Topic Review
Application of Stretchable Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Superhydrophobic surfaces find extensive applications in various fields, including self-cleaning, liquid manipulation, anti-icing, and water harvesting. To achieve superhydrophobicity, the surfaces are designed with hierarchical nano- and/or microscale protrusions. These structures result in a static contact angle above 150° and a sliding/rolling-off angle below 10° when water droplets deposit on the surface. The combination of hierarchical structures and low-surface energy materials contributes to this unique liquid-repellent property. In addition to liquid repellency, the durability of these surfaces is crucial for practical applications, which has prompted the exploration of stretchable superhydrophobic surfaces as a viable solution. The flexibility of these surfaces means that they are effectively safeguarded against mechanical damage and can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • 116
  • 10 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Mitigating Shuttle Effect in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by Separators
Lithium–sulfur (Li-S) batteries are considered one of the most promising energy storage systems due to their high theoretical capacity, high theoretical capacity density, and low cost. However, challenges such as poor conductivity of sulfur (S) elements in active materials, the “shuttle effect” caused by lithium polysulfide, and the growth of lithium dendrites impede the commercial development of Li-S batteries. As a crucial component of the battery, the separator plays a vital role in mitigating the shuttle effect caused by polysulfide. Traditional polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyimide separators are constrained by their inherent limitations, rendering them unsuitable for direct application in lithium–sulfur batteries. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel separators. 
  • 187
  • 19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Properties of TiO2 Films
For many years, TiO2-based materials and improving their properties in order to expand their application areas have been the focus of numerous research groups. Various innovative approaches have been proposed to improve the photocatalytic and gas-sensing properties of TiO2 nanostructures.
  • 137
  • 15 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Chlorophyll and TiO2
Chlorophyll sensitization can improve the performance of semiconductors like TiO2 in photocatalytic reactions and light-harvesting technologies, such as solar cells. Faced with the search for renewable energy sources and sustainable technologies, the application of this natural pigment has been gaining prominence.
  • 102
  • 11 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Geothermal Heat Exchangers
Geothermal energy is likely to be a significant contributor in achieving sustainable energy goals and net-zero emissions targets. Within geothermal power plants, heat exchangers play a critical role in harnessing this renewable energy source. However, these heat exchangers encounter significant challenges when exposed to geothermal fluids, including erosion, corrosion, and scaling, which adversely affects their performance and longevity.
  • 237
  • 28 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Effects of TBR on GaN-based Semiconductor Devices
Wide-bandgap gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductors offer significant advantages over traditional Si-based semiconductors in terms of high-power and high-frequency operations. As it has superior properties, such as high operating temperatures, high-frequency operation, high breakdown electric field, and enhanced radiation resistance, GaN is applied in various fields, such as power electronic devices, renewable energy systems, light-emitting diodes, and radio frequency (RF) electronic devices. When a current flows through the transistor channels during operation, the self-heating effect (SHE) deriving from joule heat generation causes a significant increase in the temperature. Increases in the channel temperature reduce the carrier mobility and cause a shift in the threshold voltage, resulting in significant performance degradation. Moreover, temperature increases cause substantial lifetime reductions. Accordingly, GaN-based HEMTs are operated at a low power, although they have demonstrated high RF output power potential. The SHE is expected to be even more important in future advanced technology designs, such as gate-all-around field-effect transistor (GAAFET) and three-dimensional (3D) IC architectures. Materials with high thermal conductivities, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and diamond, are good candidates as substrates for heat dissipation in GaN-based semiconductors. However, the thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of the GaN/substrate interface is a bottleneck for heat dissipation.
  • 228
  • 27 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Graphene Sensors for Biomarker Detection
The field of organic-borne biomarkers has been gaining relevance due to its suitability for diagnosing pathologies and health conditions in a rapid, accurate, non-invasive, painless and low-cost way. Due to the lack of analytical techniques with features capable of analysing such a complex matrix as the human breath, the academic community has focused on developing electronic noses based on arrays of gas sensors. These sensors are assembled considering the excitability, sensitivity and sensing capacities of a specific nanocomposite, graphene. In this way, graphene-based sensors can be employed for a vast range of applications that vary from environmental to medical applications. 
  • 113
  • 23 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Electrodeposition of Iron Selenide
Metal selenide materials have attracted attention due to their wide application prospects. In this family of materials, FeSe is particularly studied since it is both a semiconductor used in solar cells and a superconductor with a critical transition temperature, Tc, of 8 K. For any envisaged application, the possibility of preparing large-area FeSe thin films at low cost is extremely appealing, and one possible technique suitable for this purpose is electrodeposition. Several groups have reported successful electrodeposition of FeSe, but the investigated systems are different in many aspects, and the results are difficult to compare.
  • 150
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Coating Types on the Surface of Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum alloy is widely used in many fields for its excellent performance. However, in practical application, aluminum alloy is easy to become corroded and be invalidated, owing to the influence of environmental factors. Some pollutants or corrosive media q5 its surface adhesion will further deepen the failure rate of aluminum alloy, resulting in a large amount of workforce waste, waste of material and financial resources, and energy consumption. So the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling treatment of aluminum alloy surfaces to expand their practical application range and reduce energy loss are of great significance.
  • 181
  • 15 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Room-Temperature Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells have garnered significant attention as the next-generation photovoltaic devices. After more than a decade of dedicated research, commercializing these cells is now on the horizon. One of the primary focuses for developers aiming at large-scale industrial production is cost reduction.
  • 135
  • 10 Nov 2023
  • Page
  • of
  • 23