Search Results (1,502)

To realize self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors with high stability, high efficiency, and low cost, a self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type hybrid UV photodetector was constructed based on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/Ga₂O₃ organic–inorganic heterojunction. The PEDOT:PSS layer serves not only as a p-type hole transport layer but also as an interface modification layer to modulate charge separation and surface recombination in Ga₂O₃. As the spin-coating speed decreases, the PEDOT:PSS film thickness increases monotonically from 33.27 to 44.18 nm. Thicker films develop a more continuous conductive network, which favors hole transport. However, additional insulating PSS lamellae also accumulate in the vertical direction, creating a higher out-of-plane transport barrier that counteracts this improvement. The device with an intermediate film thickness of 36.50 nm achieves the optimal balance between these two competing factors, delivering a responsivity of 20.6 mA/W and a specific detectivity of 1.36 × 10¹⁰ Jones under 267 nm illumination at zero bias, along with a high UV/visible rejection ratio of 3.18 × 10⁵ and fast rise/decay times of 26/10 ms. This work provides a facile interface engineering strategy for low-cost, high-performance self-powered solar-blind UV photodetectors. Full article

Organic thin-film transistors based on dinaphtho[2,3-b:2′,3′-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) are attractive for low-cost, large-area electronics, but in unencapsulated devices, atmospheric oxidation generates charge traps whose electronic character—which product traps holes and which traps electrons—has not been mapped systematically. Here, 39 oxygen- and hydroxyl-related defect identities of DNTT are screened with the semi-empirical GFN2-xTB method, complemented by an a priori frontier reactivity index, and classified by the sign of the frontier-level shift. This sign obeys a simple rule: a net $\pi$-donating hydroxyl raises the HOMO and yields a hole trap, whereas a net $\pi$-accepting carbonyl or quinone lowers the frontier levels and yields a deep electron trap. Hybrid density-functional theory (B3LYP/def2-TZVP) confirms the sign rule and the ordering of the shifts across all closed-shell defect classes. The rule provides a compact, defect-level rationalisation of the well-known asymmetry whereby p-type acenes tolerate air far better than n-type ones. Finally, a hole trap of about 0.255 eV, measured by deep-level transient Fourier spectroscopy, is shown to be consistent with a hydroxyl-related origin, without claiming a unique microscopic assignment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Innovative topical delivery systems are needed to improve the stability, loading capacity, and performance of poorly water-soluble bioactive compounds. TransfersomILs, hybrid nanosystems combining transfersomes with ionic liquids (ILs), represent a promising strategy for this purpose. This work assessed the effect of incorporating cholinium-based ILs into transfersomal formulations loaded with hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs)—ferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. Methods: TransfersomILs were prepared by the thin-film hydration method followed by sonication, with or without HCA incorporation. Formulations were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties, storage stability and impact on keratinocyte viability. In vitro release, permeation, and occlusion studies were also performed. Results: IL incorporation significantly improved formulation performance. TransfersomILs showed smaller vesicle sizes and more negative zeta potential values than conventional transfersomes, indicating improved physicochemical characteristics. ILs also increased association efficiency and loading capacity for all HCAs, although the magnitude depended on both the IL and the compound. Release profiles were compound-dependent, reflecting distinct release kinetics due to variable HCA–IL–membrane interactions. Permeation studies showed enhanced HCA flux across both silastic and human epidermal membranes compared with aqueous solutions and/or conventional transfersomes, with [Cho][Gly] generally showing superior performance. All formulations demonstrated acceptable cytocompatibility and occlusive properties. Conclusions: The combination of transfersomes and cholinium-based ILs demonstrated a synergistic effect, highlighting transfersomILs as a versatile platform for improving the topical delivery of HCAs. Full article

The development of flexible thin-film transistors (TFTs) is crucial for the advancement of wearable electronics, bendable displays, and the Internet of Things (IoT). A key challenge in this field is the fabrication of high-performance gate dielectric layers that combine excellent electrical properties with mechanical robustness and low-temperature processability. In this work, we report flexible TFTs based on CdS and hybrid PVPh/PMMA-ZrO₂ as semiconductor and gate dielectric layers, respectively. The hybrid gate dielectric films were deposited on flexible PEN substrates via a facile spin-coating process at a low temperature of 150 °C. On the other hand, CdS layers were deposited through photo-assisted chemical bath deposition at room temperature. Both correspond to deposition methods in solutions, fulfilling the low-temperature condition. The electrical properties of the hybrid gate dielectric layers were characterized by using metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors, which presented excellent insulating properties, low leakage current density and suitable gate capacitance for transistor operation. From the analysis of the electrical response of flexible TFTs, reliable device characteristics and key electrical metrics were extracted. Furthermore, the MIM and TFTs were tested under mechanical bending, demonstrating stable performance. The MIM capacitors showed outstanding mechanical stability, retaining low leakage and stable capacitance after 1000 bending cycles, with changes attributed to reversible interfacial charge redistribution rather than bulk degradation. Meanwhile the TFTs kept full electrical functionality under repeated bending and tight bending radii (down to 0.6 cm), demonstrating reasonable mechanical durability. These results validate the solution-processed PVPh/PMMA-ZrO₂/CdS system as a promising, mechanically robust platform for flexible electronics. Full article

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion is a promising approach for solar-to-chemical fuel production, but its practical performance is limited by insufficient visible-light utilization and charge-carrier recombination. Here, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-centered TiO₂ hybrid electrodes were prepared by electropolymerizing PEDOT on FTO substrates, followed by electrochemical doping/dedoping treatment and coating with commercial TiO₂ as a model oxide semiconductor. SEM, EDS, and LIBS analyses confirmed the successful deposition of TiO₂ onto PEDOT-based films. Four-probe measurements showed that electrochemical doping reduced the apparent resistance of PEDOT-based electrodes, while UV–vis spectroscopy revealed enhanced long-wavelength absorption for doped PEDOT-containing films. PEC measurements using TiO₂, PEDOT, and TiO₂–PEDOT electrodes showed that PEDOT-containing electrodes exhibited much stronger photoresponses than commercial TiO₂ alone under both HER- and OER-relevant conditions. The TiO₂–PEDOT electrode showed stable photocurrent responses under chopped illumination and retained photoresponse under illumination transmitted through a 410 nm UV-cut filter, supporting the primary role of PEDOT in visible-light utilization. Long-term chronoamperometry further showed that TiO₂–PEDOT retained approximately 99.0% of its cathodic current under HER-relevant conditions and 91.9% of its anodic current under OER-relevant conditions after 5200 s of continuous illumination. The improved response of TiO₂–PEDOT compared with PEDOT alone suggests that TiO₂/PEDOT physical contact may assist interfacial charge separation and transport. These findings demonstrate that PEDOT-centered metal oxide/conducting polymer hybrids provide a useful model platform for visible-light-responsive PEC energy-conversion applications. Full article

To advance the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality alongside the global energy transition, energy conservation and carbon reduction in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems have garnered widespread attention. Dew-point evaporative cooling (DPEC) represents a promising energy-efficient cooling technology, whose performance is strongly governed by the water supply strategy. This study presents a systematic comparison of falling-film and atomization water supply modes on a counter-flow DPEC test bench featuring 3D-printed palm fiber filament walls. Experiments were conducted over inlet air temperatures of 32–50 °C, velocities of 1.3–4.0 m/s, and a range of water supply temperatures. The results demonstrate that the falling-film mode yields 15–25% higher dew-point efficiency than the atomization mode under baseline operating conditions. Water supply temperature (15–30 °C) exerts a negligible influence on falling-film cooling performance. The hybrid falling-film–atomization mode achieves the highest cooling capacity in the medium-to-low air velocity range, with a maximum wet-bulb efficiency of 1.15, while the falling-film mode yields the highest COP of up to 2.2. These findings offer experimental guidance for optimizing water supply strategies in fiber-wall DPEC systems. Full article

This paper reviews numerical modeling approaches for Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma actuators in aircraft active flow control. While extensive experimental studies exist, a dedicated review of computational methodologies—covering macroscopic, microscopic, and empirical models—has been absent. This work systematically evaluates major models (Shyy, Suzen–Huang, Dorr–Kloker, Roth, Orlov–Corke, Massines), discussing their formulations, assumptions, computational cost, and applicability. It synthesizes simulation studies in aerodynamic applications such as separation control, drag reduction, transition delay, film cooling, and compressor stability. Key findings show that macroscopic models offer a practical balance between accuracy and cost for design-oriented studies, whereas microscopic models provide deeper physical insight at higher expense. The review highlights the effectiveness of DBD actuators in modifying boundary layers, delaying stall, and improving aerodynamic efficiency. Finally, persistent challenges are identified—including energy efficiency, scalability, and model calibration and future directions are suggested, such as hybrid modeling, multi-actuator arrays, and real-time control integration. Full article

Flexible capacitive sensors for electronic skins and soft robotic systems are expected to provide not only high-pressure sensitivity but also multifunctional sensing capabilities. However, conventional dielectric layer designs often suffer from a trade-off among multiple functionalities. To address this challenge, we developed a flexible sensor featuring a hybrid microstructured functional layer for pressure sensing, distance monitoring, and material identification. The functional layer was a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film embedded with micro-sized sugar particles and patterned with microstructures on its surface. The pressure-sensing performance, such as pressing sensitivity, response time, and hysteresis, was first evaluated. The pressure sensitivity reached 3.55 × 10⁻² kPa⁻¹ at an applied force of 1 N, which is significantly greater than that of the sensor using either a flat PDMS layer or a PDMS film embedded solely with sugar particles. The hybrid microstructured sensor also exhibited superior performance in terms of hysteresis and repeatability. Moreover, the sensor was shown to measure the distance to an object with a sensitivity of 0.023 mm⁻¹. Furthermore, the robust identification of materials with different permittivities was demonstrated using the flexible sensor. Given its multifunctional, non-contact, and high-sensitivity capabilities, this flexible sensor holds significant potential for integration into advanced electronic skins, intelligent soft robotics for tactile object sorting, and human–-machine interfaces. Full article

This work presents the fabrication and characterization of biohybrid optoelectronic devices based on the integration of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and PEDOT:PSS on interdigitated electrodes (IDEs). A three-phase methodology was developed to systematically optimize the active layer. First, the effect of an electric field applied during PEDOT:PSS drying was investigated, identifying a drying voltage of 1.2 V as the optimum among the tested conditions, achieving a maximum responsivity of $(35.65\pm 1.36)$ mA/W, a minimum noise equivalent power of $(5.99\pm 0.13)\times {10}^{-10}$ W·H${\mathrm{z}}^{-1/2}$, and a maximum specific detectivity of $(3.55\pm 0.07)\times {10}^8$ cm H${\mathrm{z}}^{1/2}$${\mathrm{W}}^{-1}$. Second, the compatibility of a physiological buffer for bR stabilization was assessed, demonstrating that a 60% PEDOT:PSS/40% buffer composition preserved and further improved the optoelectronic performance of the polymer matrix. Finally, bacteriorhodopsin was incorporated into the optimized PEDOT:PSS/buffer formulation, yielding the hybrid bR_1.2V_60% device, which exhibited an on/off ratio of 2.45 at 0 V and a maximum responsivity of $(5.63\pm 0.76)$ mA/W under reverse bias. Morphological analysis suggested improved film homogeneity, together with a continuous polymer matrix containing dispersed crystalline buffer-salt inclusions. Dynamic measurements showed a stable and reversible short-term photoresponse over successive illumination cycles ($\Delta I_{\mathrm{ON}}=18.54\pm 0.17$$\mathsf{\mu }$A) with full baseline recovery. These results demonstrate a scalable strategy for the development of biohybrid photodetectors with potential for low-power and sustainable optoelectronic applications. Full article

Water-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques continue to attract interest because of their technical practicality and economic feasibility. Hybrid low-salinity surfactant flooding is a promising EOR strategy for carbonate reservoirs; however, the coupled effects of low-salinity brine, surfactant addition, wettability alteration, electrostatic modification, and capillary pressure reduction remain difficult to isolate. This study investigates hybrid low-salinity surfactant flooding in restored tight carbonate cores using integrated experimental measurements and core-scale numerical modeling. The experimental workflow included oil–water interfacial tension (IFT), zeta potential, contact angle measurements using a custom-designed HPHT imbibition cell, and reservoir-condition HPHT coreflooding under sequential and standalone injection schemes. The sequential flood evaluated the transition from seawater (SW) to 1%diluted seawater (1%dSW) and then to 1%dSW+A-1 surfactant, while standalone floods assessed the direct displacement performance of 1%dSW and 1%dSW+A-1. Dilution from SW to 1%dSW increased IFT from approximately 10.2 to 14.9 mN/m, indicating that the recovery improvement during 1%dSW injection was not caused by IFT reduction. Instead, zeta potential and contact angle results indicated progressive electrostatic modification and wettability alteration toward a less oil-wet state. The contact angle decreased from approximately 123° for SW to 101° for 1%dSW and further to 84° after A-1 addition. In contrast, 1%dSW+A-1 reduced IFT sharply to approximately 0.178 mN/m at 0.2 wt%, lowering the estimated capillary pressure magnitude and weakening capillary trapping. Sequential coreflooding showed that SW recovered 42.65% OOIP, followed by an additional 24.21% OOIP from 1%dSW and 9.11% OOIP from 1%dSW+A-1. Standalone 1%dSW and 1%dSW+A-1 recovered approximately 58.44% and 65.82% OOIP, respectively. Core-scale models reproduced the main recovery and pressure drop trends using zeta potential-guided relative permeability and capillary pressure functions supported by surface complexation modeling concepts. Overall, 1%dSW+A-1 improved oil displacement through a synergistic mechanism in which low-salinity brine stabilized the water film and altered wettability, while A-1 surfactant reduced IFT and weakened capillary trapping. The integrated experimental and modeling workflow provides a mechanistic basis for evaluating hybrid low-salinity surfactant flooding and for linking laboratory-measured interfacial properties to effective core-scale rock–fluid functions. Full article

Conventional polyolefin battery separators are limited by inherent deficiencies in thermal stability, electrolyte wettability, and environmental sustainability, which collectively hinder the advancement of high-energy-density energy storage systems. In this context, biomass macromolecular materials, including cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and lignin, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation separators owing to their environmental benefits, exceptional hydrophilicity, and superior thermal resistance. This review systematically evaluates the molecular characteristics of these three biomass systems, alongside core gel-state processing and network-forming processes such as electrospinning, solution casting, nonwoven technology, and hydrogel-assisted film formation. It further highlights their cutting-edge applications in lithium-ion, lithium–sulfur, zinc-ion, and solid-state batteries, emphasizing their behavior as polymer gel electrolytes and gel-derived structural matrices. To overcome key challenges associated with mechanical robustness, interfacial compatibility, and network uniformity, advanced modification strategies are critically discussed, including surface chemical functionalization, multicomponent hybrid composite formulation, and rational three-dimensional structural engineering. Overall, current research evidence demonstrates that rationally designed biomass-based gel networks and membranes can effectively suppress metal dendrite growth, immobilize soluble polysulfide intermediates via supramolecular interactions, and reduce interfacial impedance in solid-state systems, thereby offering a viable pathway toward safer, more sustainable, and commercially competitive high-energy-density batteries. Full article

Aluminum/magnesium (Al/Mg) hybrid structures are promising candidates for lightweight engineering, but reliable joining is still limited by brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs), oxide films, pores, cracks, and corrosion-related degradation. This review summarizes recent advances in Al/Mg dissimilar-metal joining, including solid-state welding, fusion welding, brazing, resistance-based joining, and mechanical joining. Emphasis is placed on process characteristics, interfacial reactions, defect formation, mechanical properties, service reliability, and simulation-assisted process understanding. The reviewed studies indicate that joint reliability cannot be interpreted solely from IMC thickness; phase type, continuity, spatial distribution, interfacial morphology, and involvement in the fracture path are also critical. Solid-state and high-speed impact processes can restrict continuous Al–Mg reaction layers by reducing thermal exposure and promoting plastic contact, whereas fusion-based processes provide greater manufacturing flexibility but require stricter control of molten-pool behavior, Mg evaporation, porosity, and interlayer stability. Recent numerical simulations and data-driven studies are further discussed as tools for mechanism-guided parameter design. This review provides an integrated comparison of joining routes and highlights future needs for standardized testing, fatigue and corrosion evaluation, thermal-cycling assessment, coupled service-performance analysis, and process selection for engineering applications. Full article

Mucosa can be found in the eyes, oral cavity, bladder, vagina, airways, and gastrointestinal tract. It is an attractive route of administration for systemic or topical delivery of therapeutics. However, the mucus layer acts as a protective barrier, limiting the amount of biomolecules that reach the underlying epithelium. Mucoadhesion, mucodiffusion, and mucolysis are well-established mucointeractive strategies that can improve therapeutic outcomes, but due to their individual limitations, the resulting delivery is often still unsatisfactory. In recent years, drug delivery systems have emerged that combine multiple mucointeractive strategies, which we define here as hybrid mucointeractive delivery systems. This work aims to provide a general overview of such drug delivery systems, which include particle-releasing macrostructures such as gels, foams, films, and fibers, as well as systems such as zeta potential-changing particles and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. Their potential, possible future, and limitations are discussed as well. Full article

Organic memristors are attractive building blocks for neuromorphic computing owing to their intrinsic synaptic functionalities and solution-processability. However, their operational instability remains a major challenge, primarily arising from poorly controlled semiconductor crystallization and stochastic conductive filament formation. Here, we report a high-performance solution-processed organic memristor based on a TIPS-pentacene/PMMA/CdSe-ZnS quantum-dot hybrid system, in which a dual-engineering strategy is employed to simultaneously regulate film crystallization and filament dynamics. Specifically, the PMMA matrix templates the molecular ordering of TIPS-pentacene to improve film uniformity and crystallinity, while CdSe/ZnS quantum dots locally modulate the electric field to direct and confine conductive filament formation. As a result, the device exhibits ultralow and highly uniform switching voltages (0.473 V for set and −0.430 V for reset), suppressed device-to-device variation, long retention exceeding 10⁴ s, and endurance over 1200 switching cycles. In addition, the memristor supports multilevel data storage and successfully emulates key synaptic functions, including long-term potentiation/depression, paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. This work provides a materials-level strategy for achieving reliable and low-power organic memristors, offering a viable route toward high-density nonvolatile memory and neuromorphic computing hardware. Full article

The global proliferation of microplastics demands sustainable remediation alternatives to energy-intensive conventional disposal methods, shifting research focus toward polymer-degrading microbial communities within the “plastisphere.” The primary objectives of this study are twofold: first, to systematically decode the sequential biophysical mechanisms underlying microplastic colonization and enzymatic degradation; and second, to establish an empirically validated, scalable treatment framework that employs both a novel biological isolate and a hybrid engineering architecture. Experimentally, we investigate the multi-stage colonization process and demonstrate that “Phase Zero” conditioning films modulate the surface zeta potential (ζ) to anchor pioneer r-strategists. To evaluate degradative efficacy under accelerated conditions without abiotic pretreatment, the newly isolated carp gut strain Hafnia paralvei UUNT_MP29 was exposed to pristine low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS). Over a 16-day biotic incubation period, structural and chemical alterations were distinctly polymer-specific: bacterial action on the polyolefin LDPE yielded a Carbonyl Index of 0.4594 and a 10.95 °C reduction in thermal stability (T_max), whereas the aromatic PS matrix exhibited a Carbonyl Index of 0.3235 alongside a 10.80 °C decrease in T_max, with both substrates showing intense surface pitting. To standardize these complex tracking metrics across the field, a universal four-pillar Biodegradability Index (BI) was formulated. Based on these findings, we recommend an immediate transition from passive waste containment to a closed-loop engineering approach. Specifically, we propose integrating an artificial intelligence (AI)-managed hybrid bioprocess configuration that couples Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) with Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs). This dual-stage configuration is recommended to overcome polyolefin crystallinity, accelerate stoichiometric mineralization, and actively mitigate additive-mediated toxicity at the industrial scale, providing a vital blueprint for the circular bio-economy. Full article