Search Results (2,805)

The substrate plays a critical yet often underappreciated role in determining the performance, stability and manufacturability of photovoltaic devices. While conventional glass and polymer films have enabled the rapid development of solar technologies, emerging applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics, wearable systems and large-area conformal devices demand the use of non-conventional substrates, including ceramics, metals, paper, textiles and elastomeric materials. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the art of non-conventional substrates for photovoltaic technologies, with particular emphasis on the interplay between material properties, surface chemistry and deposition processes. These substrates introduce distinct mechanical, thermal and interfacial constraints that fundamentally alter thin-film growth, defect formation and device reliability. Key challenges such as porosity, roughness, thermal transport limitations and outgassing are discussed in relation to nucleation, film continuity and interfacial stability. The role of substrate-dependent effects in both chemical and physical deposition techniques is critically examined, highlighting cases where conventional processing approaches are insufficient. Representative device demonstrations are analyzed to illustrate how substrate selection influences performance and integration strategies across different photovoltaic platforms. Finally, common limitations and emerging opportunities are identified, emphasizing the need for the co-design of substrates, materials and processing routes. This work establishes a unified framework to guide the development of next-generation photovoltaic devices on unconventional substrates. Full article

To accelerate the transition to sustainable energy, efficient methods for CO₂-free hydrogen production and carbon utilization are needed. This study presents a new, sustainable approach for the simultaneous production of hydrogen, valuable hydrocarbons, and functional carbon materials by converting methane in low-pressure microwave plasma. Compared to traditional methane reforming methods (such as steam reforming), our plasma-based process operates at low temperatures, eliminates direct CO₂ emissions, and enables the conversion of methane into three valuable products: (1) environmentally friendly hydrogen for fuel cells and energy storage systems, (2) a range of valuable organic products (C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₂H₆), and (3) functional carbon films with self-improving catalytic properties. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and the Langmuir double probe method were used for plasma diagnostics, revealing an increase in the concentration of active species (CH, Hα, C₂) and electron temperature upon argon addition. The structure, morphology, and impurity composition of the deposited films were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. Gas-phase byproducts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Argon addition at an Ar/CH₄ ratio of 1 leads to the formation of carbon films with a more ordered structure, as confirmed by XRD data, and improved surface morphology. It was established that argon, by effectively participating in the excitation and dissociation processes of methane molecules through energy transfer from metastable states and increased electron temperature, optimizes plasma–chemical reactions, promoting the deposition of higher-quality carbon coatings. Full article

In this study, carboxyl groups were introduced onto CNT surfaces via acid oxidation, and Ag nanoparticles were successfully deposited onto the CNTs through an in situ chemical reduction method. At an Ag-to-CNTs100 mass ratio of 3:1, the as-prepared composite achieved a thermal conductivity of 1.45 W/(m·K) in dimethyl silicone oil, representing enhancements of 187.5% and 76.9% relative to pure Ag nanoparticles and pristine CNTs100, respectively, at equivalent loadings. Concurrently, tribological tests revealed that the AgHTs-3 at a 3:1 mass ratio and 25 wt% loading exhibited a steady-state friction coefficient of 0.08–0.12, reflecting an approximately 72% reduction compared with pure dimethyl silicone oil. Electrical conductivity measurements demonstrated that CO-CNTs100 attained saturation at 30 wt% with a resistivity of 36.5 Ω·m, whereas the AgHTs-3 nanocomposite achieved a resistivity of 4.7 Ω·m at 35 wt%. The incorporation of Ag nanoparticles effectively enhanced the overall performance of the nanocomposites. Through the formation of a synergistic heterostructure with carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes, the composite not only significantly improved the thermal conductivity of dimethyl silicone oil but also effectively optimized the interfacial lubricating film while substantially reducing the friction coefficient and wear volume. Moreover, the introduction of silver promoted the dispersion stability of the composites in dimethyl silicone oil, enabling higher filler loadings and thereby effectively boosting electrical conductivity. Full article

Against the global carbon neutrality backdrop, amine-based CO₂ capture technology is critical for industrial greenhouse gas emission reduction. However, mixed amine absorbents can cause severe corrosion of Q235B carbon steel, restricting the stable operation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects. This study systematically investigated the corrosion behavior of Q235B carbon steel in a novel mixed amine system under simulated industrial conditions using weight loss tests, electrochemical measurements (EIS, potentiodynamic polarization), and advanced characterizations (FT-IR, ¹³C NMR, SEM-EDS, XRD). The temperature was the dominant factor: corrosion rate increased significantly with rising temperature. Under CO₂-saturated conditions, 15–30% absorbent concentrations showed no significant effect on corrosion rate owing to similar molar loading and pH. At 60 °C and 30% concentration, the corrosion rate peaked at 30 L/L CO₂ loading. Carbamate accumulation promoted corrosion at low loading, while increased bicarbonate inhibited corrosion at high loading. The main corrosion products (Fe₃O₄, Fe₂O₃) formed loose, porous films with poor protectiveness. This work clarifies the electrochemical corrosion mechanism and provides data support for corrosion prevention in CCUS equipment. Full article

Chalcopyrite-based thin-film solar cells have great potential for various applications, such as top or bottom cells in tandem devices, in addition to their use as standard single-junction modules due to their tuneable bandgap energy. A bandgap energy E_g > 1.5 eV should be targeted to realize a wide-bandgap top cell, e.g., by increasing the [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) (GGI) ratio in Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) cells to the range of 0.7–1. A second approach is targeting the second theoretical efficiency maximum at a little lower E_g = 1.34 eV with a GGI around 0.6 for high-efficiency single-junction applications with reduced electrical losses. An industry-relevant (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se₂ (ACIGS) co-evaporation process for wide-bandgap cells fabricated with GGI ratios above 0.6, with moderate [Ag]/([Ag] + [Cu]) (AAC) ratios < 0.1 and in-line RbF-PDT, was established on molybdenum-coated soda-lime glass substrates. Both measures, Ag alloying and RbF-PDT, can increase power conversion efficiency (PCE) mainly due to improved open-circuit voltage (V_OC). In addition, Ag addition can increase fill factor (FF)_, leading to an increase in the PCE for cells with GGI > 0.6 compared to Ag-free reference cells. (Zn,Mg)O, either with a [Mg]/([Mg] + [Zn]) ratio of 0.15 or 0.25, is a good option as high-resistive layer replacing the commonly used i-ZnO in combination with a CdS buffer. Our best ACIGS wide-bandgap solar cells with RbF-PDT and Zn_0.85Mg_0.15O (without anti-reflective coating (ARC)) from various experimental campaigns show a PCE of 12.7% (E_g = 1.50 eV), and with a slightly reduced E_g of 1.45 eV a PCE of 15.5%, with V_OC of 933 mV (V_OC deficit of 517 mV), and a good FF of 73.2%. In the case when the bandgap is significantly lowered to 1.34 eV (GGI = 0.61), to the second theoretical efficiency maximum, we achieved a PCE of 18.2% with ARC for an Ag-free CIGS cell with RbF-PDT. For this cell with a CdS/i-ZnO buffer system the V_OC deficit is 480 mV, and the FF is 78.1%. Full article

The effects of RF plasma treatments using different gases (Ar, O₂, and N₂) and processing parameters on the surface wettability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were systematically investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize the evolution of surface topography and chemical composition. While all treatments enhanced hydrophilicity, the magnitude of improvement and the governing mechanisms were gas-dependent. Among them, O₂ plasma treatment exhibited the most pronounced effect: under optimal conditions (20 W, 80 s), the water contact angle (WCA) was reduced to 3.7°, indicating a superhydrophilic surface. This enhancement was primarily attributed to a substantial increase in surface oxygen content (O/C ratio) and the incorporation of strongly polar oxygen-containing functional groups, such as C=O and COOH. N₂ plasma offered moderate improvement via nitrogen-containing groups, while non-reactive Ar plasma relied primarily on physical etching, yielding the smallest enhancement. Analysis revealed that wettability evolution was dominated by increased polar surface energy from chemical functionalization, with surface roughness playing a synergistic role. These results demonstrate that optimizing plasma gas and parameters effectively controls PET wettability through the coupled regulation of surface chemistry and topography. Full article

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) films embedded with silver nanoparticles were fabricated to investigate their antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Inspired by the nanoscale topographies of natural antibacterial surfaces, such as dragonfly and cicada wings, microstructured pillars were introduced onto the polymer surface to enhance its bactericidal activity by increasing the effective contact area. Surface morphology was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including higher-magnification imaging of micropillar surfaces, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of silver. Higher-magnification SEM revealed nanoscale surface features on the micropillars, attributed to embedded or surface-associated silver nanoparticles. Antibacterial performance was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy with live/dead staining. The PVDF-HFP/Ag films exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial viability, particularly against S. aureus (reducing viability to 0.6% ± 1.1%), while showing moderate activity against E. coli (41.0% ± 3.7% viability). While the fabricated micropillars (~5 µm) are larger than bacterial cells and unlikely to induce direct mechanical rupture, they increase surface interaction. To further investigate the theoretical antibacterial mechanism of scaled-down features, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to model the mechanical interaction between bacterial cells and nanostructured pillars. The simulation results indicated localised stress concentrations that could compromise bacterial membrane integrity, suggesting a possible mechanobactericidal contribution if the microstructures are further reduced to the nanoscale, in addition to the primary biochemical effects of silver nanoparticles. FEA results do not aim to explain the experimentally observed antibacterial performance and should be interpreted only as a conceptual investigation. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-inspired PVDF-HFP/Ag films as antibacterial materials for food packaging and related applications, subject to future comprehensive toxicity and quantitative microbiological evaluations. Full article

Ultrathin ferrimagnetic heterostructures have emerged as promising platforms for next-generation spintronic devices, yet the role of two-dimensional substrates in modulating their magnetic properties remains underexplored. Here, we report a comprehensive study of the thickness- and temperature-dependent magnetic behavior of amorphous Fe${}_{73}$Co${}_8$Gd${}_{19}$ films (4–32 nm) deposited on Si, WSe${}_2$ bilayer, and WSe${}_2$ monolayer substrates. Structural integrity and stoichiometry were confirmed via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR), Raman spectroscopy, and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. In-plane magnetometry from 10–300 K reveals that monolayer WSe${}_2$ promotes stronger interfacial spin alignment, with the 4 nm film exhibiting a sharp increase in coercivity below 50 K, where $H_c$ exceeds 23 mT and even surpasses thicker counterparts, alongside enhanced saturation magnetization (∼790 kA/m at 100 K). This dramatic enhancement of coercivity is the most significant result of this work, underscoring the dominant role of interfacial coupling in governing low-temperature magnetic hardness. Conversely, films on bilayer exhibit suppressed magnetization and soft magnetic behavior ($H_c$ < 10 mT) across all temperatures, making them attractive for ultralow-power and high-speed spintronic applications. These findings demonstrate that atomically thin WSe${}_2$ interfaces can modulate coercivity, magnetization, and squareness through proximity effects, establishing a tunable and thermally stable platform for spintronic device applications. Full article

Drug delivery systems have long faced a fundamental challenge: achieving high drug-loading efficiency, precise control over release, and in vivo safety simultaneously is a difficult task. Cellulose and its derivatives are abundant and renewable, exhibiting good biocompatibility, which makes them promising candidates for drug delivery materials. Representative derivatives, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, as well as nanocellulose, including cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose, have enabled the development of diverse carrier formats, including hydrogels, aerogels, films, and particulate systems. Recent advances include pH-responsive bacterial nanocellulose/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels for oral ibuprofen delivery, carboxylated nanocellulose/polyethylene glycol/β-cyclodextrin composite aerogels for gastric-selective release of imatinib, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-based microneedle patches for transdermal co-delivery of sumatriptan succinate and naproxen sodium. These examples highlight how cellulose-based systems can be engineered for site-selective delivery, sustained release, and multi-stimuli responsiveness. In this review, we summarize the structural features of cellulose derivatives and nanocellulose, discuss the design principles and release mechanisms of representative delivery platforms, and outline current challenges in manufacturability, safety evaluation, and clinical translation. Full article

In this work, we report the fabrication and characterization of single-film and double-film composite epitaxial garnet structures based on single-crystalline films (SCFs) and bulk single-crystal (SC) scintillators for enhanced α–γ discrimination in mixed radiation fields. These composite scintillators consist of TbAG:Ce and YAG:Ce SCFs grown by liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) on Czochralski-grown Gd₃Ga_2.5Al_2.5O₁₂ (GAGG:Ce) bulk SC substrates. Single- and double-film architectures were designed to optimize the energy absorption and pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) performance for low-penetrating α-particles and high-energy γ-rays. Energy calibration was performed using different γ-ray sources (⁵⁷Co, ⁵¹Cr, and ¹³⁷Cs), enabling the conversion of detector signals to a calibrated electron-equivalent energy scale (keVee). Integration gates were systematically optimized, yielding maximum figures of merit (FOM) of 1.4 for the GAGG:Ce SC substrate, 1.9 for the single-film composite, and 5.0 for the double-film composite, demonstrating a progressive improvement in α–γ discrimination with increasing structural complexity. Two-dimensional PSD density maps reveal well-separated α and γ events, with the highest separation observed for the double-film composite. These results indicate that the engineering of LPE-grown composites provides tunable scintillation decay profiles, enhanced temporal separation, and increased light yields, making them promising candidates for applications such as mixed radiation field detection, dosimetry, and radiation monitoring. Full article

This study evaluates the corrosion evolution of N80 steel in H₂S/CO₂ environments simulating Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage-Enhanced Gas Recovery (CCUS-EGR) processes. High-pressure autoclave experiments were conducted to analyze the impacts of CO₂/H₂S partial pressure ratios (2.9–67.4), temperature (40–80 °C), and flow rate. Grey relational analysis indicates that the CO₂/H₂S partial pressure ratio dominates uniform corrosion (γ = 0.880), while flow rate and temperature primarily govern pitting behavior (γ > 0.85). Increasing the ratio from 2.9 (H₂S-dominated) to 67.4 (CO₂-dominated) doubled the uniform corrosion rate to 1.042 mm/y but reduced pitting by 46%. Mechanistically, the semiconductor conductivity of FeS (∼10⁻¹ S/cm) drives deep pitting via “large cathode–small anode” galvanic effects. Additionally, fluid shear stress selectively erodes porous FeCO₃, enriching surface FeS and creating differential corrosion patterns. A comprehensive evolution model describing the transition from a H₂S-dominated regime to mixed control and finally to a CO₂-dominated regime is established, providing a theoretical foundation for wellbore integrity management throughout the CCUS-EGR lifecycle. Full article

The article discusses the contexts and frames of presenting the film Pilate and Others directed by Andrzej Wajda by introducing intermedia tools for analysis and interpretation, especially its symbolic overtones. In Mieke Bal’s theoretical perspective, mise-en-scène is comprehended as a theatrical metaphor describing the staging of a visual narrative in between the contexts. The focus shifts from the contexts of Wajda’s film to the visuals that open the flashback and futuroscope, which accompany and interweave the main narrative. With the figure of “transposition” in mind, our concern is to analyze the literary and cultural contexts in the new staging of the urban environment. The main plot focuses on the martyrdom of Yeshua Ha-Nocri expressed in an allegorizing manner. Full article

This work focused on synthesizing MgSiO₃ (0%Mo@MgSi), 2.5%MoO3@MgSiO₃ (2.5%Mo@MgSi), 5%MoO₃@MgSiO₃ (5%Mo@MgSi), and 10%MoO₃@MgSiO₃ (10%Mo@MgSi) by a single-step process utilizing butylated hydroxytoluene (BYHT) as a novel capping agent. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized nanohybrids indicated amorphous nanohybrids, while the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results illustrated variations in the MoO₃ doping dosages. The 0%Mo@MgSi, 2.5%Mo@MgSi, 5%Mo@MgSi, and 10%Mo@MgSi nanohybrids exhibited average sizes of 17.6, 12.2, 11.7, and 9.9 nm, respectively, and surface areas of 43.53, 40.95, 42.17, and 44.98 m²·g⁻¹, respectively. The examination of 0%Mo@MgSi, 2.5%Mo@MgSi, 5%Mo@MgSi, and 10%Mo@MgSi nanohybrids toward the oxytetracycline (OTC) sorption resulted in q_t values of 72.89, 116.89, 98.39, and 78.46 mg·g⁻¹, respectively. The OTC sorption onto the 0%Mo@MgSi, 2.5%Mo@MgSi, 5%Mo@MgSi, and 10%Mo@MgSi aligned with the nonlinear pseudo-second order model, and both the intraparticle and liquid-film diffusion models co-influenced the OTC sorption onto the four nanohybrids. Increasing the temperature decreased OTC sorption on 2.5%Mo@MgSi, indicating exothermic sorption. The Langmuir isotherm model was more suitable than the Freundlich model for describing OTC adsorption on 2.5%Mo@MgSi. The Dubinin–Radushkevich energy (E_D ≤ 8.0 kJ·mol⁻¹) and the Gibbs free energy (ΔG° ≤ 20 kJ·mol⁻¹) supported each other’s outcomes about the OTC removal onto 2.5%Mo@MgSi being via physisorption. The ΔG° values increased proportionally with temperature, indicating that OTC sorption becomes more spontaneous as temperature decreases. Moreover, the 2.5%Mo@MgSi exhibited excellent stability in OTC elimination up to the third cycle. Full article

The severe performance degradation of lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures limits their applications in extreme environments. Herein, we report the development of a low-temperature-capable 2.5 Ah 18650 cylindrical battery employing a LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ cathode with optimized conductive additive formulations. The ternary conductive architecture is rationally designed based on dimensional complementarity: a zero-dimensional Super P (SP) nanoparticle ensures percolation through point-to-point contacts, a one-dimensional multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) establishes long-range electron highways via line-to-point bridging, and a two-dimensional graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) provides face-to-point encapsulation of active particles, mechanically buffering volume expansion and suppressing interfacial degradation. This hierarchical point–line–plane network generates redundant electron transport pathways while steric hindrance effects mitigate aggregation of each component. Through systematic comparative investigation of GNP/MWCNT/SP ternary and MWCNT/SP binary conductive systems, we elucidate the distinct roles of low-dimensional nanocarbons in electrochemical performance enhancement. Film resistivity measurements reveal that the ternary system achieves a 67% reduction in cathode resistivity (to 9.1 Ω·cm at 20 °C) compared to conventional SP (27.5 Ω·cm), outperforming previously reported binary nanocarbon systems for high-nickel cathodes (typically 40–55% reduction at comparable loadings). This enhancement is achieved at a constant total conductive additive loading of 2.5 wt%, demonstrating that dimensional optimization rather than quantity increase governs electrical transport properties. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that the fabricated 18650 cells deliver exceptional rate capability (10C continuous and 20C pulse discharge) and remarkable low-temperature performance (76.8% capacity retention at −40 °C under 1C). Notably, while both conductive formulations exhibit comparable rate performan ce and temperature adaptability, the ternary GNP/MWCNT/SP system demonstrates significant superiority in cycling stability, achieving 94.9% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at ambient temperature versus inferior retention for the binary counterpart. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses indicate reduced polarization and enhanced lithium-ion diffusion kinetics in the ternary system. This study establishes a high-performance low-temperature 18650 battery chemistry and provides quantitative mechanistic insights into how dimensional synergy in conductive additive design governs the rate capability, thermal behavior, and cycling stability of nickel-rich cathodes operating under extreme conditions. Full article

Cobalt/copper (Co/Cu) multilayers are prototypical systems for giant magnetoresistance (GMR)-based spintronic devices, where interfacial quality and spin-dependent scattering critically determine performance. In this work, Co/Cu multilayers were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on SITAL ceramics, Si(100), and BK7 substrates, with 10, 20, and 40 bilayer repetitions, in order to elucidate the interplay between microstructure, interfacial diffusion, and magnetotransport properties. Systematic characterization combining atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SIMS/SNMS depth profiling, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Hall effect measurements reveals that PLD enables controlled multilayer growth with low background roughness and well-defined periodic structures, despite the presence of characteristic particulates. A clear dependence of the GMR response on both bilayer number and substrate type is observed. Increasing the number of repetitions enhances spin-dependent scattering at Co/Cu interfaces, leading to a progressive increase in the magnetoresistance amplitude, reaching ~−14% for 40-period multilayers on SITAL substrates. This enhancement is attributed to the higher interface density and improved interfacial coherence, as confirmed by SIMS/SNMS analysis showing reduced interdiffusion in thicker stacks. In parallel, Hall effect measurements indicate a reduction in carrier density and an increase in carrier mobility with increasing multilayer thickness, consistent with improved charge transport stability. A pronounced substrate effect is demonstrated: SITAL-supported multilayers exhibit enhanced GMR sensitivity (up to ~44%·T⁻¹) due to increased diffuse spin-dependent scattering at rougher interfaces, whereas Si(100) substrates promote smoother growth, improved structural coherence, and more stable electronic transport. While sputtering typically enables smoother interfaces and higher GMR ratios, PLD offers enhanced flexibility in tailoring interfacial morphology and diffusion processes, which can lead to improved sensitivity under specific conditions. These results establish PLD as a versatile route for tailoring Co/Cu multilayers, enabling controlled optimization of the trade-off between sensitivity and structural quality for advanced spin-valve and magnetic sensor applications. Full article