Synthesizing active and durable cubic ceria catalysts(<6 nm)for fast dehydrogenation of bio-polyols to carboxylic acids coproducing green H_(2)

Dehydrogenation is considered as one of the most important industrial applications for renewable energy.Cubic ceria-based catalysts are known to display promising dehydrogenation performances in this area.Large particle size(>20 nm)and less surface defects,however,hinder further application of ceria materials.Herein,an alternative strategy involving lactic acid(LA)assisted hydrothermal method was developed to synthesize active,selective and durable cubic ceria of<6 nm for dehydrogenation reactions.Detailed studies of growth mechanism revealed that,the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in LA molecule synergistically manipulate the morphological evolution of ceria precursors.Carboxyl groups determine the cubic shape and particle size,while hydroxyl groups promote compositional transformation of ceria precursors into CeO_(2) phases.Moreover,enhanced oxygen vacancies(Vo)on the surface of CeO_(2) were obtained owing to continuous removal of O species under reductive atmosphere.Cubic CeO_(2) catalysts synthesized by the LA-assisted method,immobilized with bimetallic PtCo clusters,exhibit a record high activity(TOF:29,241 h^(-1))and Vo-dependent synergism for dehydrogenation of bio-derived polyols at 200℃.We also found that quenching Vo defects at air atmosphere causes activity loss of PtCo/CeO_(2) catalysts.To regenerate Vo defects,a simple strategy was developed by irradiating deactivated catalysts using hernia lamp.The outcome of this work will provide new insights into manufacturing durable catalyst materials for aqueous phase dehydrogenation applications.

Regulating the dopant clustering in LiZnAs-based diluted magnetic semiconductor

Tuning of the magnetic interaction plays the vital role in reducing the clustering of magnetic dopant in diluted magnetic semiconductors(DMS).Due to the not well understood magnetic mechanism and the interplay between different magnetic mechanisms,no efficient and universal tuning strategy is proposed at present.Here,the magnetic interactions and formation energies of isovalent-doped(Mn) and aliovalent(Cr)-doped LiZnAs are studied based on density functional theory(DFT).It is found that the dopant–dopant distance-dependent magnetic interaction is highly sensitive to the carrier concentration and carrier type and can only be explained by the interplay between two magnetic mechanisms,i.e.,superexchange and Zener’s p–d exchange model.Thus,the magnetic behavior and clustering of magnetic dopant can be tuned by the interplay between two magnetic mechanisms.The insensitivity of the tuning effect to U parameter suggests that our strategy could be universal to other DMS.

Anomalous bond lengthening in compressed magnetic doped semiconductor Ba(Zn_(0.95)Mn_(0.05))_(2)As_(2)

Applying pressure has been evidenced as an effective method to control the properties of semiconductors,owing to its capability to modify the band configuration around Fermi energy.Correspondingly,structural evolutions under external pres-sures are required to analyze the mechanisms.Herein high-pressure structure of a magnetic doped semiconductor Ba(Zn_(0.95)Mn_(0.05))_(2)As_(2)is studied with combination of in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffractions and diamond anvil cells.The materials become ferromagnetic with Curie temperature of 105 K after further 20%K doping.The title material undergoes an isostruc-tural phase transition at around 19 GPa.Below the transition pressure,it is remarkable to find lengthening of Zn/Mn-As bond within Zn/MnAs layers,since chemical bonds are generally shortened with applying pressures.Accompanied with the bond stretch,interlayer As-As distances become shorter and the As-As dimers form after the phase transition.With further compres-sion,Zn/Mn-As bond becomes shortened due to the recovery of isotropic compression on the Zn/MnAs layers.

Magneto-Photo-Thermoelastic Excitation Rotating Semiconductor Medium Based on Moisture Diffusivity

In this research,we focus on the free-surface deformation of a one-dimensional elastic semiconductor medium as a function of magnetic field and moisture diffusivity.The problem aims to analyze the interconnection between plasma and moisture diffusivity processes,as well as thermo-elastic waves.The study examines the photothermoelasticity transport process while considering the impact of moisture diffusivity.By employing Laplace’s transformation technique,we derive the governing equations of the photo-thermo-elastic medium.These equations include the equations for carrier density,elastic waves,moisture transport,heat conduction,and constitutive relationships.Mechanical stresses,thermal conditions,and plasma boundary conditions are used to calculate the fundamental physical parameters in the Laplace domain.By employing numerical techniques,the Laplace transform is inverted to get complete time-domain solutions for the primary physical domains under study.Referencemoisture,thermoelastic,and thermoelectric characteristics are employed in conjunction with a graphical analysis that takes into consideration the effects of applied forces on displacement,moisture concentration,carrier density,stress due to forces,and temperature distribution.

Performance of Lateral 4H-SiC Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches by Extrinsic Backside Trigger

Photoconductive semiconductor switch(PCSS)can be applied in pulsed high power systems and microwave techniques.However,reducing the damage and increasing the lifetime of silicon carbide(SiC)PCSS are still faced severe challenges.In this study,PCSSs with various structures were prepared on 4-inch diameter,500μm thick high-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates and their on-state resistance and damage mechanisms were investigated.It was found that the PCSS of an Au/TiW/Ni electrode system annealed at 950℃had a minimum on-state resistance of 6.0Ωat 1 kV bias voltage with a 532 nm and 170 mJ pulsed laser by backside illumination single trigger.The backside illumination single trigger could reduce on-state resistance and alleviate the damage of PCSS compared to the frontside trigger when the diameter of the laser spot was larger than the channel length of PCSS.For the 200 s trigger test by a 10 Hz laser,the black branch-like ablation on Au/TiW/Ni PCSS was mainly caused by thermal stress owing to hot carriers.Replacing metal Ni with boron gallium co-doped zinc oxide(BGZO)thin films annealed at 400℃,black branch-like ablation was alleviated while concentric arc damage was obvious at the anode.The major causes of concentric arc are both pulsed laser diffraction and thermal effect.

Low-Cost and Biodegradable Thermoelectric Devices Based on van der Waals Semiconductors on Paper Substrates

We present a method to fabricate handcrafted thermoelectric devices on standard office paper substrates.The devices are based on thin films of WS_(2),Te,and BP(P-type semiconductors)and TiS_(3)and TiS_(2)(N-type semiconductors),deposited by simply rubbing powder of these materials against paper.The thermoelectric properties of these semiconducting films revealed maximum Seebeck coefficients of(+1.32±0.27)mV K^(-1)and(-0.82±0.15)mV K^(-1)for WS_(2)and TiS_(3),respectively.Additionally,Peltier elements were fabricated by interconnecting the P-and N-type films with graphite electrodes.A thermopower value up to 6.11 mV K^(-1)was obtained when the Peltier element were constructed with three junctions.The findings of this work show proof-of-concept devices to illustrate the potential application of semiconducting van der Waals materials in future thermoelectric power generation as well as temperature sensing for low-cost disposable electronic devices.

Functional Confirmation Using a Medical X-Ray System of a Semiconductor Survey Meter

In recent years, semiconductor survey meters have been developed and are in increasing demand worldwide. This study determined if it is possible to use the X-ray system installed in each medical facility to calculate the time constant of a semiconductor survey meter and confirm the meter’s function. An additional filter was attached to the medical X-ray system to satisfy the standards of N-60 to N-120, more copper plates were added as needed, and the first and second half-value layers were calculated to enable comparisons of the facility’s X-ray system quality with the N-60 to N-120 quality values. Next, we used a medical X-ray system to measure the leakage dose and calculate the time constant of the survey meter. The functionality of the meter was then checked and compared with the energy characteristics of the meter. The experimental results showed that it was possible to use a medical X-ray system to reproduce the N-60 to N-120 radiation quality values and to calculate the time constant from the measured results, assuming actual leakage dosimetry for that radiation quality. We also found that the calibration factor was equivalent to that of the energy characteristics of the survey meter.

Enhanced magnetic anisotropy and high hole mobility in magnetic semiconductor Ga_(1-x-y)Fe_(x)Ni_(y)Sb

(Ga,Fe)Sb is a promising magnetic semiconductor(MS)for spintronic applications because its Curie temperature(T_(C))is above 300 K when the Fe concentration is higher than 20%.However,the anisotropy constant Ku of(Ga,Fe)Sb is below 7.6×10^(3)erg/cm^(3)when Fe concentration is lower than 30%,which is one order of magnitude lower than that of(Ga,Mn)As.To address this issue,we grew Ga_(1-x-y)Fe_(x)Ni_(y)Sb films with almost the same x(≈24%)and different y to characterize their magnetic and electrical transport properties.We found that the magnetic anisotropy of Ga_(0.76-y)Fe_(0.24)Ni_(y)Sb can be enhanced by increasing y,in which Ku is negligible at y=1.7%but increases to 3.8×10^(5)erg/cm^(3)at y=6.1%(T_(C)=354 K).In addition,the hole mobility(μ)of Ga_(1-x-y)Fe_(x)Ni_(y)Sb reaches 31.3 cm^(2)/(V∙s)at x=23.7%,y=1.7%(T_(C)=319 K),which is much higher than the mobility of Ga_(1-x)Fe_(x)Sb at x=25.2%(μ=6.2 cm^(2)/(V∙s)).Our results provide useful information for enhancing the magnetic anisotropy and hole mobility of(Ga,Fe)Sb by using Ni co-doping.

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics enabled by transparent p-type inorganic semiconductor and near-infrared acceptor

Semitransparent organic photovoltaics(STOPVs)have gained wide attention owing to their promising applications in building-integrated photovoltaics,agrivoltaics,and floating photovoltaics.Organic semiconductors with high charge carrier mobility usually have planar and conjugated structures,thereby showing strong absorption in visible region.In this work,a new concept of incorporating transparent inorganic semiconductors is proposed for high-performance STOPVs.Copper(I)thiocyanate(CuSCN)is a visible-transparent inorganic semiconductor with an ionization potential of 5.45 eV and high hole mobility.The transparency of CuSCN benefits high average visible transmittance(AVT)of STOPVs.The energy levels of CuSCN as donor match those of near-infrared small molecule acceptor BTP-eC9,and the formed heterojunction exhibits an ability of exciton dissociation.High mobility of CuSCN contributes to a more favorable charge transport channel and suppresses charge recombination.The control STOPVs based on PM6/BTP-eC9 exhibit an AVT of 19.0%with a power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 12.7%.Partial replacement of PM6 with CuSCN leads to a 63%increase in transmittance,resulting in a higher AVT of 30.9%and a comparable PCE of 10.8%.

Constructing Built-In Electric Fields with Semiconductor Junctions and Schottky Junctions Based on Mo-MXene/Mo-Metal Sulfides for Electromagnetic Response

The exploration of novel multivariate heterostructures has emerged as a pivotal strategy for developing high-performance electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorption materials.However,the loss mechanism in traditional heterostructures is relatively simple,guided by empirical observations,and is not monotonous.In this work,we presented a novel semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructure sys-tem,Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides(metal=Sn,Fe,Mn,Co,Ni,Zn,and Cu),including semiconductor junctions and Mott-Schottky junctions.By skillfully combining these distinct functional components(Mo-MXene,MoS_(2),metal sulfides),we can engineer a multiple heterogeneous interface with superior absorption capabilities,broad effective absorption bandwidths,and ultrathin matching thickness.The successful establishment of semiconductor-semiconductor-metal heterostructures gives rise to a built-in electric field that intensifies electron transfer,as confirmed by density functional theory,which collaborates with multiple dielectric polarization mechanisms to substantially amplify EMW absorption.We detailed a successful synthesis of a series of Mo-MXene/Mo-metal sulfides featuring both semiconductor-semiconductor and semiconductor-metal interfaces.The achievements were most pronounced in Mo-MXene/Mo-Sn sulfide,which achieved remarkable reflection loss values of-70.6 dB at a matching thickness of only 1.885 mm.Radar cross-section calculations indicate that these MXene/Mo-metal sulfides have tremendous potential in practical military stealth technology.This work marks a departure from conventional component design limitations and presents a novel pathway for the creation of advanced MXene-based composites with potent EMW absorption capabilities.

Indentation behavior of a semi-infinite piezoelectric semiconductor under a rigid flat-ended cylindrical indenter

This paper theoretically studies the axisymmetric frictionless indentation of a transversely isotropic piezoelectric semiconductor(PSC)half-space subject to a rigid flatended cylindrical indenter.The contact area and other surface of the PSC half-space are assumed to be electrically insulating.By the Hankel integral transformation,the problem is reduced to the Fredholm integral equation of the second kind.This equation is solved numerically to obtain the indentation behaviors of the PSC half-space,mainly including the indentation force-depth relation and the electric potential-depth relation.The results show that the effect of the semiconductor property on the indentation responses is limited within a certain range of variation of the steady carrier concentration.The dependence of indentation behavior on material properties is also analyzed by two different kinds of PSCs.Finite element simulations are conducted to verify the results calculated by the integral equation technique,and good agreement is demonstrated.

Solar‑Driven Sustainability:Ⅲ–ⅤSemiconductor for Green Energy Production Technologies

Long-term societal prosperity depends on addressing the world’s energy and environmental problems,and photocatalysis has emerged as a viable remedy.Improving the efficiency of photocatalytic processes is fundamentally achieved by optimizing the effective utilization of solar energy and enhancing the efficient separation of photogenerated charges.It has been demonstrated that the fabrication ofⅢ–Ⅴsemiconductor-based photocatalysts is effective in increasing solar light absorption,long-term stability,large-scale production and promoting charge transfer.This focused review explores on the current developments inⅢ–Ⅴsemiconductor materials for solar-powered photocatalytic systems.The review explores on various subjects,including the advancement ofⅢ–Ⅴsemiconductors,photocatalytic mechanisms,and their uses in H2 conversion,CO_(2)reduction,environmental remediation,and photocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions.In order to design heterostructures,the review delves into basic concepts including solar light absorption and effective charge separation.It also highlights significant advancements in green energy systems for water splitting,emphasizing the significance of establishing eco-friendly systems for CO_(2)reduction and hydrogen production.The main purpose is to produce hydrogen through sustainable and ecologically friendly energy conversion.The review intends to foster the development of greener and more sustainable energy source by encouraging researchers and developers to focus on practical applications and advancements in solar-powered photocatalysis.

Analysis of piezoelectric semiconductor fibers under gradient temperature changes

Piezoelectric semiconductors(PSs)possess both semiconducting properties and piezoelectric coupling effects,making them optimal building blocks for semiconductor devices.PS fiber-like structures have wide applications in multi-functional semiconductor devices.In this paper,a one-dimensional(1D)theoretical model is established to describe the piezotronic responses of a PS fiber under gradient temperature changes.The theoretical model aims to explain the mechanism behind the resistance change caused by such gradient temperature changes.Numerical results demonstrate that a gradient temperature change significantly affects the physical fields within the PS fiber,and can induce changes in its surface resistance.It provides important theoretical guidance on the development of piezotronic devices that are sensitive to temperature effects.

Identifying the enhancement mechanism of Al/MoO_(3) reactive multilayered films on the ignition ability of semiconductor bridge using a one-dimensional gas-solid two-phase flow model

Energetic Semiconductor bridge(ESCB)based on reactive multilayered films(RMFs)has a promising application in the miniature and intelligence of initiator and pyrotechnics device.Understanding the ignition enhancement mechanism of RMFs on semiconductor bridge(SCB)during the ignition process is crucial for the engineering and practical application of advanced initiator and pyrotechnics devices.In this study,a one-dimensional(1D)gas-solid two-phase flow ignition model was established to study the ignition process of ESCB to charge particles based on the reactivity of Al/MoO_(3) RMFs.In order to fully consider the coupled exothermic between the RMFs and the SCB plasma during the ignition process,the heat release of chemical reaction in RMFs was used as an internal heat source in this model.It is found that the exothermal reaction in RMFs improved the ignition performance of SCB.In the process of plasma rapid condensation with heat release,the product of RMFs enhanced the heat transfer process between the gas phase and the solid charge particle,which accelerated the expansion of hot plasma,and heated the solid charge particle as well as gas phase region with low temperature.In addition,it made up for pressure loss in the gas phase.During the plasma dissipation process,the exothermal chemical reaction in RMFs acted as the main heating source to heat the charge particle,making the surface temperature of the charge particle,gas pressure,and gas temperature rise continuously.This result may yield significant advantages in providing a universal ignition model for miniaturized ignition devices.

Features of Recombination Radiation of GaAs Type Semiconductors with the Participation of Fine Acceptor Levels in a Magnetic Field

Using the method of Picus and Beer invariants, general expressions are obtained for the total intensity I and the degree of circular polarization Рcirc.of the luminescence of GaAs-type semiconductors with the participation of shallow acceptor levels in a longitudinal magnetic field H. Special cases are analyzed depending on the value and direction of the magnetic field strength, as well as on the constants of the g-factor of the acceptor g1,g2and the conduction band electron ge. In the case of a strong magnetic field H// [100], [111], [110], a numerical calculation of the angular dependence of the quantities I and Рcirc.was performed for some critical values of g2/g1, at which Рcirc.exhibits a sharp anisotropy in the range from −100% to +100%, and the intensity of the crystal radiation along the magnetic field tends to a minimum value.

First-Principle Study on the Electronic Structure and Optical Property of New Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor(Y_(0.75)Ca_(0.25))(Cu_(0.75)Mn_(0.25))SO

The band structure,DOSs,and optical properties of(Y_(0.75)Ca_(0.25))(Cu_(0.75)Mn_(0.25))SO,including dielectric function,absorption function,reflection function,and energy loss spectrum were studied by using the first-principles calculation.The calculation results indicate that(Y_(0.75)Ca_(0.25))(Cu_(0.75)Mn_(0.25))SO is a direct bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.1 eV.The Fermi surface is asymmetric and exhibits spin splitting phenomenon.The new type of dilute magnetic semiconductor(Y_(0.75)Ca_(0.25))(Cu_(0.75)Mn_(0.25))SO exhibits significant light loss around 70 eV,with light reflection gradually increasing after 30 eV,and light absorption mainly occurring around 8-30 eV.These results also provide a basis for the discovery of more types of 1111 phase new dilute magnetic semiconductors in the future.

Graphene Quantum Dot‑Mediated Atom‑Layer Semiconductor Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

The hydrogen evolution reaction performance of semiconducting 2H-phase molybdenum disulfide(2H-MoS_(2))presents a significant hurdle in realizing its full potential applications.Here,we utilize theoretical calculations to predict possible functionalized graphene quantum dots(GQDs),which can enhance HER activity of bulk MoS_(2).Subsequently,we design a functionalized GQD-induced in-situ bottom-up strategy to fabricate near atom-layer 2H-MoS_(2) nanosheets mediated with GQDs(ALQD)by modulating the concentration of electron withdrawing/donating functional groups.Experimental results reveal that the introduction of a series of functionalized GQDs during the synthesis of ALQD plays a crucial role.Notably,the higher the concentration and strength of electron-withdrawing functional groups on GQDs,the thinner and more active the resulting ALQD are.Remarkably,the synthesized near atom-layer ALQD-SO_(3)demonstrate significantly improved HER performance.Our GQD-induced strategy provides a simple and efficient approach for expanding the catalytic application of MoS_(2).Furthermore,it holds substantial potential for developing nanosheets in other transition-metal dichalcogenide materials.

Application and prospect of semiconductor biosensors in detection of viral zoonoses

The rapid spread of viral zoonoses can cause severe consequences,including huge economic loss,public health problems or even global crisis of society.Clinical detection technology plays a very important role in the prevention and control of such zoonoses.The rapid and accurate detection of the pathogens of the diseases can directly lead to the early report and early successful control of the diseases.With the advantages of being easy to use,fast,portable,multiplexing and cost-effective,semiconductor biosensors are kinds of detection devices that play an important role in preventing epidemics,and thus have become one of the research hotspots.Here,we summarized the advances of semiconductor biosensors in viral zoonoses detection.By discussing the major principles and applications of each method for different pathogens,this review proposed the directions of designing semiconductor biosensors for clinical application and put forward perspectives in diagnostic of viral zoonoses.

Comparative coherence between layered and traditional semiconductors: unique opportunities for heterogeneous integration

As Moore’s law deteriorates,the research and development of new materials system are crucial for transitioning into the post Moore era.Traditional semiconductor materials,such as silicon,have served as the cornerstone of modern technologies for over half a century.This has been due to extensive research and engineering on new techniques to continuously enrich silicon-based materials system and,subsequently,to develop better performed silicon-based devices.Meanwhile,in the emerging post Moore era,layered semiconductor materials,such as transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),have garnered considerable research interest due to their unique electronic and optoelectronic properties,which hold great promise for powering the new era of next generation electronics.As a result,techniques for engineering the properties of layered semiconductors have expanded the possibilities of layered semiconductor-based devices.However,there remain significant limitations in the synthesis and engineering of layered semiconductors,impeding the utilization of layered semiconductor-based devices for mass applications.As a practical alternative,heterogeneous integration between layered and traditional semiconductors provides valuable opportunities to combine the distinctive properties of layered semiconductors with well-developed traditional semiconductors materials system.Here,we provide an overview of the comparative coherence between layered and traditional semiconductors,starting with TMDs as the representation of layered semiconductors.We highlight the meaningful opportunities presented by the heterogeneous integration of layered semiconductors with traditional semiconductors,representing an optimal strategy poised to propel the emerging semiconductor research community and chip industry towards unprecedented advancements in the coming decades.

Atomic layer deposition for nanoscale oxide semiconductor thin film transistors:review and outlook

Since the first report of amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O based thin film transistors,interest in oxide semiconductors has grown.They offer high mobility,low off-current,low process temperature,and wide flexibility for compositions and processes.Unfortunately,depositing oxide semiconductors using conventional processes like physical vapor deposition leads to problematic issues,especially for high-resolution displays and highly integrated memory devices.Conventional approaches have limited process flexibility and poor conformality on structured surfaces.Atomic layer deposition(ALD)is an advanced technique which can provide conformal,thickness-controlled,and high-quality thin film deposition.Accordingly,studies on ALD based oxide semiconductors have dramatically increased recently.Even so,the relationships between the film properties of ALD-oxide semiconductors and the main variables associated with deposition are still poorly understood,as are many issues related to applications.In this review,to introduce ALD-oxide semiconductors,we provide:(a)a brief summary of the history and importance of ALD-based oxide semiconductors in industry,(b)a discussion of the benefits of ALD for oxide semiconductor deposition(in-situ composition control in vertical distribution/vertical structure engineering/chemical reaction and film properties/insulator and interface engineering),and(c)an explanation of the challenging issues of scaling oxide semiconductors and ALD for industrial applications.This review provides valuable perspectives for researchers who have interest in semiconductor materials and electronic device applications,and the reasons ALD is important to applications of oxide semiconductors.