abstract: Numerical modelling has emerged as a powerful tool for the development and optimization of directional solidification process for mass production of multicrystalline silicon. A transient global heat transfer model is performed to investigate the effect of bottom grooved furnace upon the directional solidification (DS) process of multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si). The temperature distribution, von Mises stress, residual stress and dislocation density rate in multi-crystalline silicon ingots grown by modified directional solidification method have been investigated for five growth stages using finite volume method at the critical Prandtl number, Pr = 0.01. This paper discusses bottom groove furnace instead of seed crystal DS method. It achieves an advanced understanding of the thermal and mechanical behaviour in grown multi-crystalline ingot by bottom grooved directional solidification method. The von Mises stress and dislocation density were reduced while using the bottom grooved furnace. This work was carried out in the different grooves of radius 30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm of the heat exchanger block of the DS furnace. In this paper, the results are presented for 60 mm radius groove only because it has got better results compared to the other grooves. Also, the computational results of bottom grooved DS method show better performance compared the conventional DS method for stress and dislocation density in grown ingot.

Organic diode with high rectification ratio made of electrohydrodynamic printed organic layers

Abstract: In this paper, an all-printed organic diode to reveal a high rectification ratio (∼1.2 × 104) is proposed using organic heterojunction materials N,N′-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenylbenzidine (TPD) and fullerene (C60). The proposed organic diode is fabricated as a structure of ITO/TPD/C60/Al on a glass substrate through an all-printed electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technique, which has an effective area of 2 × 2 mm2. The threshold voltage of the forward bias is 1.2 V and the current density reaches 550 mA/cm2 at 3 V. The device is characterized by current voltage I-V at temperature 30°C to 120°C, and junction capacitance is analyzed at 4 kHz frequency at ±2 V. To verify the successful construction of all layers deposited through the EHD technique, morphology analysis was carried out with FE-SEM. From these measured electrical characteristics, suitability for rectification purposes in printed electronics is confirmed.

Facile self-assembly of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles@WS 2 nanosheets: A promising candidate for supercapacitor electrode

Abstract: Graphene-like dichalcogenides with huge surface area and nanostructured transition metal oxides with extraordinarily high theoretical capacities could be composited as promising electrode candidates for supercapacitors. In this work, monolayer and few-layers WS2 nanosheets were exfoliated by combination of ball-milling and sonication. A facile strategy for the hierarchical self-assembly of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) on WS2 nanosheets was developed to synthesize Fe3O4NPs@WS2 nanocomposites via hydrothermal method. Fe3O4NPs are uniformly dispersed on the WS2 nanosheets without aggregation. The particle size of Fe3O4NPs is about 3 nm. The nanocomposite shows strong enhancements of electrochemical behaviors. This self-assembly synthesis strategy may have great prospects for other 0D/2D nanocomposites in supercapacitors and other energy devices.

Controlled synthesis of CeO 2 microstructures from 1D rod-like to 3D lotus-like and their morphology-dependent properties

Abstract: Monodisperse 3D lotus-like CeO2 microstructures have been successfully synthesized via controlling the morphology of CeCO3OH precursors under hydrothermal condition as well as subsequent calcination. The reaction time was systematically investigated. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XPS, Raman scattering and Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were employed to characterize the samples. The lotus-like CeO2 hierarchical structures with an average of 4–6 μm are composed of many nanoplates of 100–200 nm in thickness as the petals stacking together to form open flowers and have a fluorite cubic structure. Based on the time-dependent morphology evolution evidences, a nucleation-dissolution-recrystallization mechanism has been proposed to explain the transformation from rod-like structures to lotus-like CeO2 hierarchical structures with the increase of reaction time. It is found that there are Ce3+ ions and oxygen vacancies in surface of samples. The magnetic and photoluminescence measurements indicated that all CeO2 samples exhibit excellent ferromagnetism and optical properties at room temperature, and while increasing the reaction time, the ferromagnetism and optical properties increase more, which can be reasonably explained for the influences of the different morphology of the particles and the concentration of oxygen vacancies and Ce3+ ions.

Red florescent Ag 2 S-CdS hybrid nanoparticles prepared by a one pot and rapid microwave method

Abstract: In this work, Ag2S-CdS hybrid composite with novel luminescence property was synthesized using a one pot and rapid microwave method. Structural analysis by means of XRD and TEM obtained the formation of the composite. Optical spectroscopy by means of UV-Vis and Photoluminescence measurements revealed that the functional composite has an intensive red light emission at 657 nm with a large stocks shift of about 150 nm. The quantum efficiency of the prepared hybrid material in red region is 10% which is comparable with the efficiency of pure CdS (11%) with green emission.

Amorphous LaZnSnO thin films by a combustion solution process and application in thin film transistors

Abstract: Amorphous LaZnSnO thin films with different La doping concentration are prepared by a combustion solution process and the electrical performances of thin film transistors (TFTs) are investigated. The influence of La content on the structure, oxygen vacancies, optical and electrical performance of LaZnSnO thin films are investigated. At an appropriate amount of La doping (15 mol.%), LaZnSnO-TFT shows a superior electrical performance including a mobility of 4.2 cm2/V s, a subthreshold swing of 0.50 V/decade and an on/off current ratio of 1.9 × 107. The high performance LaZnSnO-TFT is attributed to the better interface between SiO2 and LaZnSnO channel layer and the suppression of oxygen vacancies by optimizing La content. It suggests that La doping can be a useful technique for fabricating high performance solution-processed oxide TFTs.

Fabrication and shear strength analysis of Sn-3.5Ag/Cu-filled TSV for 3D microelectronic packaging

Abstract: In this study, lead free Sn-3.5Ag solder bumps have been deposited on Cu-filled through-silicon via (TSV) by electroplating method. The solder bumps are plated using an acidic solution composed of SnSO4, H2SO4, Ag2SO4, thiourea and an additive. The current density is varied from −30 to −60 mA/cm2 to obtain the eutectic Sn-3.5Ag solder. The copper is electroplated in TSV using an acidic solution of CuSO4·5H2O, H2SO4, HCl, and an inhibitor. The bottom-up Cu-filling in TSV is achieved by a 3-step pulse periodic reverse (PPR) electroplating. It has been observed that the eutectic Sn-3.5Ag solder is achieved at a current density of −55 mA/cm2. The solder bumps are further reflowed onto TSV at 260 °C for 20 seconds, and shear strength of the formed Sn-3.5Ag/Cu-filled TSV joint is investigated. The results indicate the formation of Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the joint interface. It is found that with an increase of shear speed from 0.5-10 mm/s, the shear stress initially increases to a maximum, and then decreases beyond shear speed of 10 mm/s through 500 mm/s. It is shown that the ductile fracture mode gradually decreases beyond shear speed of 10 mm/s and disappears completely at 500 mm/s.

Fabrication and characterization of porous silicon nanowires

Abstract: We report the synthesis of porous silicon nanowires through the metalassisted chemical etching of porous silicon in a solution of hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The morphology of porous silicon nanowires was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The etch rate of the porous silicon nanowires was faster than that of silicon nanowires, but slower than that of porous silicon. The porous silicon nanowires distributed uniformly on the entire porous silicon layer and the tips of the porous silicon nanowires congregated together. The single crystalline and sponge-like porous structure with the pore diameters of less than 5 nm was confirmed for the porous silicon nanowires.

Size effect on negative capacitance at forward bias in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well-based blue LED

Abstract: Size effect of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) blue light emitting diodes (LEDs), on electrical characteristics in forward bias voltage at high injection current in light emission regime, is observed to induce a substantial dispersion in the current density and normalized negative capacitance (NC) (i.e., capacitance per chip area). The correction of normalized NC by considering the LED p-n junction series resistance has been found to be independent of chip area size with lateral dimensions ranging from 100 µm × 100 µm to 400 µm × 400 µm. This fact, confirms that the inductive effect which is usually behind the NC apparition is homogeneously and uniformly distributed across the entire device area and hence the dispersive characteristics are not related to local paths. From the characteristics of NC dependence on temperature, frequency and direct current bias, a mechanism based on the electrons/holes charge carriers conductivity difference is proposed to be responsible for the transient electron-hole pair recombination process inducing NC phenomenon. Direct measurement of light emission brightness under modulated frequency demonstrated that modulated light output evolution follows the same behavioral tendency as measured in NC under alternating current signal modulation. Thus it is concluded that the NC is valuable information which would be of practical interest in improving the characteristics and parameters relevant to LED p-n junction internal structure.