Search Results (625)

The integration of 3D printing into the development of potentiometric sensors has revolutionized sensor fabrication by enabling customizable, low-cost, and rapid prototyping of analytical devices. Techniques like fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) allow researchers to produce different sensor parts, such as electrode housings, solid contacts, reference electrodes, and even microfluidic systems. This review explains the basic principles of potentiometric sensors and shows how 3D printing helps solve problems faced in traditional sensor manufacturing. Benefits include smaller size, flexible shapes, the use of different materials in one print, and quick production of working prototypes. However, some challenges still exist—like differences between prints, limited chemical resistance of some materials, and the long-term stability of sensors in real-world conditions. This paper overviews recent examples of 3D-printed ion-selective electrodes and related components and discusses new ideas to improve their performance. It also points to future directions, such as better materials and combining different manufacturing methods. Overall, 3D printing is a powerful and growing tool for developing the next generation of potentiometric sensors for use in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industry. Full article

This paper presents the development and validation of a cost-effective 3D-printed conductive phantom for EEG sensing system validation that achieves 85% cost reduction (£48.10 vs. £300–£500) and 48-hour fabrication time while providing consistent electrical properties suitable for standardized electrode testing. The phantom was fabricated using conductive PLA filament in a two-component design with a conductive upper section and a non-conductive base for structural support. Comprehensive validation employed three complementary approaches: DC resistance measurements (821–1502 $\mathsf{\Omega }$), complex impedance spectroscopy at 100 Hz across anatomical regions (3.01–6.4 k$\mathsf{\Omega }$ with capacitive behavior), and 8-channel EEG system testing (5–11 k$\mathsf{\Omega }$ impedance range). The electrical characterization revealed spatial heterogeneity and consistent electrical properties suitable for comparative electrode evaluation and EEG sensing system validation applications. To establish context, we analyzed six existing phantom technologies including commercial injection-molded phantoms, saline solutions, hydrogels, silicone models, textile-based alternatives, and multi-material implementations. This analysis identifies critical accessibility barriers in current technologies, particularly cost constraints (£5000–20,000 tooling) and extended production timelines that limit widespread adoption. The validated 3D-printed phantom addresses these limitations while providing appropriate electrical properties for standardized EEG electrode testing. The demonstrated compatibility with clinical EEG acquisition systems establishes the phantom’s suitability for electrode performance evaluation and multi-channel system validation as a standardized testing platform, ultimately contributing to democratized access to EEG sensing system validation capabilities for broader research communities. Full article

This study assesses how different anode materials influence neutron production rates (NPRs) in multi-state fusion (MSF) reactors, with a particular focus on the effects of deuterium (D) pre-loading on the anode surface. Three types of mesh anodes were assessed: stainless steel (SS), zirconium (Zr), and D pre-loaded zirconium (ZrD). MSF operates using two electrodes to confine ions to various fusion reactions, including D-D and D-T. The reactor features a negatively biased central cathode and a grounded anode within a vacuum vessel. Neutrons and protons are produced through the application of high voltage (tens of kV) and current (tens of mA) on the system to spark the plasma and start the fusion. Assessments at voltages up to 50 kV and currents up to 30 mA showed that Zr mesh anodes produced higher NPRs than SS ones, reaching 1.912 at 30 kV. This increased performance is attributed to surface fusion processes occurring in the anode. These processes were further modified by the deuterium pre-loading in the ZrD anode, as compared to SS and Zr with 1.832 at 30 kV. The findings suggest that material properties and deuterium pre-loading play significant roles in optimizing the efficiency of MSF reactors and the NPR. Future research may explore the long-term stability and durability of these anode materials under continuous operation conditions to fully harness their potential in fusion energy applications. Full article

The global transition towards a low-carbon energy system urgently demands efficient and safe energy storage solutions. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their inherent safety and environmental friendliness. However, conventional manufacturing methods are costly and labor-intensive, hindering their large-scale production. Recent advances in 3D printing technology offer innovative pathways to address these challenges. By combining design flexibility with material optimization, 3D printing holds the potential to enhance battery performance and enable customized structures. This review systematically examines the application of 3D printing technology in fabricating key AZIB components, including electrodes, electrolytes, and integrated battery designs. We critically compare the advantages and disadvantages of different 3D printing techniques for these components, discuss the potential and mechanisms by which 3D-printed structures enhance ion transport and electrochemical stability, highlight critical existing scientific questions and research gaps, and explore potential strategies for optimizing the manufacturing process. Full article

Photocuring, including photopolymerization and photocrosslinking, has emerged as a transformative manufacturing paradigm that enables the precise, rapid, and customizable fabrication of advanced battery components. This review first introduces the principles of photocuring and vat photopolymerization and their unique advantages of high process efficiency, non-contact fabrication, ambient-temperature processing, and robust interlayer bonding. It then systematically summarizes photocured battery components, involving electrolytes, membranes, anodes, and cathodes, highlighting their design strategies. This review examines the impact of photocured materials on the battery’s properties, such as its conductivity, lithium-ion transference number, and mechanical strength, while examining how vat-photopolymerization-derived 3D architectures optimize ion transport and electrode–electrolyte integration. Finally, it discusses current challenges and future directions for photocuring-based battery manufacturing, emphasizing the need for specialized energy storage resins and scalable processes to bridge lab-scale innovations with industrial applications. Full article

The escalating demand for efficient thermal management in lithium-ion batteries necessitates precise characterization of their thermal behavior under diverse operating conditions. This study develops a three-dimensional (3D) electrochemical–thermal coupling model grounded in porous electrode theory and energy conservation principles. The model solves multi-physics equations such as Fick’s law, Ohm’s law, and the Butler–Volmer equation, to resolve coupled electrochemical and thermal dynamics, with temperature-dependent parameters calibrated via the Arrhenius equation. Simulations under varying discharge rates reveal that high-rate discharges exacerbate internal heat accumulation. Low ambient temperatures amplify polarization effects. Forced convection cooling reduces surface temperatures but exacerbates core-to-surface thermal gradients. Structural optimization strategies demonstrate that enhancing through-thickness thermal conductivity reduces temperature differences. These findings underscore the necessity of balancing energy density and thermal management in lithium-ion battery design, proposing actionable insights such as preheating protocols for low-temperature operation, optimized cooling systems for high-rate scenarios, and material-level enhancements for improved thermal uniformity. Full article

The urgent demand for sustainable energy solutions in the face of climate change and resource depletion has catalyzed a global shift toward cleaner energy production and more efficient storage technologies. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), as the cornerstone of modern portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale storage systems, are continually evolving to meet the growing performance requirements. In this dynamic context, two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as highly promising candidates for use in electrodes due to their layered structure, tunable electronic properties, and high theoretical capacity. Among 2D materials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has gained increasing attention as a promising low-dimensional candidate for LIB anode applications. This review provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of recent advances in the application of MoS₂ in LIB electrodes, with particular attention to its unique electrochemical behavior at the nanoscale. We critically examine the interplay between structural features, charge-storage mechanisms, and performance metrics—chiefly the specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges, primarily poor intrinsic conductivity and volume fluctuations, and highlight innovative strategies aimed at overcoming these limitations, such as through nanostructuring, composite formation, and surface engineering. By shedding light on the opportunities and hurdles in this rapidly progressing field, this work offers a forward-looking perspective on the role of MoS₂ in the next generation of high-performance LIBs. Full article

In this investigation, a hierarchical FeCo-layered double hydroxide (FeCo-LDH) electrochemical membrane material was prepared by a simple in situ hydrothermal method. The prepared material formed a 3D honeycomb-structured FeCo-LDH-modified carbon felt (FeCo-LDH/CF) catalytic layer with uniform open pores on a CF substrate with excellent catalytic activity and was served as the cathode in a flow-through electro-Fenton (FTEF) reactor. The electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent treatment performance (99%) in phenol simulated wastewater (30 mg L⁻¹) under the optimized operating conditions (applied voltage = 3.5 V, pH = 6, influent flow rate = 15 mL min⁻¹) of the FTEF system. The high removal rate could be attributed to (i) the excellent electrocatalytic oxidation performance and low interfacial charge transfer resistance of the FeCo-LDH/CF electrode as the cathode, (ii) the ability of the synthesized FeCo-LDH to effectively promote the conversion of H₂O₂ to •OH under certain conditions, and (iii) the flow-through system improving the mass transfer efficiency. In addition, the degradation process of pollutants within the FTEF system was additionally illustrated by the •OH dominant ROS pathway based on free radical burst experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance tests. This study may provide new insights to explore reaction mechanisms in FTEF systems. Full article

As critical interfaces bridging biological systems and electronic devices, the performance of bioelectrodes directly determines the sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability of biosensors. Recent advancements in functional nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanomaterials, metallic nanoparticles, 2D materials) have substantially enhanced the application potential of bioelectrodes in disease detection, metabolic monitoring, and early diagnosis through strategic material selection, structural engineering, interface modification, and antifouling treatment. This review systematically examines the latest progress in nanomaterial-enabled interface design of bioelectrodes, with particular emphasis on performance enhancements in electrophysiological/electrochemical signal acquisition and multimodal sensing technologies. We comprehensively analyze cutting-edge developments in dynamic metabolic parameter monitoring for chronic disease management, as well as emerging research on flexible, high-sensitivity electrode interfaces for early disease diagnosis. Furthermore, this work focused on persistent technical challenges regarding nanomaterial biocompatibility and long-term operational stability while providing forward-looking perspectives on their translational applications in wearable medical devices and personalized health management systems. The proposed framework offers actionable guidance for researchers in this interdisciplinary field. Full article

The development of cost-effective and scalable air/oxygen electrode materials is crucial for the advancement of Zn–air batteries (ZABs). Porous carbon materials doped with heteroatoms have attracted considerable attention in energy and environmental fields because of their tunable nanoporosity and high electrical conductivity. In this work, we report the synthesis of a three-dimensional (3D) N and P co-doped porous carbon (PA@pDC-1000), derived from a conjugated polyaniline–phytic acid polymer. The cross-linked, rigid conjugated polymeric framework plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of micro- and mesoporous structures and promoting graphitization during carbonization. As a result, the material exhibits a hierarchical pore structure, a high specific surface area (1045 m² g⁻¹), and a large pore volume (1.02 cm³ g⁻¹). The 3D N, P co-doped PA@pDC-1000 catalyst delivers a half-wave potential of 0.80 V (vs. RHE) and demonstrates a higher current density compared to commercial Pt/C. A primary ZAB utilizing this material achieves an open-circuit voltage of 1.51 V and a peak power density of 217 mW cm⁻². This metal-free, self-templating presents a scalable route for the generating and producing of high-performance oxygen reduction reaction catalysts for ZABs. Full article

One of the key challenges in commercializing proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer technology is reducing the production costs while maintaining high efficiency and operational stability. Significant contributors to the overall cost of the device are the electrode catalysts with IrO₂ and Pt/C. Due to the high cost and limited availability of noble metals, there is growing interest in developing alternative, low-cost catalytic materials. In recent years, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs), such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and rhenium disulfide (ReS₂), have attracted considerable attention due to their promising electrochemical properties for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). These materials exhibit unique properties, such as a high surface area or catalytic activity localized at the edges of the layered structure, which can be further enhanced through defect engineering or phase modulation. To increase the catalytically active surface area, the investigated materials were deposited on a carbon-based support—Vulcan XC-72R—selected for its high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area. This study investigated the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of six catalyst samples with varying MoS₂ and ReS₂ to carbon support ratios. Among the composites analyzed, the best sample on MoS₂ (containing the most carbon soot) and the best sample on ReS₂ (containing the least carbon soot) were selected. These were then used as cathode catalysts in an experimental PEM electrolyzer setup. The results confirmed satisfactory catalytic activity of the tested materials, indicating their potential as alternatives to conventional noble metal-based catalysts and providing a foundation for further research in this area. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable energy storage has fueled the development of green batteries as alternatives to conventional systems. However, a major research gap lies in the unified integration of environmentally friendly materials and processes across all battery components—electrodes, electrolytes, and separators—without compromising performance or scalability. This review addresses this gap by highlighting recent advances in eco-conscious battery technologies, focusing on green electrode fabrication using water-based methods, electrophoretic deposition, solvent-free dry-press coating, 3D printing, and biomass-derived materials. It also examines the shift toward safer electrolytes, including ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, water-based systems, and solid biopolymer matrices, which improve both environmental compatibility and safety. Additionally, biodegradable separators made from natural polymers such as cellulose and chitosan offer enhanced thermal stability and ecological benefits. The review emphasizes the importance of lifecycle considerations like recyclability and biodegradability, aligning battery design with circular economy principles. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as standardization, long-term stability, and industrial scalability remain. By identifying key strategies and future directions, this article contributes to the foundation for next-generation green batteries, promoting their adoption in environmentally sensitive applications ranging from wearable electronics to grid storage. Full article

Two-dimensional (2D) material-based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) has emerged as a promising solution for neuromorphic computing and computing-in-memory architectures. Compared to conventional metal-oxide-based RRAM, the novel 2D material-based RRAM devices demonstrate lower power consumption, higher integration density, and reduced performance variability, benefiting from their atomic-scale thickness and ultra-flat surfaces. Remarkably, 2D layered metal oxides retain these advantages while preserving the merits of traditional metal oxides, including their low cost and high environmental stability. Through a multi-step dry transfer process, we fabricated a Pd-MoO₃-Ag RRAM device featuring 2D α-MoO₃ as the resistive switching layer, with Pd and Ag serving as inert and active electrodes, respectively. Resistive switching tests revealed an excellent operational stability, low write voltage (~0.5 V), high switching ratio (>10⁶), and multi-bit storage capability (≥3 bits). Nevertheless, the device exhibited a limited retention time (~2000 s). To overcome this limitation, we developed a Gr-MoO₃-Ag heterostructure by substituting the Pd electrode with graphene (Gr). This modification achieved a fivefold improvement in the retention time (>10⁴ s). These findings demonstrate that by controlling the type and thickness of 2D materials and resistive switching layers, RRAM devices with both high On/Off ratios and long-term data retention may be developed. Full article

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a novel bioelectrochemical system that catalyzes the oxidation of chemical energy in organic waste and converts it directly into electrical energy through the attachment and growth of electroactive microorganisms on the electrode surface. This technology realizes the synergistic effect of waste treatment and renewable energy production. A CF-NiO-PANI capacitor composite anode was prepared by loading polyaniline on a CF-NiO electrode to improve the capacitance of a CF electrode. The electrochemical characteristics of the composite anode were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the electrode materials were analyzed comprehensively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy diffusion spectrometer (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MFC system based on CF-NiO-PANI composite anode showed excellent energy conversion efficiency in potato starch wastewater treatment, and its maximum power density increased to 0.4 W/m³, which was 300% higher than that of the traditional CF anode. In the standard charge–discharge test (C1000/D1000), the charge storage capacity of the composite anode reached 2607.06 C/m², which was higher than that of the CF anode (348.77 C/m²). Microbial community analysis revealed that the CF-NiO-PANI anode surface formed a highly efficient electroactive biofilm dominated by electrogenic bacteria (accounting for 47.01%), confirming its excellent electron transfer ability. The development of this innovative capacitance-catalytic dual-function anode material provides a new technical path for the synergistic optimization of wastewater treatment and energy recovery in MFC systems. Full article

Batteries are used as energy storage devices in various equipment. Today, research is focused on solid-state batteries (SSBs), replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid separator. The solid separators provide electrolyte stability, no leakage, and provide mechanical strength to the battery. Separators are mostly manufactured by either traditional processes or 3D printing technologies. These processes involve making a slurry of plastic, active and conductive material and usually adding a plasticizer when making thin films or filaments for 3D printing. This study investigates the additive manufacturing of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) by employing fused deposition modeling (FDM) with recyclable, bio-derived polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. Precise control of macro-porosity is achieved by systematically varying key process parameters, including raster orientation, infill percentage, and interlayer adhesion conditions, thereby enabling the formation of tunable, interconnected pore networks within the polymer matrix. Following 3D printing, these engineered porous frameworks are infiltrated with lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), which functions as the active ionic conductor. A tailored thermal sintering protocol is then applied to promote solid-phase fusion of the embedded salt throughout the macro-porous PLA scaffold, resulting in a mechanically robust and ionically conductive composite separator. The electrochemical ionic conductivity and structural integrity of the sintered SSEs are characterized through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and standardized mechanical testing to assess their suitability for integration into advanced solid-state battery architectures. The solid-state separator achieved an average ionic conductivity of 2.529 × 10⁻⁵ S·cm⁻¹. The integrated FDM-sintering process enhances ion exchange at the electrode–electrolyte interface, minimizes material waste, and supports cost-efficient, fully recyclable component fabrication. Full article