Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) suffer from efficiency limitations due to interfacial charge recombination at the TiO₂/dye/electrolyte interface. In this study, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) was introduced onto nanoporous TiO₂ photoelectrodes via a dip-coating process with controlled coating times to investigate the effect of silanization time on interfacial charge transport behavior. Unlike concentration-driven structural modification, this work focuses on the evolution of the APS-modified interface governed by reaction time. The DSSC with 30 min APS treatment exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency of 5.34%, representing a 19% enhancement compared to the untreated device (4.49%), mainly due to increased short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage. However, prolonged coating times (2 h and 24 h) resulted in a significant decrease in photocurrent density, leading to reduced device performance despite partial improvement in recombination resistance. These results are attributed to the time-dependent evolution of the APS interfacial layer. At moderate coating time, APS provides effective surface functionalization, enhancing dye adsorption and suppressing interfacial recombination. In contrast, prolonged coating is expected to induce increased surface coverage and silane condensation, which can hinder electron injection and increase charge transport resistance. Therefore, the photovoltaic performance is governed by a trade-off between recombination suppression and charge injection efficiency, controlled by the silanization time. This study highlights the critical role of interfacial reaction kinetics in determining charge transport behavior and provides an effective strategy for optimizing DSSC performance through time-dependent interface engineering.
Dye adsorption is one of the most time-consuming processes in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), typically requiring approximately 24 h at room temperature. In this study, the effect of adsorption temperature and time on photovoltaic performance of DSSCs was investigated in order to reduce processing time and improve device productivity. Nanoporous TiO2 photoelectrodes were immersed in N719 dye solution at 60°C for 3 h, 10 h, 17 h, and 24 h, and their performance was compared with that of cells sensitized at room temperature for 24 h. Photovoltaic characterization under AM 1.5 illumination showed that DSSCs sensitized at 60°C exhibited improved performance compared to those sensitized at room temperature. The device sensitized at 60°C for 3 h showed comparable or higher conversion efficiency than the reference cell sensitized for 24 h at room temperature. The improvement in device performance is attributed to enhanced dye adsorption kinetics resulting from increased reaction rate between the carboxyl groups of N719 dye molecules and hydroxyl groups on the TiO2 surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed reduced recombination resistance at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface for cells sensitized at elevated temperature. UV–Vis absorption analysis confirmed increased dye loading on the TiO2 surface for the 60°C condition. These results demonstrate that elevated temperature dye adsorption significantly reduces processing time while maintaining photovoltaic performance, providing an effective strategy for improving manufacturing efficiency of DSSCs.
Polymer nanocomposites incorporating inorganic nanofillers have emerged as highly promising electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, combining mechanical compliance with robust conductive percolation networks. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are particularly attractive as conductive fillers because their high aspect ratio facilitates percolation at low loadings. Also, CNTs offer superior mechanical durability under deformation compared to rigid, fracture-prone metal nanowires. For EMI shielding, high electrical conductivity is critical as it enhances both reflection and absorption through efficient charge dissipation and conduction losses. However, achieving highly aligned conductive pathways without degrading the intrinsic electrical properties of CNTs remains a significant challenge. Here, we demonstrate a non-destructive magnetic surface-functionalization and alignment strategy. Using a polydopamine (PDA)-mediated route, pristine multiwalled CNTs are uniformly decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (FMWCNTs). This enables highly effective magnetic field-driven alignment at fields as low as 10 mT, promoting the strategic formation of percolation networks. By optimizing the Fe₃O₄/MWCNT ratio for high saturation magnetization and uniform coverage, the aligned FMWCNTs exhibit significant electrical anisotropy, delivering a 10.7-fold higher electrical conductivity in the parallel configuration compared to the vertical configuration. These findings present a scalable, room-temperature platform for engineering directionally enhanced conductivity in polymer nanocomposites, with broad applicability in advanced EMI shielding, flexible electronics, and advanced packaging technologies.
Breakdown strength is an essential parameter for evaluating the electrical performance and degradation behavior of cable insulation and IEC 60243 also emphasizes its importance for detecting changes in insulation characteristics due to aging. However, the current IEC standards are mainly limited to specifying electrode configurations and test voltage conditions for breakdown tests, while the influence of insulating oil, is not clearly addressed. In this study, the breakdown strength of a 66 kV wet-type submarine cable was experimentally evaluated using insulating oils with different kinematic viscosities of 10, 100, 500, and 1,000 cSt in order to achieve reliable and reproducible breakdown measurements. The experimental results show that the measured breakdown strength decreases by up to approximately 20% depending on the oil viscosity. This indicates that the viscosity of the insulating oil has a significant influence on the measured breakdown strength during breakdown test. Therefore, it is necessary to perform breakdown strength measurements under identical test conditions, including the physical properties of the insulating oil, to ensure reliable comparison and accurate assessment of insulation performance and degradation characteristics.
This study investigates the effect of mask material and thickness on the silicon etching profile using a high-density plasma (HDP) etching system, aiming to reduce optical loss in silicon-based optical waveguides. As the mask thickness increased, the etching sidewall angle became steeper. An etching profile angle of 87° was obtained when tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the mask material, while 80° was obtained for photoresist (PR). This is attributed to electron charging on the mask surface in the plasma. The charged mask modifies the distribution and strength of the electric field depending on its thickness, thereby affecting the trajectory of positive ions accelerated toward the substrate by the bias voltage. Furthermore, Plasma diagnostics using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and surface composition analysis using field emission Auger electron spectroscopy (FE-AES) revealed that changes in the mask material also alter the reaction pathways and formation characteristics of active species and silicon by-products in the plasma. These results suggest that the mask material influences the overall plasma characteristics, including electron density and ion energy, and plays a critical role in the precise control of silicon etching profiles for high-performance optical device fabrication.
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has attracted significant attention as a next-generation insulating material due to its ecofriendly nature and outstanding functionalities. However, conventional kraft insulation paper suffers from limited dielectric breakdown strength and long-term reliability under high-voltage conditions, highlighting the need for alternative materials. In this study, kraft pulp was combined with five types of CNFs (A, B, C: wood-based / D, E: non-wood-based) to fabricate composite insulation papers, and their electrical and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. The results showed that CNF incorporation generally enhanced density and tensile strength, while certain types contributed to lowering dielectric constant and improving breakdown strength. Among the wood-based CNFs, type C exhibited the most balanced performance in terms of dielectric stability and mechanical reinforcement. Among the non-wood-based CNFs, type E demonstrated notable improvements in structural compactness and tensile strength, suggesting favorable reliability. Therefore, this study identifies CNF C among wood-based types and CNF E among non-wood-based types as the most promising candidates for insulation performance enhancement, suggesting their applicability as next-generation insulating materials for power equipment and ecofriendly electronic devices.
Humidity monitoring of exhaled breath has emerged as a vital approach for noninvasive respiratory health assessment, underscoring the need for sensitive and reliable humidity sensors. Despite its high conductivity and hydrophilic functional groups, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) often undergoes irreversible moisture adsorption and gradual oxidation by residual water, resulting in sensitivity degradation and long-term instability during cycling. In this study, a montmorillonite/reduced graphene oxide (MMT/rGO) composite is developed as a room-temperature humidity-sensing material, exhibiting an optimized response of 115%, more than 14 times higher than that of pristine rGO. This superior performance originates from the synergistic interaction between the reversible MMT swelling and the conductive rGO network near the electrical percolation transition, which ensures excellent stability and repeatability under repeated humidity cycles. These findings suggest that the MMT/rGO composite provides a cost-effective and biocompatible platform for next-generation wearable humidity sensors capable of continuous respiratory monitoring.
Silicon carbide (SiC), with its wide bandgap and strong resistance to radiation and thermal conditions, is a promising material for ultraviolet (UV) photodetector applications under harsh environments. In this study, porous SiC thin films with thicknesses of 20, 50, and 80 nm were fabricated on 4H-SiC substrates using aerosol deposition (AD), which enables roomtemperature film formation. The device with a 50 nm-thick film exhibited the highest photoresponse under UV-C illumination (260 nm), achieving a maximum photo-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) of 205.2, a responsivity of 0.058 A/W, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 27.71%, and a specific detectivity (D*) of 7.9×1011 Jones. These results are attributed to an optimized balance between photon absorption and carrier transport in the porous structure. The findings confirm the potential of ADfabricated porous SiC films for highly sensitive and scalable UV photodetector applications.
Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted attention as new display materials due to their excellent optical properties, but their application is limited by the complexity of conventional synthesis methods and the film formation processes. As an alternative, color conversion film fabricated via the aerosol deposition (AD) process using CsPbBr₃/Al₂O₃ powder, a ceramic matrix-based MHP composite, has expanded the practical utility of MHPs by simplifying both the synthesis and film formation steps. Nevertheless, the hammering effect that occurs during the AD process can damage the MHP crystal structure, leading to degradation of its optical properties. Therefore, in this study, to overcome the problem of optical degradation, we compared the structural and photoluminescence (PL) properties of films fabricated by adding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material with a buffering effect, to the CsPbBr₃/Al₂O₃ starting powder at mass ratios of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% to mitigate the hammering effect. The film containing 1 wt% PTFE exhibited the highest PL performance, achieving a luminous efficiency of 52.1 lm/W. This improvement is attributed to PTFE providing an optimal buffering effect without forming aggregates on the film surface. These results further enhance the applicability of AD-based color conversion films and are expected to contribute to the development of high-resolution display technologies.
Rietveld refinement has become an essential tool for the quantitative analysis of crystal structures in polycrystalline systems using X-ray diffraction data. This tutorial paper focuses on the background, case studies, and practical implementation of Rietveld refinement using the open-source software PROFEX. Key structural parameters, such as lattice constants and phase fractions, can be quantitatively extracted through full-pattern fitting. Case studies involving compositional variation, electric fields, temperature changes, and battery cycling demonstrate the broad applicability of Rietveld refinement in materials science, energy storage, and catalysis. A step-by-step procedure for performing Rietveld refinement is presented using Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3 perovskite ceramic as an example, providing guidance on software installation, preparing crystal structure information files, performing Rietveld refinement, evaluating results using R-factor and χ² values, and summarizing the results. This tutorial aims to improve understanding and accessibility of Rietveld refinement for researchers seeking to investigate structure-property relationships in complex material systems.
The continuous and long-lasting monitoring of physiological signals induced from the human body is crucial for health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and treatment. In this study, we have reported the Seebeck effect-based flexible selfpowered temperature sensor which can convert the electric signals from lateral temperature difference. For demonstrating temperature sensor arrays, the p-type thermoelectric (TE) composite films were fabricated by dispersing the Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (BST) powders inside poly-vinylidene fluoride matrix and subsequently attached to the patterned electrode foils. The inorganic BST powders-embedded TE composite films with activated area of 0.5 × 1 cm² harvest a maximum voltage of 1.7 mV, a maximum current of 5.6 mA, and an output power of 2.6 nW from the temperature gradient (ΔT) of 20 K. Finally, the fabricated selfpowered temperature sensor array well detected the pattern images of external thermal source of ΔT = 20 K. This study manifests flexible temperature sensor array which paves the way for further advancements in this field.
This study explores the realization of high-efficiency white LED lighting by applying cyan-emitting quantum dot (CQD) and red-emitting quantum dot (R-QD) deposition without any host matrix onto a yellow-emitting phosphor-in-glass (YPIG) substrate using an aerosol-assisted deposition (AAD) process. The AAD process facilitates the direct formation of densely packed QD-deposited layers on the substrate, effectively addressing challenges such as optical efficiency loss and degradation typically associated with organic host matrices. C-QD and R-QD coatings, deposited with thicknesses of 0.84 μm and 0.77 μm on the upper and lower Y-PIG substrate, exhibited robust color conversion properties. These films achieved a luminous efficacy of 77 lm/W and a high color rendering index (CRI) of 96.8 under blue light excitation. The dual-layer structure produced highquality light closely resembling natural daylight, as confirmed through real image. Consequently, the research suggests the potential of AAD-based QD deposition to achieve superior performance without relying on host matrices, offering a viable solution for high-efficiency lighting applications. Further optimization of deposition parameters and exploration of diverse substrates and QD material combinations are expected to expand the applicability of this technique in future research.
In this study, Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics substituted with Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3 were fabricated with the variation of CuO for application to ultrasonic cleaning of removable orthodontic appliances (ROA). And their piezoelectric and dielectric properties were investigated. At the 0.12 wt% CuO added ceramics sintered at 930℃, the excellent values of dielectric constant=2,519, density=7.82 g/㎤, kp=0.64, d33=536 pC/N, Qm=57 were obtained, respectively. These values were suitable for application to ultrasonic cleaning of ROA.
The search for sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies is becoming increasingly critical in response to global energy and environmental challenges. Traditional lead-based piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), have high piezoelectric constant but present significant health problems and environmental risks due to their hazardous metal contaminants. This study addresses these concerns by investigating barium titanate (BTO), a lead-free alternative, and enhancing its performance using anisotropic nanowires (NWs) structures. BTO NWs were synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method and incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] matrix to fabricate a piezoelectric composite film. The resulting device demonstrated a notable increase in electrical output compared to devices based on isotropic morphology of BTO nanoparticles, exhibiting enhanced performance. These findings suggest that BTO NWs hold significant promise for applications in flexible and wearable electronics, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable energy technology.
As the operating environment in semiconductor processes becomes demanding, research is being conducted to manufacture dense alumina substrates without defects after sintering to ensure high durability of electrostatic chucks, which are critical components in semiconductor equipment. Therefore, in this study, in order to manufacture green sheets with a high filling ratio for implementing a high-density substrate, alumina powders with average particle sizes of 2.07 μm (L) and 0.37 μm (S) were mixed in ratios of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4, respectively, and green sheets were manufactured and the filling ratio and sintering behavior were observed. Green sheets were fabricated by preparing a slurry using organic materials in Al2O3 powders of different particle sizes. The packing density of the green sheet mixed with L and S alumina powders with different average particle sizes in a ratio of 7:3 before and after binder burn-out showed the highest values of 3.19 g/cm3 and 2.87 g/cm3, respectively. As a result of observing the sintered density based on the mixing ratio of alumina powders revealed that the alumina sheet mixed at a 6:4 ratio of L and S powders, sintered at 1,700℃, exhibited the best sintering characteristics with a density of 3.96 g/cm³.
Quantum computing is set to transform the field of materials science, offering computational methods that could far surpass conventional approaches for tackling intricate material design challenges. This review introduces the foundational principles of rapidly growing quantum computing and its application trends in the design and analysis of nanomaterials. We explain how quantum speedup, achieved through quantum algorithms utilizing qubit superposition and entanglement, is applied to material design. Additionally, the principles and research trends of quantum variational methods, including the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), which has recently gained attention as a quantum algorithm simulation technique, will be discussed. By combining new techniques based on quantum algorithms with the quantum speed-up, the quantum computing is expected to offer new insights into data-intensive materials research and provide innovative methodologies for the development of new functional materials. With the advancement of quantum algorithms, the field of materials science could enter a new era, enabling more precise and efficient approaches in materials design and functional analysis.
We investigated the potential of IO:H thin films and hydrogen doping to improve current density and fill factor for enhancing the performance of silicon heterojunction solar cells. We revealed that a transmittance of 86.7% and work function of 5.4 eV could be achieved by injecting 3 sccm of hydrogen gas. The lattice constant of 1.037 nm at the AB site indicates an anion antibonding tendency, and the work function increases as the Fermi level shifts to the valence band. Based on these findings, we fabricated a silicon heterojunction solar cell and achieved an efficiency of 18.53%, while computer simulation confirmed a conversion efficiency of 24.65%, an open-circuit voltage of 724 mV, and a fill factor of 82.72% at a current density of 41.15 mA/㎠.
Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) provide a high level of security for private keys using unique physical characteristics of hardware. However, fabricating PUF chips requires numerous semiconductor processes, leading to high costs, which limits their applications. In this work, we introduce a low-cost manufacturing method for PUF security chips. First, surface roughening through wet-etching is utilized to create random variables. Additionally, physical vapor deposition is added to further enhance randomness. After PUF chip fabrication, both Hamming distance (HD) and Hamming weight (HW) are extracted and compared to verify the fabricated chip. It is confirmed that the PUF chip using two different multiple process variables demonstrates superior uniqueness and uniformity compared to the PUF security chip fabricated using only a single process variable.
The possibility of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) submodule was evaluated as an independent power source that can drive a smart liquid crystal window (SLW) that selectively blocks sunlight when electricity is applied. In order to save energy and increase the functionality of buildings, SLW operation was supplied directly from DSSC submodule, rather than connecting to the existing power system and external power sources. It was confirmed that the SLW can control light transmittance through self-generation using the DSSC submodule composed of 6 cells at low light of 2,500 lux. These results imply that there is a high possibility of combining smart windows and DSSCs suitable for window-type building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. DSSCs, which can self-generate power in low light, are expected to increase their usability in urban BIPV systems through combination with smart window technology.
In line with the development of electronic devices and technologies, the demand for improving ferroelectric materials’ performance is increasing. Since K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN), an eco-friendly ferroelectric material that does not use lead and has a high Curie temperature, it is attracting attention to its usability as a high-temperature dielectric, and various studies are being conducted to increase performance. In a KNN having a perovskite structure, there was a simulation result that the KNN has higher spontaneous polarization when the A-site in which sodium ions exist is replaced with lithium ions. If the simulation results can be proven experimentally, the application range of KNN-based ferroelectric materials will increase. To this end, we tried to manufacture a K1-xLixNbO3 (KLN) with high electrical characteristics by fabricating niobium-deficient and potassium-excessive compositions, which attempt was made to solve the stoichiometry problem by volatilization and suppress secondary phases. If KLN’s secondary phase suppression and relative permittivity improvement are successful, it will contribute to meeting the demand for developing electronic devices.
The Microplotter system with a fluid dispensing method, sprays fluid based on ultrasonic pumping through piezoelectric devices. This technique can possible for various materials with a wide range of viscosities to be printed in microscale. In this paper, we introduces dispenser printing technology as well as aim to understand and apply various processes using the equipment. In addition, we will explain how to optimize the equipment by adjusting parameters such as spray intensity, tip height during printing, and patterning speed. By utilizing Microplotter’s advantage of being compatible with a wide range of fluids, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, DNA, and proteins, it is expected to be used in various fields such as printed electronics, biotechnology, and chemical engineering.
The expansion of lithium-ion battery usage beyond portable electronic devices to electric vehicles and energy storage systems is driven by their high energy density and favorable cycle characteristics. Enhancing the stability and performance of these batteries involves exploring solid electrolytes as alternatives to liquid ones. While sulfide-based solid electrolytes have received significant attention for commercialization, research on amorphous-phase glass solid electrolytes in oxide-based systems remains limited. Here, we investigate the glass transition temperatures and sintering behaviors by changing the molecular ratio of Li2O/B2O3 in borate glass comprising Li2O-B2O3-Al2O3 system. The glass transition temperature is decreasing as increasing the amount of Li2O. When we sintered at 450℃, just above the glass transition temperature, the samples did not consolidate well, while the proper sintered samples could be obtained under the higher temperature. We successfully obtained the borate glass ceramics phases by melt-quenching method, and the sintering characteristics are investigated. Future studies could explore optimizing ion conductivity through refining processing conditions, adjusting the glass former-to-modifier ratio, and incorporating additional Li salt to enhance the ionic conductivity.
Piezoelectric ceramics play an important role in various electronic applications. However, traditional ceramics are difficult to be used in some complicated structures, due to their low flexibility and high brittleness. To solve this problem, this study prepared and investigated ceramic/polymer composites that can utilize a good flexibility of polymers. Polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) and 0.77(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-0.23SrTiO3 (BNST23) ceramics were selected to fabricate the composites. Ceramic/polymer composites were prepared using various volume fractions of BNST23 ceramics. The distribution of piezoceramic particles in BNST23/PVDF-TrFE composites was investigated using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the composites were significantly influenced by the volume fraction of the piezoelectric ceramics. As a result, the highest piezoelectric constant (d33) of 56 pC/N was obtained in a composites with 70% volume fraction of BNST23 ceramics. Accordingly, it is expected that BNST23/PVDF-TrFE composites can be applied to various sensor applications.
The low-temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is a crucial factor in the development of space-grade resistors for temperature stability. Consequently, extensive research is underway to achieve zero TCR. In this study, resistors were deposited by co-sputtering nickel-chromium-based composite compositions, metals showing positive TCR, with SiO2, introducing negative TCR components. It was observed that achieving zero TCR is feasible by adjusting the proportion of negative TCR components in the deposited thin film resistors within certain compositions. Additionally, the correlation between TCR and deposition conditions, such as sputtering power, Ar pressure, and surface roughness, was investigated. We anticipate that these findings will contribute to the study of resistors with very low TCR, thereby enhancing the reliability of space-level resistors operating under high temperatures.
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) holds significant scientific and technological relevance as a key photocatalyst and resistive random-access memory, demonstrating unique physicochemical properties and serving as an n-type semiconductor. Understanding the density and arrangement of oxygen vacancies (VOs) is crucial for tailoring TiO₂’s properties to diverse technological needs, driving increased interest in exploring oxygen vacancy complexes and superstructures. In this mini review, we summarize the recent understandings of the fundamental properties of oxygen vacancies in bulk rutile (R-TiO₂) and anatase (A-TiO₂) based on DFT and beyond method. We specifically focus on the excess electrons and their spatial arrangement of disordered single VO in bulk R and A-TiO₂, aligned with the experimental findings. We also highlight the theoretical works on investigating the geometries and stabilities of ordered VOs complexes in bulk TiO₂. This comprehensive review provides insights into the fundamental properties of excess electrons in reduced TiO₂, offering valuable perspectives for future research and technological advancements in TiO₂-based devices.
Currently, the most developed new energy source is solar energy. Because solar power is installed outside, it is exposed to many pollutants. Pollutants are causing the characteristics of solar energy to deteriorate. Therefore, this study aims to develop a water-repellent coating to prevent contamination of solar modules. Silica and Titania materials are mainly used as water-repellent coating materials. In this study, it was based on silica and the contact angle characteristics were measured according to the change in the amount of silica and ammonia water added and the number of coatings. As a result of the measurement, it was confirmed that the contact angle was more than 60 degrees when 0.5 mol of TEOS was added to 50 mL and 0.15 M when 1 mL of ammonia water was added to 296.47 ml of distilled water. And it was confirmed that the contact angle improved when the number of coatings was applied twice. A water-repellent coating material was applied to low iron tempered glass used to protect dye-sensitized solar cell modules. The characteristics of the module were measured after spraying DI-Water on low-emission tempered glass with a water-repellent coating. As a result of the measurement, the efficiency of the module without application, the efficiency of the module coated once, and the module coated twice were 4.87%, 4.90%, and 4.91%, respectively. It was confirmed that the efficiency of the module increased by applying water-repellent coating. As a result of this study, it is determined that the water-repellent coating material will help improve solar power generation efficiency and lifespan by being self-cleaning and non-reflective.
Dielectric ceramic capacitors present high output power density due to the fast energy charge and discharge nature of dielectric polarization. By forming dense ceramic films with nano-grains through the Aerosol Deposition (AD) process, dielectric ceramic capacitors can have high dielectric breakdown strength, high energy storage density, and leading to high power density. Dielectric capacitors fabricated by AD process are expected to meet the increasing demand in applications that require not only high energy density but also high power output in a short time. This article reviews the recent progress on the dielectric ceramic capacitors with improved energy storage properties through AD process, including energy storage capacitors based on both leadbased and lead-free dielectric ceramics.
In this study, the praseodymium-doped yttrium phosphate (YPO4:Pr3+) powder, which is well known for its high luminescent efficiency, and long life in the UV range, was synthesized with various content ratios of Pr6O11 and calcination temperature. Crystal structure and luminescent properties of various phosphor powders based on different concentrations and calcination conditions were characterized by XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and PL (photoluminescence) spectrometers. From the XRD analysis, the structure of YPO4:Pr3+ which is calcinated at 1,200℃ was stable tetragonal phase and crystal size was calculated about 25 nm by Scherrer equation. PL emission of YPO4:Pr3+ with a different content ratio of Pr6O11 by excitation λexc=250 nm shows that 0.75 mol% phosphor powder has maximum PL intensity and PL decreases with the increase of the ratio of Pr6O11 up to 1.25 mol% which is caused by changes of crystallinity of phosphor powders. With increasing dopant ratio, photoluminescence Emission decreases due to Concentration quenching, which is commonly observed in phosphors. Currently, 0.75 mol% is considered the optimal doping concentration. A hybrid ultraviolet-emitting device incorporating YPO4:Pr3+ fluorescent material with plasma discharge was fabricated to enhance UV germicidal effects while minimizing ozone generation. UV emission from the plasma discharge device was shown at about 200 nm and 350 nm which caused additional emission of the regions of 250 nm, 315 nm, and 370 nm from the YPO4:Pr3+ phosphor.
The Internet of Things (IoT) device is a key component for Industry 4.0, which is the network in homes, factories, buildings, and infrastructures to monitor and control the systems. To demonstrate the IoT network, batteries are widely utilized as power sources, and the batteries inevitably require repeated replacement due to their limited capacity. Magneto-mechanoelectric (MME) generators are one of the candidate to develop self-powered IoT systems since MME generators can harvest electricity from stray alternating current (AC) magnetic fields arising from electric power cables. Herein, we report a magnetomechano- triboelectric generator enabled by a ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite. In the triboelectric nylon matrix, a ferromagnetic carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was introduced to induce magnetic force near the AC magnetic field for MME harvesting. Additionally, a ferroelectric ceramic powder was also added to the MME composite material to enhance the chargetrapping capability during triboelectric harvesting. The final ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite-based MME triboelectric harvester can generate an open-circuit voltage and a short-circuit current of 110 V and 8 μA, respectively, which were enough to turn on a light emitting diode (LED) and charge a capacitor. These results verify the feasibility of the MME triboelectric generator for not only harvesting electricity from an AC magnetic field but also for various self-powered IoT applications.
This paper presents the development and market trends of nano biosensors. These biosensors must possess high sensitivity and selectivity to effectively detect diseases. Presently, many research groups are focusing on the field-effect transistor aspect of nano biosensors, which can identify diseases such as Down syndrome, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and numerous other cancers, utilizing graphene and transition metal dichalcogenide materials. In the case of in-vitro diagnostics, the use of nano biosensors has been rapidly growing since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper also discusses market trends and the outlook for both national and international enterprises engaged in the nano biosensor field. Nano biosensors are expected to play a beneficial and significant role soon, contributing to the early diagnosis of diseases and subsequently improving patient outcomes.