Near-zero-adhesion-enabled intact wafer-scale resist-transfer printing for high-fidelity nanofabrication on arbitrary substrates

There is an urgent need for novel processes that can integrate different functional nanostructures onto specific substrates,so as to meet the fast-growing need for broad applications in nanoelectronics,nanophotonics,and fexible optoelectronics.Existing direct-lithography methods are difficult to use on fexible,nonplanar,and biocompatible surfaces.Therefore,this fabrication is usually accomplished by nanotransfer printing.However,large-scale integration of multiscale nanostructures with unconventional substrates remains challenging because fabrication yields and quality are often limited by the resolution,uniformity,adhesivity,and integrity of the nanostructures formed by direct transfer.Here,we proposed a resist-based transfer strategy enabled by near-zero adhesion,which was achieved by molecular modification to attain a critical surface energy interval.This approach enabled the intact transfer of wafer-scale,ultrathin-resist nanofilms onto arbitrary substrates with mitigated cracking and wrinkling,thereby facilitating the in situ fabrication of nanostructures for functional devices.Applying this approach,fabrication of three-dimensional-stacked multilayer structures with enhanced functionalities,nanoplasmonic structures with~10 nm resolution,and MoS2-based devices with excellent performance was demonstrated on specific substrates.These results collectively demonstrated the high stability,reliability,and throughput of our strategy for optical and electronic device applications.

2D multifunctional devices:from material preparation to device fabrication and neuromorphic applications

Neuromorphic computing systems,which mimic the operation of neurons and synapses in the human brain,are seen as an appealing next-generation computing method due to their strong and efficient computing abilities.Two-dimensional (2D) materials with dangling bond-free surfaces and atomic-level thicknesses have emerged as promising candidates for neuromorphic computing hardware.As a result,2D neuromorphic devices may provide an ideal platform for developing multifunctional neuromorphic applications.Here,we review the recent neuromorphic devices based on 2D material and their multifunctional applications.The synthesis and next micro–nano fabrication methods of 2D materials and their heterostructures are first introduced.The recent advances of neuromorphic 2D devices are discussed in detail using different operating principles.More importantly,we present a review of emerging multifunctional neuromorphic applications,including neuromorphic visual,auditory,tactile,and nociceptive systems based on 2D devices.In the end,we discuss the problems and methods for 2D neuromorphic device developments in the future.This paper will give insights into designing 2D neuromorphic devices and applying them to the future neuromorphic systems.

Recent advances in fabrication and functions of neuromorphic system based on organic field effect transistor

The development of various artificial electronics and machines would explosively increase the amount of information and data,which need to be processed via in-situ remediation.Bioinspired synapse devices can store and process signals in a parallel way,thus improving fault tolerance and decreasing the power consumption of artificial systems.The organic field effect transistor(OFET)is a promising component for bioinspired neuromorphic systems because it is suitable for large-scale integrated circuits and flexible devices.In this review,the organic semiconductor materials,structures and fabrication,and different artificial sensory perception systems functions based on neuromorphic OFET devices are summarized.Subsequently,a summary and challenges of neuromorphic OFET devices are provided.This review presents a detailed introduction to the recent progress of neuromorphic OFET devices from semiconductor materials to perception systems,which would serve as a reference for the development of neuromorphic systems in future bioinspired electronics.

Novel fabrication techniques for ultra-thin silicon based flexible electronics

Flexible electronics offer a multitude of advantages,such as flexibility,lightweight property,portability,and high durability.These unique properties allow for seamless applications to curved and soft surfaces,leading to extensive utilization across a wide range of fields in consumer electronics.These applications,for example,span integrated circuits,solar cells,batteries,wearable devices,bio-implants,soft robotics,and biomimetic applications.Recently,flexible electronic devices have been developed using a variety of materials such as organic,carbon-based,and inorganic semiconducting materials.Silicon(Si)owing to its mature fabrication process,excellent electrical,optical,thermal properties,and cost efficiency,remains a compelling material choice for flexible electronics.Consequently,the research on ultra-thin Si in the context of flexible electronics is studied rigorously nowadays.The thinning of Si is crucially important for flexible electronics as it reduces its bending stiffness and the resultant bending strain,thereby enhancing flexibility while preserving its exceptional properties.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent efforts in the fabrication techniques for forming ultra-thin Si using top-down and bottom-up approaches and explores their utilization in flexible electronics and their applications.

Identification of Stability Domains for Flow Parameters in Fused Filament Fabrication Using Acoustic Emission

In Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF),the state of material flow significantly influences printing outcomes.However,online monitoring of these micro-physical processes within the extruder remains challenging.The flow state is affected by multiple parameters,with temperature and volumetric flow rate(VFR)being the most critical.The study explores the stable extrusion of flow with a highly sensitive acoustic emission(AE)sensor so that AE signals generated by the friction in the annular region can reflect the flow state more effectively.Nevertheless,the large volume and broad frequency range of the data present processing challenges.This study proposes a method that initially selects short impact signals and then uses the Fast Kurtogram(FK)to identify the frequency with the highest kurtosis for signal filtration.The results indicate that this approach significantly enhances processing speed and improves feature extraction capabilities.By correlating AE characteristics under various parameters with the quality of extruded raster beads,AE can monitor the real-time state of material flow.This study offers a concise and efficient method for monitoring the state of raster beads and demonstrates the potential of online monitoring of the flow states.

Solvent engineering towards scalable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films for efficient solar modules

Over the last decade,remarkable progress has been made in metal halide perovskite solar cells(PSCs),which have been a focus of emerging photovoltaic techniques and show great potential for commercialization.However,the upscaling of small-area PSCs to large-area solar modules to meet the demands of practical applications remains a significant challenge.The scalable production of high-quality perovskite films by a simple,reproducible process is crucial for resolving this issue.Furthermore,the crystallization behavior in the solution-processed fabrication of perovskite films can be strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the precursor inks,which are significantly affected by the employed solvents and their interactions with the solutes.Thus,a comprehensive understanding of solvent engineering for fabricating perovskite films over large areas is urgently required.In this paper,we first analyze the role of solvents in the solution-processed fabrication of large-area perovskite films based on the classical crystal nucleation and growth mechanism.Recent efforts in solvent engineering to improve the quality of perovskite films for solar modules are discussed.Finally,the basic principles and future challenges of solvent system design for scalable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films for efficient solar modules are proposed.

Circularly Polarized Light-Enabled Chiral Nanomaterials:From Fabrication to Application

For decades,chiral nanomaterials have been extensively studied because of their extraordinary properties.Chiral nanostructures have attracted a lot of interest because of their potential applications including biosensing,asymmetric catalysis,optical devices,and negative index materials.Circularly polarized light(CPL)is the most attractive source for chirality owing to its high availability,and now it has been used as a chiral source for the preparation of chiral matter.In this review,the recent progress in the field of CPL-enabled chiral nanomaterials is summarized.Firstly,the recent advancements in the fabrication of chiral materials using circularly polarized light are described,focusing on the unique strategies.Secondly,an overview of the potential applications of chiral nanomaterials driven by CPL is provided,with a particular emphasis on biosensing,catalysis,and phototherapy.Finally,a perspective on the challenges in the field of CPL-enabled chiral nanomaterials is given.

Direct fabrication of flexible tensile sensors enabled by polariton energy transfer based on graphene nanosheet films

A fundamental problem in the direct manufacturing of flexible devices is the low melting temperature of flexible substrates,which hinders the development of flexible electronics.Proposed here is an electron-cyclotron-resonance sputtering system that can batch-fabricate devices directly on flexible substrates under a low temperature by virtue of the polariton energy transfer between the plasma and the material.Flexible graphene nanosheet-embedded carbon(F-GNEC)films are manufactured directly on polyimide,polyethylene terephthalate,and polydimethylsiloxane,and how the substrate bias(electron energy),microwave power(plasma flux and energy),and magnetic field(electron flux)affect the nanostructure of the F-GNEC films is investigated,indicating that electron energy and flux contribute to the formation of standing graphene nanosheets in the film.The films have good uniformity of distribution in a large size(17 mm×17 mm),and tensile and angle sensors with a high gauge factor(0.92)and fast response(50 ms)for a machine hand are obtained by virtue of the unique nanostructure of the F-GNEC film.This work sheds light on the quantum manufacturing of carbon sensors and its applications for intelligent machine hands and virtual-reality technology.

Recent Advances in One‑Dimensional Micro/Nanomotors:Fabrication,Propulsion and Application

Due to their tiny size,autonomous motion and functionalize modifications,micro/nanomotors have shown great potential for environmental remediation,biomedicine and micro/nano-engineering.One-dimensional(1D)micro/nanomotors combine the characteristics of anisotropy and large aspect ratio of 1D materials with the advantages of functionalization and autonomous motion of micro/nanomotors for revolutionary applications.In this review,we discuss current research progress on 1D micro/nanomotors,including the fabrication methods,driving mechanisms,and recent advances in environmental remediation and biomedical applications,as well as discuss current challenges and possible solutions.With continuous attention and innovation,the advancement of 1D micro/nanomotors will pave the way for the continued development of the micro/nanomotor field.

Investigating TEP as a greener alternative to NMP in Ni-rich cathode fabrication

In the past decade,the surging demand for portable electronics,electric vehicles,and stationary energy storage grids has triggered a noticeable rise in the production of Li-ion batteries(LIBs).However,this swift rise is now hindered by relying on the use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone(NMP),a repro-toxic solvent,in the current cathode processing of LIBs.To overcome this challenge,here we have investigated triethyl phosphate(TEP) as a greener alternative to NMP.The compatibility with polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)binder,the slurry rheology,the electrode morphology and cell performance with Ni-rich cathodes are characterized.The results show that TEP-based samples possess indistinguishable characteristics in all as pects studied when compared with NMP,revealing that TEP is a promising substitute for NMP in processing Ni-rich cathodes.It is anticipated that this green solvent,TEP,will draw attention from industry in the real-world LIB application in the future.

Three-dimensional isotropic microfabrication in glass using spatiotemporal focusing of high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser pulses

To improve the processing efficiency and extend the tuning range of 3D isotropic fabrication,we apply the simultaneous spatiotemporal focusing(SSTF)technique to a high-repetition-rate femtosecond(fs)fiber laser system.In the SSTF scheme,we propose a pulse compensation scheme for the fiber laser with a narrow spectral bandwidth by building an extra-cavity pulse stretcher.We further demonstrate truly 3D isotropic microfabrication in photosensitive glass with a tunable resolution ranging from 8μm to 22μm using the SSTF of fs laser pulses.Moreover,we systematically investigate the influences of pulse energy,writing speed,processing depth,and spherical aberration on the fabrication resolution.As a proof-of-concept demonstration,the SSTF scheme was further employed for the fs laser-assisted etching of complicated glass microfluidic structures with 3D uniform sizes.The developed technique can be extended to many applications such as advanced photonics,3D biomimetic printing,micro-electromechanical systems,and lab-on-a-chips.

Rational design and low-cost fabrication of multifunctional separators enabling high sulfur utilization in long-life lithium-sulfur batteries

The lithium-sulfur(Li-S)battery with an ultrahigh theoretical energy density has emerged as a promising rechargeable battery system.However,the practical applications of Li-S batteries are severely plagued by the sluggish reaction kinetics of sulfur species and notorious shuttling of soluble lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)intermediates that result in low sulfur utilization.The introduction of functional layers on separators has been considered as an effective strategy to improve the sulfur utilization in Li-S batteries by achieving effective regulation of LiPSs.Herein,a promising self-assembly strategy is proposed to achieve the low-cost fabrication of hollow and hierarchically porous Fe_(3)O_(4)nanospheres(p-Fe_(3)O_(4)-NSs)assembled by numerous extremely-small primary nanocrystals as building blocks.The rationally-designed p-Fe_(3)O_(4)-NSs are utilized as a multifunctional layer on the separator with highly efficient trapping and conversion features toward LiPSs.Results demonstrate that the nanostructured p-Fe_(3)O_(4)-NSs provide chemical adsorption toward LiPSs and kinetically promote the mutual transformation between LiPSs and Li_(2)S_(2)/Li_(2)S during cycling,thus inhibiting the LiPSs shuttling and boosting the redox reaction kinetics via a chemisorption-catalytic conversion mechanism.The enhanced wettability of the p-Fe_(3)O_(4)-NSs-based separator with the electrolyte enables fast transportation of lithium ions.Benefitting from these alluring properties,the functionalized separator with p-Fe_(3)O_(4)-NSs endows the battery with an admirable rate performance of 877 mAh g^(−1)at 2 C,an ultra-durable cycling performance of up to 2176 cycles at 1 C,and a promising areal capacity of 4.55 mAh cm^(−2)under high-sulfur-loading and lean-electrolyte conditions(4.29 mg cm^(−2),electrolyte/ratio:8μl mg^(−1)).This study will offer fresh insights on the rational design and low-cost fabrication of multifunctional separator to strengthen electrochemical reaction kinetics by regulating LiPSs conversion for developing efficient and long-life Li-S batteries.

Photoelectrochemical CO_(2) electrolyzers: From photoelectrode fabrication to reactor configuration

The photoelectrochemical conversion of CO_(2) into value-added products emerges as an attractive approach to alleviate climate change. One of the main challenges in deploying this technology is, however, the development and optimization of(photo)electrodes and photoelectrolyzers. This review focuses on the fabrication processes, structure, and characterization of(photo)electrodes, covering a wide range of fabrication techniques, from rudimentary to automated fabrication processes. The work also highlights the most relevant features of(photo)electrodes, with special emphasis on how to measure and optimize them. Finally, the review analyses the integration of(photo)electrodes in different photoelectrolyzer architectures, analyzing the most recent research work that comprises photocathode, photoanode,photocathode-photoanode, and tandem photoelectrolyzer configurations to ideally achieve self-sustained CO_(2) conversion systems. Overall, comprehensive guidelines are provided for future advancements in developing effective devices for CO_(2) conversion, bridging the gap towards the use of sunlight as the unique energy input and practical applications.

Recent progress and challenges in interdigital microbatteries:Fabrication, functionalization and integration

Currently,the increasing demands for portable,implantable,and wearable electronics have triggered the interest in miniaturized energy storage devices.Different from conventional energy storage devices,interdigital microbatteries(IMBs) are free of separators and prepared on a single substrate,potentially achieving a short ionic diffusion path and better performance.Meanwhile,they can be easily fabricated and integrated into on-chip miniaturized electronics,holding the promise to provide long-lasting power for advanced microelectronic devices.To date,while many seminal works have been reviewed the topic of microbatteries,there is no work that systematically summarizes the development of IMBs of high energy density and stable voltage platforms from fabrication,functionalization to integration.The current review focuses on the most recent progress in IMBs,discussing advanced micromachining techniques with compatible features to construct high-performance IMBs with smart functions and intelligent integrated systems.The future opportunities and challenges of IMBs are also highlighted,calling for more efforts in this dynamic and fast-growing research field.

Review of roll-to-roll fabrication techniques for colloidal quantum dot solar cells

Colloidal quantum dots(CQDs)are of great interest to photovoltaic(PV)technologies as they possess the benefits of solution-processability,size-tunability,and roll-to-roll manufacturability,as well as unique capabilities to harvest near-infrared(NIR)radiation.During the last decade,lab-scale CQD solar cells have achieved rapid improvement in the power conversion efficiency(PCE)from~1%to 18%,which will potentially exceed 20%in the next few years and approach the performance of other PV technologies,such as perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells.In the meanwhile,CQD solar cells exhibit long lifetimes either under shelf storage or continuous operation,making them highly attractive to industry.However,in order to meet the industrial requirements,mass production techniques are necessary to scale up the fabrication of those lab devices into large-area PV modules,such as roll-to-toll coating.This paper reviews the recent developments of large-area CQD solar cells with a focus on various fabrication methods and their principles.It covers the progress of typical large-area coating techniques,including spray coating,blade coating,dip coating,and slot-die coating.It also discusses next steps and new strategies to accomplish the ultimate goal of the low-cost large-area fabrication of CQD solar cells and emphasizes how artificial intelligence or machine learning could facilitate the developments of CQD solar cell research.

Development and Evaluation of Recycled Polypropylene and Bean Pod Powder Composite Biomaterial for Fused Filament Fabrication

Approximately 450 million tons of plastic and agricultural waste are produced each year in the world. Only a small portion of this plastic waste is recycled, and a small portion of this agricultural waste is used as fuel or fertilizer, and the rest of this waste is left in the environment or is burned, resulting in environmental and air pollution. For proper disposal, plastic and agricultural waste can be used in the manufacture of composites as raw materials. In this study, we had evaluated the use of bean pod powder (BPp) was used as natural reinforcing filler in recycled polypropylene (rPP) based composites. BPp/rPP composite filaments were developed using the extrusion method and the samples were printed by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Composites with rPP matrix containing different weight fractions of BPp (5%, 10% and 15%) were fabricated to observe and compare the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and compressive strength) of the filament composites. In addition, the filament surface was analyzed for roughness and particle size of bean pod powder. The results established that BPp/rPP composites exhibited better tensile, flexural, and compressive strength than rPP and pure PP. By adding 5 wt% BPp, the tensile strength of rPP increased from 20.4 MPa to 22.8 MPa. The highest flexural strength (15.05 MPa) was obtained at 5 wt% BPp among all composites and the highest compressive strength (24.5 MPa), was obtained at 10 wt% BPp. Therefore, it can be concluded that by carefully selecting the ratio of BPp to bean pod powder, it is therefore possible to positively influence the mechanical properties of the resulting composite.

Optimization of Extrusion Process Parameters of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene-Thermoplastic Starch Composite for Fused Filament Fabrication

High-density poly-ethylene (HDPE) is a nonbiodegradable recyclable plastic which is widely utilized in single use packaging applications. Consequently, it constitutes a significant amount of plastic waste found in landfills. From literature, it has been shown that parts produced using composites of HDPE with carbohydrate-based polymers, such as thermoplastic starch (TPS), experience mechanical degradation through hydrolytic degradation process. The possible utilization of recycled-HDPE (rHDPE) and TPS composite in nonconventional manufacturing processes such as Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has however not been explored. This study explores the potential application of rHDPE and TPS composites in FFF and optimizes the extrusion process parameters used in rHDPE-TPS filament production process. Taguchi method was utilized to analyze the extrusion process. The extrusion process parameters studied were the spooling speed, extrusion speed and the extrusion temperatures. The response variable studied was the filament diameter. In this research, the maximum TPS content achieved during filament production was 40 wt%. This filament was however challenging to use in FFF printers due to frequent nozzle clogging. Printing was therefore done with filaments that contained 0 - 30 wt% TPS. The experimental results showed that the most significant parameter in extrusion process was the spooling speed, followed by extrusion speed. Extrusion temperature had the least significant influence on the filament diameter. It was observed that increase in TPS content resulted in reduced warping and increased rate of hydrolytic degradation. Mechanical properties of printed parts were investigated and the results showed that increasing TPS content resulted in reduction in tensile strength, reduction in compression strength and increase in stiffness. The findings of this research provide valuable insights to plastic recycling industries and researchers regarding the utilization of recycled HDPE and TPS composites as substitute materials in FFF.

Facile fabrication of durable superhydrophobic fabrics by silicon polyurethane membrane for oil/water separation

Nowadays, oil contamination has become a major reason for water pollution, and presents a global environmental challenge. Although many efforts have been devoted to the fabrication of oil/water separation materials, their practical applications are still hindered by their weak durability, poor chemical tolerance,environmental resistance, and potential negative impact on health and the environment. To overcome these drawbacks, this work offers a facile method to fabricate the eco-friendly and durable oil/water separation membrane fabrics by alkaline hydrolysis and silicon polyurethane coating. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy results demonstrate that silicon polyurethane membrane could be coated onto the surface of hydrolyzed polyester fabric and form a micro-/nano-scaled hierarchical structure. Based on this, the modified fabric could have a stable superhydrophobic property with a water contact angle higher than 150°, even after repeated washing and mechanical abrasion 800 times, as well as chemical corrosion. Moreover, the modified fabrics show excellent oil/water separation efficiency of up to 99% for various types of oil–water mixture. Therefore, this durable, eco-friendly and cost-efficient superhydrophobic fabric has great potential in large-scale oil/water separation.

Effects of O3 Treatment on Different Composition % (Cotton, Polyester, Elastane) of Denim Fabrication (GSM 295, 327, 340, 343, 357, 360, 413) after Random O3 Wash

In the present day, all the buyers are encouraging the sustainable wash in the industry to conform to their orders. The washing industry is facing some difficulties after receiving the order from the buyers. That’s why, in this study, the authors have selected different percentages of cotton, polyester, and elastane fabric containing the GSM 295, 327, 340, 343, 357, 360, and 413 to conduct these experiments to reduce the difficulties of the washing industry. For all different types of denim fabrics, the physical properties test (tensile, tear, and GSM) and the chemical properties test (color fastness to crocking, color fastness to ozone, pH) have been done here to collect the row data. The main aim of this study was to find out about shade variation, weight loss, physical property changes, etc. before and after the third wash. This study will help the washing industry choose fabric types for sustainable washing in the future.

FABRICATION OF Bi NANOWIRE ARRAY BY ELECTRODEPOSITION TECHNOLOGY

In the fabrication of Bi nanowire array thermoelectric materials,electrodeposition technology has been used to deposit bismuth into the nanopores of anodic alumina porous films.The experiments show that the temperature significantly affects the electrodepositing process,and the simple form of Bi 3+ in the solutions is helpful to the deposition of metal Bi.The pulse plating technique is necessary for the electrodeposition because of the diffusive difficulty of Bi 3+ into the nanopores of the films.The XRD analysis indicates that Bi nanowire arrays have been manufactured by this technology.