Electron最新文献

Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) hold promise as photocatalyst candidates for the remediation of toxic metal ions and organic pollutants. However, they often exhibit inferior removal and catalytic efficiency due to the rapid recombination of photoexcited electrons and holes. This review presents synthetic strategies for MOFs and MOF-based composites and elucidates the underlying mechanisms for the photocatalytic reduction of metal ions and degradation of organic pollutants. Furthermore, this review highlights the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives of MOFs and MOF composite photocatalysts, aiming to design more innovative MOF-based photocatalytic systems using green and sustainable strategies. It is anticipated that this review will serve as a guide for the systematic development and optimization of highly efficient MOF-based photocatalysts.

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) have been extensively studied as a key technology for advanced 6G communications. Although active RIS systems present innovative opportunities for wave manipulation and communication, they are hindered by their complex structures and high costs due to the extensive use of active elements. In this paper, we introduce the concept, design, and validation of a transmissive RIS, consisting of two passive metasurfaces with pre-engineered phase distributions. This system enables the modulation of electromagnetic waves from a source antenna into a directional beam, with the beam's direction dynamically controlled by adjusting the relative positions of the passive metasurfaces. The performance of the passive transmissive RIS is validated through both numerical simulations and experimental results. This proposed design avoids the reliance on numerous active elements, thereby significantly reducing the complexity and cost associated with RIS implementation.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has attracted enormous attention as a photocatalyst due to its appropriate bandgap, high chemical stability, and visible light response. However, it is still challenging to synthesize highly crystalline g-C₃N₄, favoring the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and promoting improved photocatalytic activity. Herein, we report a novel approach to achieve highly crystalline g-C₃N₄ by simply pressing sodium chloride and carbon nitride into a pellet followed by heat treatment, which is different from conventional molten salt methods. The resulting g-C₃N₄ has an optimum band structure that benefits enhanced light absorption and charge separation efficiency. The intimate contact between sodium chloride and carbon nitride in the pressed pellet facilitates the diffusion of sodium ions and increases the material's resistance to high annealing temperatures, leading to improved crystallinity. The photocurrent response of this highly crystalline material under visible light irradiation is approximately four times higher than that of its bulk counterpart, resulting in a hydrogen production rate of up to 650 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ (10% TEOA). This work paves a new path in designing novel carbon nitrides with enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance.

The chalcogenide-based ovonic threshold switching (OTS) device, renowned for its swift and reliable attributes, emerges as an indispensable component in memory chips and neuromorphic computing architectures. Nevertheless, the functional material is prone to glass relaxation, which engenders performance deterioration and threshold switching voltage variability over multiple switching cycles. In this cover image (DOI: 10.1002/elt2.46), the authors proposed a simple binary OTS device to address this issue. A comprehensive exploration via first-principles calculations has unveiled the fundamental mechanisms underpinning the material’s robust performance.

Flexible electronic devices with compliant mechanical deformability and electrical reliability have been a focal point of research over the past decade, particularly in the fields of wearable devices, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), and electronic skins. These emerging applications impose stringent requirements on flexible sensors, necessitating not only their ability to withstand dynamic strains and conform to irregular surfaces but also to ensure long-term stable monitoring. To meet these demands, one-dimensional nanowires, with high aspect ratios, large surface-to-volume ratios, and programmable geometric engineering, are widely regarded as ideal candidates for constructing high-performance flexible sensors. Various innovative assembly techniques have enabled the effective integration of these nanowires with flexible substrates. More excitingly, semiconductor nanowires, prepared through low-cost and efficient catalytic growth methods, have been successfully employed in the fabrication of highly flexible and stretchable nanoprobes for intracellular sensing. Additionally, nanowire arrays can be deployed on the cerebral cortex to record and analyze neural activity, opening new avenues for the treatment of neurological disorders. This review systematically examines recent advancements in nanowire-based flexible sensing technologies applied to wearable electronics, BCIs, and electronic skins, highlighting key design principles, operational mechanisms, and technological milestones achieved through growth, assembly, and transfer processes. These developments collectively advance high-performance health monitoring, deepen our understanding of neural activities, and facilitate the creation of novel, flexible, and stretchable electronic skins. Finally, we also present a summary and perspectives on the current challenges and future opportunities for nanowire-based flexible sensors.

The cover image (DOI: 10.1002/elt2.56) depicts MoS2-based composite phase change materials that integrate thermal storage, thermal conduction, and microwave absorption functions. With an alchemy furnace serving as the overall backdrop, advanced multifunctional nanoflower-like composite materials are utilized for miniaturized and integrated electronic devices, simultaneously addressing issues of electromagnetic interference, heat dissipation, and transient thermal shock.

Long wave infrared (LWIR) detectors have significant advantages in military and civilian detection of low light targets. This article (DOI: 10.1002/elt2.73) proposes a high-performance avalanche photodetector (APD) for LWIR detection by integrating band engineering with the unique properties of superlattice materials. By optimizing device structure and materials, enhanced responsivity and gain have been achieved, advancing the development of space-based infrared systems and deep space exploration.

Weak response in long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detection has long been a perennial concern, significantly limiting the reliability of applications. Avalanche photodetectors (APDs) offer excellent responsivity but are plagued by high dark current during the multiplication process. Here, we propose a high-performance type-II superlattices (T2SLs) LWIR APD to address these issues. The low Auger recombination rate of the InAs/InAsSb T2SLs absorption layer is exploited to reduce the dark current initially. AlAsSb with a low k value is employed as the multiplication layer to suppress device noise while maintaining sufficient gain. To facilitate carrier transport, the conduction band discontinuity is optimized by inserting an InAs/AlSb T2SLs stepped grading layer between the absorption and multiplication layers. As a result, the device exhibits excellent photoresponse at 8.4 μm at 100 K and maintains a low dark current density of 5.48 × 10⁻² A/cm². Specifically, it achieves a maximum gain of 366, a responsivity of 650 A/W, and a quantum efficiency of 26.28% under breakdown voltage. This design offers a promising solution for the advancement of LWIR detection.

Diamond is an ultimate semiconductor with exceptional physical and chemical properties, such as an ultra-wide bandgap, excellent carrier mobility, extreme thermal conductivity, and stability, making it highly desirable for various applications including power electronics, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. However, the challenge lies in growing the large-size and high-quality single-crystal diamond films, which are crucial for realizing the full potential of this wonder material. Heteroepitaxial growth has emerged as a promising approach to achieve single-crystal diamond wafers with large sizes of up to 3 inches and controlled electrical properties. This review provides an overview of the advancements in diamond heteroepitaxy using microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, including the mechanism of heteroepitaxial growth, selection of substrates, film optimization, chemistry of defects, and doping. Moreover, recent progress on the device applications and perspectives is also discussed.

The Li-CO₂ battery represented an enticing energy storage/output system characterized by its high-specific energy capacity and simultaneously achieving CO₂ fixation and conversion, which held significant promise in mitigating global warming and advancing toward carbon neutrality. Nonetheless, the current Li-CO₂ battery's practical capacity and energy efficiency lagged behind traditional lithium-ion battery considerably, posing great challenges for practical applications and commercialization. This review comprehensively summarized recent advancements and prospective strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of practical Li-CO₂ battery, encompassing insights into the cycling reaction mechanisms, anode electrode protection, key interface optimization, electrolyte design, and cathode catalyst innovations. Furthermore, insights into the prospects and key obstacles that lay ahead in advancing the Li-CO₂ battery toward practical applications were provided.