Why is silicon better at storing energy compared to graphene?5 answersSilicon is superior to graphene in energy storage due to its high specific capacity and potential for stabilizing anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Silicon offers a capacity of 3570 mAh/g, significantly higher than graphene's capacity. Additionally, silicon's ability to accommodate large volume changes during lithiation/de-lithiation cycles makes it a promising anode material. Carbon coating on silicon particles, particularly graphene, enhances electrical conductivity, interphase stability, and mechanical integrity, leading to improved cycling performance. Graphene-coated silicon demonstrates superior cycling stability compared to disordered graphite-coated silicon, retaining higher discharge capacity after extended cycles. Therefore, while graphene has its strengths, silicon's specific capacity and compatibility with stabilizing strategies make it a more efficient energy storage material.
What is the current state of research on ultrafast silicon microring modulators?5 answersUltrafast silicon microring modulators have been the focus of recent research. High-speed performances have been achieved at the 2 µm waveband, with a measured 3 dB bandwidth of 18 GHz, supporting up to 50 Gbps signaling. Additionally, an ultra-compact, high bandwidth, CMOS compatible microring modulator with an ultra-wide free-spectral range (FSR) of 4 THz and a 3-dB electro-optic (EO) bandwidth of >67 GHz has been realized. This modulator can operate at high datarates for standard single mode fiber transmission in the C-band. Furthermore, a single-chip 1.6 Tbit/s silicon-based optical transceiver has been demonstrated, showcasing the potential of silicon photonic devices for next-generation optical interconnects. Overall, the current state of research on ultrafast silicon microring modulators shows significant progress in achieving high-speed performances and compatibility with existing fiber transmission systems.
What are current trends for research in electronics engineering?5 answersCurrent trends in electronics engineering research include the development of power converters for various applications such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Another trend is the evaluation of the performance of the Slotted Aloha protocol on mobile radio networks, considering factors like fading, shadowing, and spatial distribution of mobile terminals. Additionally, there is a need for rethinking curricula in engineering schools and higher education institutions, with a focus on goals, analysis, content, policy, evaluation methods, and implementation. The organization of conferences like the International Conference on Innovative Trends in Electronics Engineering aims to bridge the gap between academic theories and industrial applications, facilitating the exchange of experiences and research results. Finally, current trends in electronics point towards nanoscale devices, giga to terahertz operation, and low power consumption, requiring the development of advanced physics concepts and novel material systems.
What are the latest developments in the use of graphene for water desalination?5 answersGraphene and its derivatives have shown significant promise in water desalination. Three-dimensional graphene-based macrostructures (GBMs) have been considered as promising materials for water purification due to their well-defined porous structure and integrated morphology. GBMs have displayed outstanding performance in pollutant abatement and have easy recyclability. Surface modification and geometrical control of GBMs have been explored to enhance their performance in water purification, including adsorption, catalysis, and capacitive desalination. Graphene-based nanofiltration membranes have also been developed for water purification, offering molecular separation properties and various mass-transport phenomena. These membranes have shown high efficiency in removing pollutants, including heavy metals, from water. The unique structure and properties of graphene and its derivatives make them appealing for water desalination and pollutant removal, with potential for large-scale applications.
Which is the conversion efficiency from light to electricity of crystalline silicon?2 answersThe conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells is currently below the thermodynamic limit of 32.3%. Recent progress in photonic crystal light-trapping architectures has shown potential to achieve conversion efficiencies of 28%–31% in flexible single-junction crystalline-silicon solar cells. Ultrathin crystalline silicon cells have demonstrated light absorption equivalent photocurrents of 26.3 mA/cm2, which can result in cell efficiencies above 15%. By incorporating a back-reflector and improved antireflection, the light absorption can potentially be increased up to 33.8 mA/cm2, leading to a photovoltaic efficiency above 21% for 1 μm thick Si cells. The improved design of crystalline silicon light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has resulted in a high power conversion efficiency above 1% at near room temperature. The maximum theoretical efficiency for a 110-μm-thick solar cell made of undoped silicon is 29.43%.
Is Tesla using graphene?10 answers