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Enhanced mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) using hexene-doping graphitic nanoplatelets
No full textHexene-doping graphitic nanoplatelets (HxGNs), as a new filler, have extraordinary properties (e.g., hexene-functionalization, wedge-shaped pore, high specific surface areas, and so on), and interfacial interactions with hydrophobic polymers. Thus, the HxGNs sufficiently increase the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). HxGN@PVC_X nanocomposites can be prepared easily with a solution casting method because the HxGNs are well dispersed in tetrahydrofuran. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, toughness, and strain-to-failure of HxGN@PVC_5 nanocomposites increase by approximately 33.1%, 27.3%, 58.6%, and 40.5%, respectively, compared with pure PVC. Especially, the low toughness of PVC, which hinders practical applications, has been greatly improved. The improved performance is from the outstanding properties of the HxGNs and the excellent interfacial interactions between the HxGNs and PVC chain. As a result, HxGNs as a filler act as a reinforcing agent and plasticizer for the PVC matrix.HighlightsThe performance of the HxGN@PVC_5 nanocomposites is increased.The HxGN into PVC matrix is effective to overcome the disadvantages of PVC.A mechanochemical reaction can make graphitic nanoplatelets with specific groups.Graphitic nanoplatelets with specific groups can be used as new filler. HxGN@PVC nanocomposites prepared through the solution casting methods showed outstanding mechanical properties.imag
Real-Time Laser-Beam Absorptance Monitoring in Laser Welding Using AI-Based Keyhole Reconstruction and Regression
No full textPt3Ni Alloy Nanoparticle Electro-Catalysts with Unique Core-Shell Structure on Oxygen-Deficient Layered Perovskite for Solid Oxide Cells
No full textSolid oxide cells (SOCs) are pivotal in electrochemical energy conversion technologies, but their operation at high temperatures necessitates the development of efficient and durable electro-catalysts. Herein, a novel electro-catalyst composed of Pt3Ni alloy nanoparticles exsolved on oxygen-deficient PrBaMn1.8Pt0.15Ni0.05O5+delta layered perovskite oxides is presented. This design addresses the critical problem of nanoparticle agglomeration at high temperatures, a major hurdle for SOCs. The atomic-scale mechanisms of oxygen vacancy formation and hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics in the material are unraveled through density functional theory calculations. A unique finding of this work is the formation of a core-shell structure during water electrolysis, simultaneously enhancing the electrochemical performance and operational durability in both fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes. This study not only strengthens the potential of Pt-Ni alloy nanoparticles as efficient electro-catalysts for SOCs, but also opens up avenues for future exploration in energy-related fields
Role of simultaneous thermodynamic and kinetic variables in optimizing blade-coated organic solar cells
No full textAlthough not being established yet, the simultaneous understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of film formation is very critical to enabling high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in the organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated using the high-throughput printing technology of blade coating. Herein, using four rationally designed non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with different outer side-chain lengths (YC2, YC6, YC8, and YC11), regarded as the thermodynamic variable, a comprehensive study has been conducted on their correlation with different processing cosolvent compositions, which is regarded as a kinetic variable. The film formation process by blade coating consisted of step-by-step mechanistic pathways, namely the initial, propagation, and final film formation stages; the thermodynamics and kinetics of which highly depends on the NFA type and processing cosolvent composition. It is clear that both the outer side-chain length of the NFA and the processing cosolvent composition govern the crystalline behavior and/or self-aggregation of the active layers, which are crucial to realizing the optimized performances of the respective OSCs. Consequently, the thermodynamically and kinetically preferred YC2-based blade-coated OSCs with the optimal processing system delivered the best PCEs of 17.2% (4.2 mm2) and 15.2% (1.05 cm2). The relationship between the thermodynamics and kinetics of the active layer, established here for the first time, can contribute to large-area OSC performance advancements. The relationship between non-fullerene acceptor type and processing cosolvent composition in the blade coating process for active layer preparation is established to identify simultaneous thermodynamic and kinetic morphology toward large-scale organic solar cells
Solar-Powered Biomass Conversion and Hydrogen Production Using Bifunctional Photocatalysts
No full textDevelopment of a Deformable and Flexible Robot for Pain Communication: Field Study of ALH-E in the Hospital*
No full textIn this paper, we present ALH-E (ALternative Healthcare for Expressing ache), an assistive robot with a deformable and flexible interface for pain communication. It consists of two components: a squeezable device for inputting the patient???s pain intensity and a flexible output device that expresses the pain by twisting-bending movements in response to the input signals. The interconnectivity between the devices allows for communication of pain intensity between patients and caregivers, anywhere and anytime. A field study in the hospital (dental clinic and orthopedic) was conducted to verify the usability and effectiveness of ALH-E in pain communication. Our field study results demonstrated the unique advantages of ALH-E over conventional methods, providing significant assistance to patients and caregivers
Emerging 4-variants in-plane ferroelectricity and switchable ternary polar states under square tensile strain
No full textHigh-Resolution Intaglio Transfer Printing of Silver Nanowires for Wearable Electrophysiological Sensors
No full textSilver nanowires (NWs) are promising materials for flexible electronics, such as electronic skins due to their excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Achieving precise patterning of Ag NWs is essential for the successful integration and miniaturization of the electronic device system, but the high aspect ratio (AR) of NWs and the high porosity of NW networks pose challenges in forming high-resolution patterns. Herein, the intaglio transfer printing technique to create high-resolution patterning of ultralong Ag NWs (AR approximate to 1000) is presented. During the pattern formation process, the external force becomes concentrated specifically at the edge of the intaglio trench, resulting in the breaking of the entangled Ag NW network in the corresponding region. This simple yet effective technique enables precise high-resolution (minimum line width: 7 mu m) and complicated Ag NW patterns on flexible substrates. The patterned Ag NWs are conformally attached to the various curvilinear surfaces and show high mechanical stability under continuous bending conditions. Wearable electrophysiological sensors are demonstrated to monitor electromyography and electrocardiogram signals in real-time for continuous healthcare monitoring. This patterning strategy offers an effective approach for achieving high-resolution patterns of highly anisotropic nanomaterials and highlights the potential of patterned Ag NWs in wearable electronics. Intaglio transfer printing techniques enable high-resolution patterning of high-aspect-ratio Ag NWs (approximate to 1000). The fracture of the Ag NW network at the edges results in precise patterns down to 7 mu m width. The patterned Ag NWs exhibit great potential for healthcare monitoring, as demonstrated by real-time measurement of EMG and ECG signals.imag