Search Results (1,418)

Ultrahigh-temperature ceramic composites based on hafnium diboride have a wide range of applications, including as components for high-speed aircraft and energy generation and storage devices. Consequently, developing methodologies for their fabrication and studying their properties are of paramount importance, in particular in using them as an electrode material for energy storage devices with increased oxidation resistance. This study investigates the behavior of ceramic composites based on the HfB₂-HfO₂-SiC system, obtained using 15 vol% Ti₂AlC MAX-phase as a sintering component, under the influence of subsonic flow of dissociated air. It was determined that incorporating the modifying component (Ti₂AlC) altered the composition of the silicate melt formed on the surface during ceramic oxidation. This modification led to the observation of a protective antioxidant function. Consequently, liquation was observed in the silicate melt layer, resulting in the formation of spherical phase inhomogeneities in its volume with increased content of titanium, aluminum, and hafnium. It is hypothesized that the increase in the high-temperature viscosity of this melt prevents it from being carried away in the form of drops, even at a surface temperature of ~1900–2000 °C. Despite the established temperature, there is no sharp increase in its values above 2400–2500 °C. This is due to the evaporation of silicate melt from the surface. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of the obtained material in a liquid electrolyte medium (KOH, 3 mol/L) was examined, and it was shown that according to the value of electrical conductivity and specific capacitance, it is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors. Full article

The unique properties of graphene have allowed for the development of graphene-based field-effect transistors (GFETs) for applications in biosensors and chemical devices. However, the modeling and optimization of GFET performance exhibit great challenges. Herein, we propose a quantum transport simulation model for graphene-based field-effect transistors (GFETs) implemented in the open-source Octave programming language. The proposed simulation model (named SimQ) combines the Landauer–Büttiker formalism with self-consistent Schrödinger–Poisson solutions, enabling reliable simulations of transport phenomena. Our approach agrees well with established models, achieving Landauer–Büttiker transmission and tunneling transmission of 0.28 and 0.92, respectively, which are validated against experimental data. The model can predict key GFET characteristics, including carrier mobilities (500–4000 cm²/V·s), quantum capacitance effects, and high-frequency operation (80–100 GHz). SimQ offers detailed insights into charge distribution and wave function evolution, achieving an enhanced computational efficiency through optimized algorithms. Our work contributes to the modeling of graphene-based field-effect transistors, providing a flexible and accessible simulation platform for designing and optimizing GFETs with potential applications in the next generation of electronic devices. Full article

Conductive hydrogels demonstrate substantial potential for flexible wearable sensors in motion monitoring, owing to their unique physicochemical properties; however, current implementations still confront persistent challenges in long-term stability, sensitivity, response speed, and detection limits under complex dynamic conditions, which material innovations are urgently required to resolve. Consequently, this paper comprehensively reviews the recent advancements in conductive hydrogel-based flexible wearable sensors for sports applications. The paper examines the conductivity, self-adhesion, self-repair, and biocompatibility of conductive hydrogels, along with detailed analyses of their working principles in resistance, capacitance, piezoelectric, and battery-based sensing mechanisms. Additionally, the paper summarizes innovative strategies to enhance sensor performance through polymer blending, polyelectrolyte doping, inorganic salt doping, and nanomaterial integration. Furthermore, the paper highlights the latest applications of conductive hydrogel flexible wearable sensors in human motion monitoring, electrophysiological signal detection, and electrochemical biosignal monitoring. Finally, the paper provides an in-depth discussion of the advantages and limitations of existing technologies, offering valuable insights and new perspectives for future research directions. Full article

Supercapacitors are considered a bridge between batteries and capacitors due to their significant energy density, as well as power density. Herein, we prepared two novel electrodes of Fe_0.8Co_0.2S and Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO composites and analyzed their supercapacitor performance. The results indicated that Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO, prepared through co-precipitation and annealing, exhibited a higher specific capacitance value and improved electrochemical properties in comparison to Fe_0.8Co_0.2S due to the synergistic effect of rGO with Fe_0.8Co_0.2S. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the desired phases of Fe_0.8Co_0.2S, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) verified the microstructures and desired elements. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed an enhanced oxidation current from +25 mA to +49 mA at 10 mV/s, while galvanometric charge–discharge (GCD) showed an enhanced discharge time from 78 s to 300 s. As a result, the specific capacitance and energy density were enhanced from 74.3 F/g to 285.7 F/g and 2.84 Wh/kg to 10.9 Wh/kg, respectively. This contributed to a more than 283% increase in specific capacitance, as well as energy density. Overall, Fe_0.8Co_0.2S/rGO shows great potential for small-scale energy storage devices. Full article

This research presents the development and management principles of mobile resonant electrical systems designed for high-voltage generation, intended for non-destructive diagnostics of insulation in high-power electrical equipment. The core of the system is a series inductive–capacitive (LC) circuit characterized by a high quality (Q) factor and operating at high frequencies, typically in the range of 40–50 kHz or higher. Practical implementations of the LC circuit with Q-factors exceeding 200 have been achieved using advanced materials and configurations. Specifically, ceramic capacitors with a capacitance of approximately 3.5 nF and Q-factors over 1000, in conjunction with custom-made coils possessing Q-factors above 280, have been employed. These coils are constructed using multi-core, insulated, and twisted copper wires of the Litzendraht type to minimize losses at high frequencies. Voltage amplification within the system is effectively controlled by adjusting the current frequency, thereby maximizing voltage across the load without increasing the system’s size or complexity. This frequency-tuning mechanism enables significant reductions in the weight and dimensional characteristics of the electrical system, facilitating the development of compact, mobile installations. These systems are particularly suitable for on-site testing and diagnostics of high-voltage insulation in power cables, large rotating machines such as turbogenerators, and other critical infrastructure components. Beyond insulation diagnostics, the proposed system architecture offers potential for broader applications, including the charging of capacitive energy storage units used in high-voltage pulse systems. Such applications extend to the synthesis of micro- and nanopowders with tailored properties and the electrohydropulse processing of materials and fluids. Overall, this research demonstrates a versatile, efficient, and portable solution for advanced electrical diagnostics and energy applications in the high-voltage domain. Full article

We report the fabrication of CoFeP-Ni(OH)₂/nickel foam (NF) composite electrodes via a two-step strategy involving the hydrothermal synthesis of Ni(OH)₂ on nickel foam followed by the electrochemical deposition of CoFeP. The integration of the Ni(OH)₂ interlayer not only provides a structurally robust interface but also facilitates synergistic redox activity, thereby significantly boosting the pseudocapacitive behavior of the electrode. Comparative analysis with bare CoFeP/NF reveals that the presence of the Ni(OH)₂ layer contributes to enhanced charge transfer efficiency and an increased electroactive surface area. Among the samples prepared under varying deposition cycles, the optimized CoFeP-Ni(OH)₂/NF electrode exhibits a high areal capacitance of 4244 mF cm⁻² at 2 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled with CoFeP-Ni(OH)₂/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode delivers a maximum energy density of 0.19 mWh cm⁻² at a power density of 0.37 mW cm⁻² and excellent cycling stability, retaining 72% of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles at a high current density of 8 mA cm⁻². Full article

Amidst global imperatives for sustainable energy and environmental remediation, carbon aerogels (CAs) present a transformative alternative to conventional carbon materials (e.g., activated carbon, carbon fibers), overcoming limitations of disordered pore structures, unmodifiable surface chemistry, and functional inflexibility. This review systematically examines CA-based electrochemical systems as its primary focus, analyzing fundamental charge-storage mechanisms and establishing structure–property–application relationships critical to energy storage performance. We critically assess synthesis methodologies, emphasizing how stage-specific parameters govern structural/functional traits, and detail multifunctional modification strategies (e.g., heteroatom doping, composite engineering) that enhance electrochemical behavior through pore architecture optimization, surface chemistry tuning, and charge-transfer kinetics acceleration. Electrochemical applications are extensively explored, including the following: 1. Energy storage: supercapacitors (dual EDLC/pseudocapacitive mechanisms) and battery hybrids. 2. Electrocatalysis: HER, OER, ORR, and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). 3. Electrochemical processing: capacitive deionization (CDI) and electrosorption. Beyond this core scope, we briefly acknowledge CA versatility in ancillary domains: environmental remediation (heavy metal removal, oil/water separation), flame retardancy, microwave absorption, and CO₂ capture. Full article

Cell membrane capacitance (C_m) is a potential biomarker that reflects the structural and functional integrity of cell membranes. It is essential for physiological processes such as signal transduction, ion transport, and cellular homeostasis. In clinical practice, C_m can be determined using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), a non-invasive technique for analysing the intrinsic electrical properties of biological tissues across a range of frequencies. C_m may be relevant in various clinical fields, where high capacitance is associated with healthy and intact membranes, while low capacitance indicates cellular damage or disease. Despite its promise as a prognostic indicator, several knowledge gaps limit the broader clinical application of C_m. These include variability in measurement techniques (e.g., electrode placement, frequency selection), the lack of standardised measurement protocols, uncertainty on how C_m is related to pathology, and the relatively low amount of C_m research. By addressing these gaps, C_m may become a valuable tool for examining cellular health, early disease detection, and evaluating treatment efficacy in clinical practice. This review explores the fundamental principles of C_m measured with the BIS technique, its mathematical basis and relationship to the biophysical Cole model, and its potential clinical applications. It identifies current gaps in our knowledge and outlines future research directions to enhance the understanding and use of C_m. For example, C_m has shown promise in identifying membrane degradation in sepsis, predicting malnutrition in anorexia nervosa, and as a prognostic factor in cancer. Full article

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a critical global health issue, necessitating the development of advanced smart, flexible, and wearable sensors for continuous monitoring that are reimbursable within foot orthotics. This study presents the design and characterization of a pressure sensor implemented into a shoe insole to monitor diabetic wound pressures, emphasizing the need for a high sensitivity, durability under cyclic mechanical loading, and a rapid response time. This investigation focuses on the electrical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) composites utilizing Ecoflex and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Morphological characterization was conducted using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Laser Confocal Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The electrical and mechanical properties of the CNT/Ecoflex- and the CNT/PDMS-based sensor composites were then investigated. CNT/Ecoflex was then further evaluated due to its lower variability performance between cycles at the same pressure, as well as its consistently higher capacitance values across all trials in comparison to CNT/PDMS. The CNT/Ecoflex composite sensor showed a high sensitivity (2.38 to 3.40 kPa⁻¹) over a pressure sensing range of 0 to 68.95 kPa. The sensor’s stability was further assessed under applied pressures simulating human weight. A custom insole prototype, incorporating 12 CNT/Ecoflex elastomeric matrix-based sensors (as an example) distributed across the metatarsal heads, midfoot, and heel regions, was developed and characterized. Capacitance measurements, ranging from 0.25 pF to 60 pF, were obtained across N = 3 feasibility trials, demonstrating the sensor’s response to varying pressure conditions linked to different body weights. These results highlight the potential of this flexible insole prototype for precise and real-time plantar surface monitoring, offering an approachable avenue for a challenging diabetic orthotics application. Full article

This work presents a novel approach to investigating epitaxial GaAsN layers and GaAsN-based p-i-n solar cell structures using light-assisted scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) and spectroscopy. Due to the technological challenges in growing high-quality GaAsN with controlled nitrogen incorporation, the epitaxial layers often exhibit inhomogeneity in their opto-electrical properties. By combining localized cross-section SCM measurements with wavelength-tunable optical excitation (800–1600 nm), we resolved carrier concentration profiles, internal electric fields, and deep-level transitions across the device structure at a nanoscale resolution. A comparative analysis between electrochemical capacitance–voltage (EC-V) profiling and photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed multiple localized transitions, attributed to compositional fluctuations and nitrogen-induced defects within GaAsN. The SCM method revealed spatial variations in energy states, including discrete nitrogen-rich regions and gradual variations in the nitrogen content throughout the layer depth, which are not recognizable using standard characterization methods. Our results demonstrate the unique capability of the photo-scanning capacitance microscopy and spectroscopy technique to provide spatially resolved insights into complex dilute nitride structures, offering a universal and accessible tool for semiconductor structures and optoelectronic devices evaluation. Full article

The rapid growth in population and industrialization have significantly increased global energy demand, placing immense pressure on finite and environmentally harmful conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources. In this context, the development of hybrid electrocatalysts presents a crucial solution for energy conversion and storage, addressing environmental challenges while meeting rising energy needs. In this study, the fabrication of a novel bifunctional catalyst, copper nickel aluminum spinel (Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄) supported on graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), using a solid-state synthesis process is reported. Because of its effective interface design and spinel cubic structure, the Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄/GCN nanocomposite, as synthesized, performs exceptionally well in electrochemical energy conversion, such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and energy storage. In particular, compared to noble metals, Pt/C- and IrO₂-based water-splitting cells require higher voltages (1.70 V), while for the Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄/GCN nanocomposite, a voltage of 1.49 V is sufficient to generate a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² in an alkaline solution. When used as supercapacitor electrode materials, Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄/GCN nanocomposites show a specific capacitance of 1290 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹ and maintain a specific capacitance of 609 F g⁻¹ even at a higher current density of 5 A g⁻¹, suggesting exceptional rate performance and charge storage capacity. The electrode’s exceptional capacitive properties were further confirmed through the determination of the roughness factor (Rf), which represents surface heterogeneity and active area enhancement, with a value of 345.5. These distinctive characteristics render the Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄/GCN composite a compelling alternative to fossil fuels in the ongoing quest for a viable replacement. Undoubtedly, the creation of the Cu_0.5Ni_0.5Al₂O₄/GCN composite represents a significant breakthrough in addressing the energy crisis and environmental concerns. Owing to its unique composition and electrocatalytic characteristics, it is considered a feasible choice in the pursuit of ecologically sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Full article

Due to the dramatic increase in pesticide usage and improper application, large amounts of unused pesticides enter the environment through paddy water, causing severe pesticide pollution. To find a rapid method for identifying pesticide types and predicting their concentrations, the dielectric properties frequency response of pesticides was analyzed in paddy water. A rapid detection method for typical pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, isoprothiolane, imidacloprid and carbendazim was studied based on their dielectric properties. In this paper, amplitude and phase frequency response data for blank paddy water samples and 15 types of paddy water samples containing pesticides were collected at 10 different temperatures. Principal component analysis (PCA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were used to extract characteristic frequencies. A species identification model based on support vector machine (SVM) for rapid detection of pesticides in paddy water was established using amplitude and phase frequency response data separately. Frequency response data of 431 sets from nine types of paddy water samples were divided into training and prediction sets in a 3:1 ratio, and a content prediction model based on artificial neural networks (ANN) with multiple inputs and single output was established using amplitude and phase frequency response data after CARS feature extraction. The experimental results show that both PCA-SVM and CARS-SVM species identification models established using amplitude and phase frequency response data have excellent identification effects, reaching over 90%. The PCA-SVM model based on phase frequency response data has the best identification effect for typical pesticides in paddy water with a prediction recognition accuracy range of 97.5–100%. The ANN content prediction model established using phase frequency response data performs well, and the highest R² prediction values of chlorpyrifos, isoprothiolane, imidacloprid and carbendazim in paddy water were 0.8249, 0.8639, 0.9113 and 0.8368 respectively. The research established a dielectric property detection method for the identification and content prediction of typical pesticides in paddy water, providing a theoretical basis for the hardware design of capacitive sensors based on dielectric property and the detection of pesticide residues in paddy water. This provides a new method and approach for pesticide residue detection, which is of great significance for scientific pesticide application and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe_1−xMn_xTiO_6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor solid-state reaction in air at 1250 °C. The purity phase and crystal structures of perovskite compounds were determined by means of the standard Rietveld refinement method using the FullProf suite. The best fitting results showed that SrLaFeTiO_6−δ was orthorhombic with space group Pnma, and both SrLaFe_0.67Mn_0.33TiO_6−δ and SrLaFe_0.33Mn_0.67TiO_6−δ were cubic structures with space group Fm3m, while SrLaMnTiO_6−δ was tetragonal with a I/4m space group. The charge density maps obtained for these structures indicated that the compounds show an ionic and mixed ionic–electronic conduction. The dielectric impedance measurements were carried out in the range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and the analysis showed that there is more than one relaxation mechanism of Debye type. Doping with Mn was found to reduce the dielectric impedance of the samples, and the major contribution to the dielectric impedance was established to change from a capacitive for SrLaFeTiO_6−δ to a resistive for SrLaMnTiO_6−δ. The fall in values of electrical resistance may be related to the possible occurrence of the double exchange (DEX) mechanism among the Mn ions, provided there is oxygen deficiency in the samples. DC-resistivity measurements revealed that SrLaFeTiO_6−δ was an insulator while SrLaMnTiO_6−δ was showing a semiconductor–metallic transition at ~250 K, which is in support of the DEX interaction. The dielectric impedance of SrLaFe_0.67Mn_0.33TiO_6−δ was found to be similar to that of (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O_3-δ, the mixed ionic–electronic conductor (MIEC) model. The occurrence of a mixed ionic–electronic state in these compounds may qualify them to be used in free lead solar cells and energy storage technology. Full article

Over the last decade, numerous impedance studies of the conductivity of suspensions containing colloidal (dielectric, semiconducting or metallic) particles have often led to the conclusion that the well-known Maxwell theory is insufficient to quantitatively explain the properties of these systems. We review some of the most characteristic results and show how the applicability of the Maxwell’s theory can be restored taking into account the adsorption phenomena occurring during AC impedance measurements in nanoparticle suspensions. The latter can drastically change the capacitance of the metal-electrolyte cell boundaries from the standard value, making it strongly dependent on the nanoparticle concentration. This factor significantly affects conductivity measurements through RC circuit characteristics. We present an analysis of available impedance measurement data of the dependence of conductivity on the nanoparticle concentration in this new paradigm. In order to emphasize the novelty and the acute sensitivity of ac-diagnosis to the presence of adsorption phenomena at the metal-electrolyte interface, direct adsorption determinations at such interfaces by using two modern experimental techniques are also presented. The main result of this work is the restoration of Maxwell’s theory, attributing the observed discrepancies to variations in cell conductance. Full article

This study aims to investigate the influence of various metal compounds (ZnO, ZnCl₂, Zn(OH)₂, MgO, MgCl₂, and Mg(OH)₂) on the structural and electrochemical properties of chars derived from the pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Raw PVC samples mixed with different metal compounds were firstly pyrolyzed at 500 °C in a fixed-bed reactor. The produced chars were further pyrolyzed at 800 °C. The objective was to evaluate the impact of these metal compounds on the char structure through comparative analysis. The pyrolytic chars were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Zinc-based additives notably increased carbon yield to 32–34 wt.%, attributed to ZnCl₂-induced cross-linking. Specifically, ZnO facilitated porous architectures and aromatic structures with six or more rings. Mg-based compounds induce the formation of a highly stacked carbon structure primarily composed of crosslinked cyclic alkenes, rather than large polyaromatic domains. Upon further thermal treatment, these aliphatic-rich stacked structures can be progressively transformed into aromatic frameworks through dehydrogenation reactions at elevated temperatures. A high-surface-area porous carbon material (PVC/ZnO-800, SSA = 609.382 m² g⁻¹) was synthesized, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 306 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ current density. Full article