Area-Selective Chemical Doping on Solution-Processed MoS2 Thin-Film for Multi-Valued Logic Gates.

Multi-valued logic gates are demonstrated on solution-processed molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films. A simple chemical doping process is added to the conventional transistor fabrication procedure to locally increase the work function of MoS2 by decreasing sulfur vacancies. The resulting device exhibits pseudo-heterojunctions comprising as-processed MoS2 and chemically treated MoS2 (c-MoS2). The energy-band misalignment of MoS2 and c-MoS2 results in a sequential activation of the MoS2 and c-MoS2 channel areas under a gate voltage sweep, which generates a stable intermediate state for ternary operation. Current levels and turn-on voltages for each state can be tuned by modulating the device geometries, including the channel thickness and length. The optimized ternary transistors are incorporated to demonstrate various ternary logic gates, including the inverter, NMIN, and NMAX gates.

Highly flexible Ag nanowire network covered by a graphene oxide nanosheet for high-performance flexible electronics and anti-bacterial applications.

We investigated a flexible and transparent conductive electrode (FTCE) based on Ag nanowires (AgNWs) and a graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet and fabricated through a simple and cost-effective spray coating method. The AgNWs/GO hybrid FTCE was optimized by adjusting the nozzle-to-substrate distance, spray speed, compressor pressure, and volume of the GO solution. The optimal AgNWs/GO hybrid FTCE has a high transmittance of 88% at a wavelength of 550 nm and a low sheet resistance of 20 Ohm/square. We demonstrate the presence of the GO nanosheet on the AgNWs through Raman spectroscopy. Using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, we confirmed that the nanosheet acted as a conducting bridge between AgNWs and improved the surface morphology and roughness of the electrode. Effective coverage by the GO sheet improved the conductivity of the AgNWs electrode Effective coverage of the GO sheet improved conductivity of the AgNWs electrode with minimum degradation of optical and mechanical properties. Flexible thin film heater (TFH) and electroluminescent (EL) devices fabricated on AgNWs/GO hybrid FTCEs showed better performance than devices on bare AgNWs electrodes due to lower sheet resistance and uniform conductivity. In addition, an AgNWs/GO electrode layer on a facial mask acts as a self-heating and antibacterial coating. A facial mask with an AgNWs/GO electrode showed a bacteriostatic reduction rate of 99.7 against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.

High-performance flexible transparent micro-supercapacitors from nanocomposite electrodes encapsulated with solution processed MoS2 nanosheets.

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets have emerged as a promising material for transparent, flexible micro-supercapacitors, but their use in electrodes is hindered by their poor electrical conductivity and cycling stability because of restacking. In this paper, we report a novel electrode architecture to exploit electrochemical activity of MoS2 nanosheets. Electrochemically exfoliated MoS2 dispersion was spin coated on mesh-like silver networks encapsulated with a flexible conducting film exhibiting a pseudocapacitive behavior. MoS2 nanosheets were electrochemically active over the whole electrode surface and the conductive layer provided a pathway to transport electrons between the MoS2 and the electrolyte. As the result, the composite electrode achieved a large areal capacitance (89.44 mF cm-2 at 6 mA cm-2) and high energy and power densities (12.42 µWh cm-2 and P = 6043 µW cm-2 at 6 mA cm-2) in a symmetric cell configuration with 3 M KOH solution while exhibiting a high optical transmittance of ~80%. Because the system was stable against mechanical bending and charge/discharge cycles, a flexible micro-supercapacitor that can power electronics at different bending states was realized.

Thermally-evaporated C60/Ag/C60 multilayer electrodes for semi-transparent perovskite photovoltaics and thin film heaters.

We investigated the characteristics of thermally evaporated fullerene (C60)/Ag/C60 (CAC) multilayer films for use in semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and thin-film heaters (TFHs). The top and bottom C60 layers and Ag interlayer were prepared using multi-source thermal evaporation, and the thickness of the Ag interlayer was investigated in detail for its effects on the resistivity, optical transmittance, and mechanical properties of the CAC electrodes. We used a figure-of-merit analysis to obtain a CAC electrode with a smooth surface morphology that exhibited a sheet resistance of 5.63 Ohm/square and an optical transmittance of 66.13% at a 550 nm wavelength. We conducted mechanical deformation tests to confirm that the thermally evaporated multilayer CAC electrode has a high durability, even after 10,000 times of inner and outer bending, rolling, and twisting due to the flexibility of the amorphous C60 and Ag interlayer. We evaluated the feasibility of using CAC electrodes for semi-transparent PSCs and TFHs. The semi-transparent PSC with 1.08 cm2 active area prepared with a transparent multilayer CAC cathode showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.1%. Furthermore, flexible TFHs (2.5 × 2.5 cm2) fabricated on a thermally evaporated CAC electrode show a high saturation temperature of 116.6 C, even at a low input voltage of 4.5 V, due to a very low sheet resistance. Based on the performance of the PSCs and TFHs, we conclude that the thermally evaporated multilayer CAC electrode is promising for use as a transparent conductive electrode (TCE) for semi-transparent PSCs and TFHs, with characteristics comparable to sputtered TCEs.

ZnO:Ga-graded ITO electrodes to control interface between PCBM and ITO in planar perovskite solar cells.

Ga-doped ZnO (GZO)-graded layer, facilitating electron extraction from electron transport layer, was integrated on the surface of transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) cathode by using graded sputtering technique to improve the performance of planar n-i-p perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The thickness of graded GZO layer was controlled to optimize GZO-indium tin oxide (ITO) combined electrode for planar n-i-p PSCs. At optimized graded thickness of 15 nm, the GZO-ITO combined electrode showed an optical transmittance of 95%, a resistivity of 2.3 × 10-4 Ohm cm, a sheet resistance of 15.6 Ohm/square, and work function of 4.23 eV, which is well matched with the 4.0-eV lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester. Owing to enhanced extraction of electron by the graded GZO, the n-i-p PSC with GZO-ITO combined electrode showed higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.67% than the PCE (5.25%) of PSC with only ITO electrode without GZO-graded layer. In addition, the GZO integrated-ITO electrode acts as transparent electrode and electron extraction layer simultaneously due to graded mixing of the GZO at the surface region of ITO electrode.

Tetrahedral amorphous carbon prepared filter cathodic vacuum arc for hole transport layers in perovskite solar cells and quantum dots LEDs.

(ta-C) films coated through the filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) process as a hole transport layer (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QDLEDs). The p-type ta-C film has several remarkable features, including ease of fabrication without the need for thermal annealing, reasonable electrical conductivity, optical transmittance, and a high work function. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy examinations show that the electrical properties (sp3/sp2 hybridized bond) and work function of the ta-C HTL are appropriate for PSCs and QDLEDs. In addition, in order to correlate the performance of the devices, the optical, surface morphological, and structural properties of the FCVA-grown ta-C films with different thicknesses (5 ~ 20 nm) deposited on the ITO anode are investigated in detail. The optimized ta-C film with a thickness of 5 nm deposited on the ITO anode had a sheet resistance of 10.33 Ω-2, a resistivity of 1.34 × 10-4 Ω cm, and an optical transmittance of 88.97%. Compared to the reference PSC with p-NiO HTL, the PSC with 5 nm thick ta-C HTL yielded a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE, 10.53%) due to its improved fill factor. Further, the performance of QDLEDs with 5 nm thick ta-C hole injection layers (HIL) showed better than the performance of QDLEDs with different ta-C thicknesses. It is concluded that ta-C films have the potential to serve as HTL and HIL in next-generation PSCs and QDLEDs.

Optimization of Electropolishing on NiTi Alloy Stents and Its Influence on Corrosion Behavior.

Nitinol or NiTi alloys are well-known as an attractive biomedical material due to their unique properties such as the shape memory effect, super-elasticity and biocompatibility. These characteristics enable them to be best candidates for implant materials such as stent. One of the major factors that strongly affect the performance of nitinol stent is its unique surface properties. In this study, the influence of electropolishing on nitinol stents and its corrosion behavior were observed. Electropolishing is an effective method for surface treatment, which not only controls the surface state but also helps to produce uniform surface layers. Therefore, to improve the surface quality of nitinol stents, we conducted an electropolishing under various conditions from 30­40 V and 10­30 s as a post heat treatment for nitinol stent manufacturing process. In order to find the optimal surface state of NiTi stents, various electropolished samples were explored using various characterization techniques. Furthermore, the potentiodynamic polarization tests were also performed to determine the corrosion resistance. The electropolished nitinol stents under the condition of 40 V for 10 s exhibited the best corrosion performance as well as surface quality.

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties and Testing of Nitinol Stents in Cerebral Aneurysm Simulation Models.

Stents are promising medical devices widely used in the prevention of cerebral aneurysm rupture. As the performance of stents depends on their mechanical properties and cell configuration, the aim of this study was to optimize the stent design and test the hemodynamic properties by using computational solid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics. In order to test their performance, computer-based cerebral aneurysm models that mimic the conditions present after implantation into the human brain were tested. The strut configuration selected was the closed-cell type, and nitinol was chosen as the material for stent manufacture because the innate characteristics of this material increase stent flexibility. Three ideal sample stent types with different cell configurations were manufactured. Computational solid mechanics analysis of the sample stents showed over 30% difference in flexibility between stents. Furthermore, using a cerebral aneurysm model simulation, we found that the stents eased the hemodynamic factors of the cerebral aneurysm and lessened the flow velocity influx into the sac. A decrease in flow velocity led to a 50-60% reduction in wall shear stress, which is expected to prevent aneurysm rupture under clinical conditions. Stent design optimization was carried out by simulation and electropolishing. Corrosion resistance and surface roughness were evaluated after electropolishing performed under variable conditions, but 40 V and 10 s were the most optimal.

High-performance, transparent, and stretchable electrodes using graphene-metal nanowire hybrid structures.

Transparent electrodes that can remain electrically conductive and stable under large mechanical deformations are highly desirable for applications in flexible and wearable electronics. This paper describes a comprehensive study of the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of hybrid nanostructures based on two-dimensional graphene and networks of one-dimensional metal nanowires, and their use as transparent and stretchable electrodes. Low sheet resistance (33 Ω/sq) with high transmittance (94% in visible range), robust stability against electric breakdown and oxidation, and superb flexibility (27% in bending strain) and stretchability (100% in tensile strain) are observed, and these multiple functionalities of the hybrid structures suggest a future promise for next generation electronics. The use of hybrid electrodes to fabricate oxide semiconductor transistors and single-pixel displays integrated on wearable soft contact lenses with in vivo tests are demonstrated.

Solvent-free preparation and thermocompression self-assembly: an exploration of performance improvement strategies for perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit sufficient technological efficiency and economic competitiveness. However, their poor stability and scalability are crucial factors limiting their rapid development. Therefore, achieving both high efficiency and good stability is an urgent challenge. In addition, the preparation methods for PSCs are currently limited to laboratory-scale methods, so their commercialization requires further research. Effective packaging technology is essential to protect the PSCs from degradation by external environmental factors and ensure their long-term stability. The industrialization of PSCs is also inseparable from the preparation technology of perovskite thin films. This review discusses the solvent-free preparation of PSCs, shedding light on the factors that affect PSC performance and strategies for performance enhancement. Furthermore, this review analyzes the existing simulation techniques that have contributed to a better understanding of the interfacial evolution of PSCs during the packaging process. Finally, the current challenges and possible solutions are highlighted, providing insights to facilitate the development of highly efficient and stable PSC modules to promote their widespread application.

Cellular senescence is associated with the spatial evolution toward a higher metastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer.

In this study, we explore the dynamic process of colorectal cancer progression, emphasizing the evolution toward a more metastatic phenotype. The term "evolution" as used in this study specifically denotes the phenotypic transition toward a higher metastatic potency from well-formed glandular structures to collective invasion, ultimately resulting in the development of cancer cell buddings at the invasive front. Our findings highlight the spatial correlation of this evolution with tumor cell senescence, revealing distinct types of senescent tumor cells (types I and II) that play different roles in the overall cancer progression. Type I senescent tumor cells (p16INK4A+/CXCL12+/LAMC2-/MMP7-) are identified in the collective invasion region, whereas type II senescent tumor cells (p16INK4A+/CXCL12+/LAMC2+/MMP7+), representing the final evolved form, are prominently located in the partial-EMT region. Importantly, type II senescent tumor cells associate with local invasion and lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer, potentially affecting patient prognosis.

Prediction of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease-Related Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke on the Basis of Novel Cerebral Blood Volume Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy is an effective treatment method for large-vessel occlusion stroke (LVOS); however, it has limited efficacy for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-related LVOS. We investigated the use of cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps for identifying ICAD as the underlying cause of LVOS before the initiation of endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed clinical and imaging data from patients who presented with LVOS and underwent endovascular treatment between January 2011 and May 2021. The CBV patterns were analyzed to identify an increase in CBV within the hypoperfused area and estimate infarct patterns within the area of decreased CBV. Comparisons were made between the patients with an increase in CBV and those without, and among the estimated infarct patterns: territorial, cortical wedge, basal ganglia-only, subcortical, and normal CBV. Overall, 243 patients were included. CBV increase in the hypoperfused area was observed in 23.5% of patients. A significantly higher proportion of ICAD was observed in those with increased CBV than in those without (56.4% versus 19.8%; P<0.001). Regarding the estimated infarct patterns on the CBV, ICAD was most frequently observed in the normal CBV group (territorial, 14.9%; cortical wedge, 10.0%; basal ganglia-only, 43.8%; subcortical, 35.7%; normal, 61.7%). CBV parameters, including "an increase in CBV," "normal CBV infarct pattern," and "an increase in CBV or normal CBV infarct pattern composite," were independently associated with ICAD. CONCLUSIONS: An increased CBV or normal CBV pattern may be associated with ICAD LVOS on the pretreatment perfusion imaging.

Mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding Properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene and poly(vinyl alcohol)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite nanofiber mats and the effect of Cu top-layer coating.

We report the mechanical property and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/graphene and PVA/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite nanofibers prepared by electrospinning. The metal (Cu) was deposited on the resultant PVA composite nanofibers using metal deposition technique in order to improve the mechanical properties and EMI shielding properties. The resulting PVA composite nanofibers and Cu-deposited corresponding nanofibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Tensile tests were performed on the PVA/graphene and PVA/MWCNT composite nanofibers. The tensile strength of the PVA/graphene and PVA/MWCNT composite nanofibers was found to be 19.2 +/- 0.3 MPa at graphene content - 6.0 wt% and 12.2 +/- 0.2 MPa at MWCNT content - 3.0 wt%, respectively. The EMI SE of the Cu-deposited PVA/graphene composite nanofibers was significantly improved compared to pure PVA/graphene composite nanofibers, and also depended on the thickness of Cu metal layer deposited on the PVA composite nanofibers.

Effects of organic solvent and solution temperature on electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers.

In this study, the Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoethylene) (PVDF) electrospun fibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning. Processing parameters, such as solvents and solution temperature were varied to study their influence on fiber dimensions. Electrospun PVDF fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The result indicated that the solvent component and temperature have great influence on fiber dimensions. 19% PVDF dissolved in DMF/MEK mixed solvents with the ratio of 8:2 was considered to be most suitable in this study. Furthermore, the increasing of solution temperature can probably induce the formation of beta-phases in electrospun PVDF Fibers.

A comparative reliability and performance study of different stent designs in terms of mechanical properties: foreshortening, recoil, radial force, and flexibility.

This study seeks to improve the mechanical performance of stents by conducting reliability performance testing and finite element method (FEM)-based simulations for coronary stents. Three commercially available stent designs and our own new design were tested to measure the factors affecting performance, specifically foreshortening, recoil, radial force, and flexibility. The stents used in the present experiments were 3 mm in working diameter and 18 mm of working length. The results of the experiments indicate that the foreshortening of stents A, B, C, and our new design, D, was equivalent to 2.25, 0.67, 0.46, and 0.41%, respectively. The recoil of stents A, B, C, and D was 6.00, 4.35, 3.50, and 4.36%, respectively. Parallel plate radial force measurements were A, 3.72 ± 0.28 N; B, 3.81 ± 0.32 N; C, 4.35 ± 0.18 N; and D, 4.02 ± 0.24 N. Radial forces determined by applying uniform pressure in the circumferential direction were A, 28.749 ± 0.81 N; B, 32.231 ± 1.80 N; C, 34.522 ± 3.06 N; and D, 42.183 ± 2.84 N. The maximum force of crimped stent at 2.2-mm deflection was 1.01 ± 0.08 N, 0.82 ± 0.08 N, 0.92 ± 0.12 N, and 0.68 ± 0.07 N for each of stents A, B, C and D. The results of this study enabled us to identify several factors to enhance the performance of stents. In comparing these stents, we found that our design, stent D, which was designed by a collaborative team from seven universities, performed better than the commercial stents across all parameter of foreshortening, recoil, radial force, and flexibility.

InZnTiON Channel Layer for Highly Stable Thin-Film Transistors and Light-Emitting Transistors.

In this study, we incorporated TiN as a carrier suppressor into an amorphous InZnO channel to achieve stable channels for thin-film transistors (TFTs) and light-emitting transistors (LETs). The low electronegativity and standard electrode potential of the Ti dopant led to a reduction in the number of oxygen vacancies in the InZnO channel. Moreover, the substitution of nitrogen into the oxygen sites of InZnO effectively decreased the excess electrons. As a result, the cosputtering of the TiN dopant resulted in a decrease in the carrier concentration of the InZnO channel, serving as an effective carrier suppressor. Due to the distinct structures of TiN and InZnO, the TiN-doped InZnO channel exhibited a completely amorphous structure and a featureless surface morphology. The presence of oxygen vacancies in the InZnO channel creates trap states for electrons and holes. Consequently, the TFT with the InZnTiON channel demonstrated an improved subthreshold swing and enhanced stability during the gate bias stress test. Furthermore, the threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) changed from 3.29 to 0.86 V in the positive bias stress test and from -0.92 to -0.09 V in the negative bias stress test. Additionally, we employed an InZnTiON channel in LETs as a substitute for organic semiconductors. The reduction in the number of oxygen vacancies effectively prevented exciton quenching caused by hole traps within the vacancies. Consequently, appropriate TiN doping in the InZnO channel enhanced the intensity of the LET devices.

Preclinical Evaluation of an Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Via a Long-Term Rabbit Iliac Artery Model.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA), a bio safe polymer with a large elastic modulus, is widely used in biodegradable medical devices. However, because of its poor mechanical properties, a PLLA strut must be made twice as thick as a metal strut for adequate blood vessel support. Therefore, the mechanical properties of a drug-eluting metal-based stents (MBS) and a bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were evaluated and their safety and efficacy were examined via a long-term rabbit iliac artery model. METHODS: The surface morphologies of the MBSs and BVSs were investigated via optical and scanning electron microscopy. An everolimus-eluting (EE) BVS or an EE-MBS was implanted into rabbit iliac arteries at a 1.1:1 stent-to-artery ratio. Twelve months afterward, stented iliac arteries from each group were analyzed via X-ray angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: Surface morphology analysis of the EE coating on the MBS confirmed that it was uniform and very thin (4.7 µm). Comparison of the mechanical properties of the EE-MBS and EE-BVS showed that the latter outperformed the former in all aspects (radial force (2.75 vs. 0.162 N/mm), foreshortening (0.24% vs. 1.9%), flexibility (0.52 vs. 0.19 N), and recoil (3.2% vs. 6.3%). At all time points, the percent area restenosis was increased in the EE-BVS group compared to the EE-MBS group. The OCT and histopathological analyses indicate no significant changes in strut thickness. CONCLUSION: BVSs with thinner struts and shorter resorption times should be developed. A comparable long-term safety/efficacy evaluation after complete absorption of BVSs should be conducted.

Effect of rapid thermal annealing on the electrical, optical and structural properties of ZnO-doped In2O3 films grown by linear facing target sputtering.

We investigated the effect of rapid thermal annealing on the electrical, optical, and structural properties of ZnO-doped In2O3 (ZIO) films grown at different Ar/O2 flow ratios (15/0 and 15/1 sccm) by using linear facing target sputtering. It was found that the ZIO films grown at different Ar/O2, flow ratios showed different electrical and optical behavior with increasing rapid thermal annealing temperature. Synchrotron X-ray scattering examination showed that the different electrical and optical properties of the ZIO films could be attributed to the difference in preferred orientation with an increase in rapid thermal annealing temperature.

Highly stretchable transparent bar coated Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid electrode for wearable and stretchable devices.

In this study, we demonstrated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as a composite with Ag nanowire (Ag NW) to enhance the stretchability of the Ag NW network electrode. The composite Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS hybrid ink (AP ink) was prepared at a ratio of 1 : 10, 1 : 20, and 1 : 30, respectively and bar coated on polyurethane substrate. The different ink ratios were studied and optimized with a sheet resistance of 14.93 Ω sq-1. and a transmittance of 88.6% showing a high performance in mechanical stress tests such as bending, folding, rolling, twisting, and stretching. It also showed a conductive bridge effect where the PEDOT:PSS acted as an anchor or support to Ag NW during mechanical strain and PEDOT:PSS also enhanced the electrical conductivity of the Ag NW. Therefore, to prove the real time performance of the electrode as a wearable device, we fabricated transparent electroluminescence devices and thin film heater devices which are highly flexible and demonstrated excellent performance proving that the AP electrode is more suitable candidate for future wearable transparent devices.

Transparent and flexible passivation of MoS2/Ag nanowire with sputtered polytetrafluoroethylene film for high performance flexible heaters.

We demonstrated highly transparent and flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) passivation for the MoS2/Ag nanowire (Ag NW) electrodes used in thin film heaters (TFHs). The electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of PTFE coated MoS2/Ag NW electrode were compared to the bare MoS2/Ag NW electrode to demonstrate effective passivation of the sputtered PTFE films before and after the 85 °C-85% temperature-relative humidity environment test. In addition, we investigated the performances of TFHs with PTFE/MoS2/Ag NW as a function of PTFE thickness from 50 to 200 nm. The saturation temperature (87.3 °C) of TFHs with PTFE/MoS2/Ag NW electrode is higher than that (61.3 °C) of TFHs with bare MoS2/Ag NW, even after the 85 °C-85% temperature-relative humidity environment test, due to effective passivation of the PTFE layer. This indicates that transparent PTFE film prepared by sputtering process provides effective thin film passivation for the two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 and Ag NW hybrid electrode against harsh environment condition.