Journal of Electronic Materials最新文献

This study reports the fabrication and characterization of zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistor (TFT)-based pH sensors featuring an extended indium tin oxide (ITO) gate electrode. Utilizing scalable and cost-effective spin-coating deposition methods, we optimized the annealing temperature and duration to enhance the electrical performance of ZTO TFTs, resulting in increased mobility and stable transfer characteristics. The developed pH sensor demonstrated a linear and positive shift in threshold voltage with rising pH levels, achieving an impressive sensitivity of 94 mV/pH and an R² value of 0.99, underscoring its reliable pH-sensing capabilities. In addition, time-resolved measurements of the drain-source current at a constant gate-source voltage of 1 V validated the pH-dependent response, revealing a consistent decrease in current with increasing pH. The adoption of chemical solution deposition techniques highlights the scalability and cost-efficiency of the fabrication process, paving the way for integrating ZTO TFT-based pH sensors into enzymatic biosensors for home-diagnostic applications

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer-based lead-free ceramic nanocomposites have received increased attention because of the high breakdown strength, flexibility, light weight, and environmentally friendly. We have synthesized BaZr_0.4Ti_0.6O₃ (BZT) ceramic nanoparticles using the nano mill process and hydroxylated (hy)-BZT–PVDF composite film using the solution casting method with 10 wt.% of BZT nanoparticles as a filler and 90 wt.% of PVDF polymer as the matrix. An x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern verifies the successful synthesis of composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirm the successful hydroxylation of BZT powder for better dispersion. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis represents an improved degree of crystallinity in cases of composites. The dominance of the polar phase of PVDF in composites was observed due to interfacial interaction among filler nanoparticles. The significantly enhanced dielectric permittivity (ɛ_r ~25) and ferroelectric properties have been obtained in case of the hy-BZT–PVDF composite film in comparison with the pure PVDF film (ɛ_r ~8). The value of dielectric breakdown strength for hy-BZT–PVDF composite has been calculated using Weibull analysis and found to be 1754 kV/cm. The above synthesized composites may be a suitable replacement with improved dielectric properties for energy storage applications.

With the rising demand for energy and the rapid advancement of innovative wearable electronics, developing advanced functional materials for efficient energy harvesting has become essential. In this study, we present the fabrication of a highly flexible, lightweight, and self-poled piezoelectric nanogenerator based on a lab-synthesized V₂O₅ nanocapsule (vanadium pentoxide)-reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite, demonstrating enhanced sensitivity and high output performance. To enhance the V₂O₅ fabrication process, we used the solid-state sintering method, increasing the duration. We confirmed the purity of the V₂O₅ phase and its surface morphology through x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. Thin films of V₂O₅/PVDF were fabricated by systematically varying the V₂O₅ concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) within the PVDF matrix and depositing them onto a glass substrate using the drop-casting technique. Furthermore, we conducted various characterizations including XRD, SEM, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses to check the phase morphology, topography, and crystallite size to understand the material properties. The FTIR results confirmed a significant enhancement in the β-phase concentration in 10% V₂O₅/PVDF films. The open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and power density measured for the 10 wt.% V₂O₅/PVDF nanogenerator were 15.23 V, 4.64 nA, and 47.27 μW/cm², respectively. These lead-free composite nanogenerators also exhibited excellent sensitivity in detecting various human body motions, including punching and finger tapping.

The present study investigates the crystal structure, electrical transport, and magnetic properties of polycrystalline Bi₂Ir_2–xCu_xO₇ pyrochlore samples in the 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 range. The results of the magnetic susceptibility measurements of Bi₂Ir_2–xCu_xO₇ (x ≠ 0) indicate a notable divergence between the zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) modes, which suggests the potential influence of magnetic frustration in the system. This behavior is consistent with previous reports on Bi₂Ir₂O₇, where small negative Curie–Weiss temperatures (θ) were observed. The effective magnetic moment in the Cu-doped samples decreases with increasing Cu content, which can be attributed to a rise in the Ir⁵⁺ species. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity of the system displays a metallic behavior, which is influenced by grain boundary effects and electron-electron scattering processes. These findings provide insight into the complex interplay between doping, magnetic behavior, and electronic transport in Bi₂Ir_2–xCu_xO₇.

Graphical Abstract

A systematic investigation was conducted on the effects of pyridinium propargylamine formate (PPF) in an electroless nickel-phosphorus (ENP) acid bath, with a particular focus on the deposition kinetics, surface characteristics (glossiness/morphology), and electrochemical behavior. The ENP coatings were characterized through multiscale analysis, including x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). PPF was found to reduce the deposition rate, roughness, and porosity and refine grain crystals, while forming a more uniform and brighter coating. The highest glossiness of Ni-P coating (208.3GU) was obtained at 200 mg/L PPF, higher than in the absence of PPF with an increase of 30.6%, while the porosity decreased by 81.4%, the contact angle increased from 48.8° to 70.4°, and the Ra/Rq values were reduced from 114.0 nm/156.0 nm to 20.7 nm/28.0 nm. Meanwhile, adsorption of PPF refined the size of deposits while improving the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating. Moreover, PPF demonstrates preferential adsorption for high-activity nickel sites on convex surfaces. This selectivity suppresses the adsorption of both H₂PO ⁻₂ and Ni²⁺ at these locations. The resulting adsorption energy differential between convex and concave regions induces distinct Ni-P deposition kinetics. This differential deposition rate fills height discrepancies, thereby promoting coating leveling.

Cultivating more food to feed the world’s expanding population while reducing resource use and environmental impact is the main problem facing the agriculture industry. In order to overcome the food crisis, an innovative and suitable lighting system is required. Hence, Sm³⁺-induced Al₂O₃-Na₂O-ZnO-B₂O₃-WO₃ (BW) glass has been prepared via the melt quenching procedure and exhibits numerous characteristics for the utility in agricultural lighting. The diffraction pattern confirms the noncrystalline character of the undoped BW glasses. Sm³⁺ ion-doped BW glasses show absorption peaks in the 350–1750 nm range with the indirect optical band gap of 3.68 eV for the BW:Sm_1.0 glass sample. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of BW:Sm glass was proficiently pumped by n-UV radiation with an intense peak at 403 nm owing to the transition of Sm³⁺ ions. The PL spectra show three major emission peaks with an intense peak positioned at 645 nm. The optimal PL intensity was found for 1.5 mol.% Sm³⁺ ions doped in BW glass under 403 nm excitation. The Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) color coordinates for Sm³⁺-doped BW glasses were situated in the deep red zone with high color purity. The decay time value was found to be in the microsecond range for optimized BW:Sm glasses. The PL intensity was acquired to 94.12% at 150°C and 90.61% at 200°C, which recommends that the BW:Sm glass are thermally stable. All studied outcomes proclaim that the prepared BW:Sm glass serve as an effective red-emitting component for agricultural lighting devices.

This study explores the eco-friendly enhancement of ionic conduction properties and transport properties in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on a sustainable alginate (Al) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend, modified by varying weight percentages (wt%) of ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) using a solution casting technique. The SPE system was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM images revealed significant modifications in surface morphology correlating with different NH₄SCN contents. FTIR analysis confirmed interactions between the alginate–PVA matrix and NH₄SCN, evidenced by shifts and changes in peak intensities resulting from the protonation of H ⁺ -OOC. Impedance studies indicated a reduction in bulk resistance (R_b) with increasing NH₄SCN content up to 35 wt%, achieving the highest ionic conductivity of 3.4 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature. Temperature dependence studies revealed that the SPE systems adhere to Arrhenius behavior, with regression values nearing unity. Additionally, dielectric response analysis showed a consistent trend with ionic conductivity, indicating enhanced transport properties. These findings highlight the potential of alginate–PVA–NH₄SCN SPEs for use in environmentally friendly applications such as proton batteries and supercapacitors, offering a sustainable alternative in energy storage solutions.

The design of multifunctional, low-cost electrode materials using earth-abundant elements is vital for advancing clean energy technologies. In this work, a novel electrode material (NiSiO₂/rGO/g-C₃N₄) was synthesized and thoroughly assessed for its electrochemical energy storage and hydrogen evolution performance. Nickel silicate (NiSiO₂) was fabricated via a hydrothermal route. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized using the Hummers method, while graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was obtained through thermal polymerization of melamine and urea. The components were physically integrated to form a composite with a porous nanoscale architecture and strong interfacial connectivity. Morphological and structural analyses confirmed the successful formation of a well-dispersed hybrid material. Electrochemical studies in a three-electrode setup revealed that the composite (NiSiO₂/rGO/g-C₃N₄) achieved a high specific capacity (Q_s) of 1543.5 C g⁻¹ and a specific capacitance (C_s) of 2132.3 F g⁻¹ at 3 mVs⁻¹. The assembled supercapattery, through a two-electrode assembly, delivered a notable energy density (E_d) of 75.6 Wh/kg and a power density (P_d) of 1771.9 W/kg, with capacitance retention of 86.9% after 10,000 continuous cycles, indicating excellent long-term stability. Furthermore, the material showed outstanding electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). It exhibited an overpotential of only 59 mV at 9 mA/cm² and a favorable Tafel slope of 82.1 mV/dec. These results confirm the potential of NiSiO₂/rGO/g-C₃N₄ as an efficient, scalable, and multifunctional material capable of supporting both advanced energy storage and hydrogen generation applications.

Composites of liquid crystals (LCs) with various inorganic nanomaterials are of great interest, as they exhibit unique optical and physical properties. Here, we report on the successful synthesis of SnZrO₃ and SrFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and their nanocomposites with a coumarin-based LC compound. The nanocomposites with varying compositions of LC and inorganic nanoparticles were prepared and characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Also, polarized optical microscopy was used to analyze the optical, microstructural and morphological characteristics of the samples. Finally, the changes in the properties of LCs induced by the addition of inorganic nanoparticles were explored via comparative studies. The results indicated that with the addition of the inorganic nanoparticles into the samples, their liquid crystalline texture becomes more visible, with the most significant improvement effect observed for the sample with 2 wt.% of added SnZrO₃ nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract

To investigate the influence of nanoparticle size on sensor response, surfactants polyethylene glycol (PEG), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were used to facilitated the synthesis of ZnO nanostructures via a straightforward sol–gel technique. Structural properties were analyzed utilizing x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis verified the establishment of wurtzite-structured ZnO. The surfactant significantly influenced the particle size management. Particles measuring, on average, 66 nm, 46 nm, and 37 nm were observed on TEM micrographs. Gas sensing experiments were conducted for various compounds, including acetone, ethanol, and ammonia, at a fixed concentration of 1000 ppm across various temperatures. Chemical sensing analysis indicated that the PEG-ZnO sensor exhibited a superior and selective response of 39.63% toward ethanol at a temperature of 250°C, in comparison with other sensors. The sensor responsiveness was significantly influenced by the particle size and form.