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Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is considered a highly promising electrode material for supercapacitors (SCs) due to its high theoretical specific capacitance. However, LDH powders often suffer from poor electrical conductivity, structure pulverization, slow charge transport, and insufficient active sites. Herein, a self‐supporting electrode with a Mott–Schottky heterostructure has been designed for high‐performance SCs. The electrode consists of low crystallinity NiCo‐LDH nanosheets and vertical graphene (VG) directly grown on carbon cloth. The LDH was converted from a metal–organic framework (MOF) by the sol–gel method. This self‐supporting electrode provides fast charge transfer, reducing the pulverization effect and energy barrier. The Mott–Schottky heterostructure of LDH@VG regulates electron density and enhances electron transfer, as confirmed by density functional theory calculation. The optimized LDH@VG heterostructure electrode exhibits an excellent areal capacitance of 5513.8 mF cm−2 and rate capability of 82.1%. Furthermore, the fabricated hybrid SC demonstrates excellent energy density of 404.8 μWh cm−2 at 1.6 mW cm−2 and a remarkable cycling life, with a capacitance of 92.0% after 10 000 cycles. This work not only provides a simple dip‐coating and MOF conversion method to synthesize heterojunction‐based electrodes, but also broadens the horizon for designing advanced electrode materials for SCs.

Abstract The current COVID-19 pandemic urges the extremely sensitive and prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we present a Human Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2)-functionalized gold “virus traps” nanostructure as an extremely sensitive SERS biosensor, to selectively capture and rapidly detect S-protein expressed coronavirus, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated water, down to the single-virus level. Such a SERS sensor features extraordinary 106-fold virus enrichment originating from high-affinity of ACE2 with S protein as well as “virus-traps” composed of oblique gold nanoneedles, and 109-fold enhancement of Raman signals originating from multi-component SERS effects. Furthermore, the identification standard of virus signals is established by machine-learning and identification techniques, resulting in an especially low detection limit of 80 copies mL−1 for the simulated contaminated water by SARS-CoV-2 virus with complex circumstance as short as 5 min, which is of great significance for achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of coronavirus. Moreover, here-developed method can be used to establish the identification standard for future unknown coronavirus, and immediately enable extremely sensitive and rapid detection of novel virus.

We fabricate, measure and compare the effects of the bonding states of dopant nitrogen atoms in graphene devices, specifically on the liquid-flow-induced electricity by these devices. We find that nitrogen doping enhances the voltage induced by liquid flow regardless of the nitrogen bonding state. However, different nitrogen bonding states affect graphene’s conductivity differently: while graphitic nitrogen is suitable for electricity-generation applications, pyridinic nitrogen is hopeless for this purpose, due to the formation of symmetry-breaking defects of the latter. Keywords: Nitrogen doped graphene, Flow-induced electricity generation, Water-graphene interface

Here, we report on the large-area synthesis of hBN layer at a comparatively lower temperature using ammonia borane as precursor by microwave assisted surface wave plasma (MW-SWP) chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The solid precursor was sublimed inside the CVD chamber and decomposed to form plasma radicals, which allowed the growth of hBN layer at a lower temperature (∼500 °C). The growth of hBN on Cu catalyst and Si wafer was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The hBN film synthesized on Cu catalyst showed a sharp absorption peak at 276 nm wavelength corresponding to an optical band gap of ∼4.1 eV, owing to the incorporation of carbon and oxygen doping impurities. The reduction of optical band gap of the hBN film with impurity doping can be significant to tune its optoelectronic properties. Thus, the demonstrated MW-SWP-CVD process can be significant to synthesize hBN layers independent of the catalytic behaviour of the substrate, thereby opening enormous possibilities of transfer-free application for device fabrication and as transparent coating on various surfaces.

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are well-established composites applied on commercial, laboratory, and even industrial scales, including pottery for decoration, glass–ceramics-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs), commercial cooking utensils, high-temperature laboratory instruments, industrial catalytic reactors, and engine turbine blades. Despite the extensive applications of CMCs, researchers had to deal with their brittleness, low electrical conductivity, and low thermal properties. The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcement is an effective and efficient method to tailor the ceramic structure at the nanoscale, which provides considerable practicability in the fabrication of highly functional CMC materials. This article provides a comprehensive review of CNTs-reinforced CMC materials (CNTs-CMCs). We critically examined the notable challenges during the synthesis of CNTs-CMCs. Five CNT dispersion processes were elucidated with a comparative study of the established research for the homogeneity distribution in the CMCs and the enhanced properties. We also discussed the effect of densification techniques on the properties of CNTs-CMCs. Additionally, we synopsized the outstanding microstructural and functional properties of CNTs in the CNTs-CMCs, namely stimulated ceramic crystallization, high thermal conductivity, bandgap reduction, and improved mechanical toughness. We also addressed the fundamental insights for the future technological maturation and advancement of CNTs-CMCs.

Metallic lithium (Li) anode batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their high energy density value. However, metallic Li is highly reactive and flammable, which makes Li anode batteries difficult to develop. In this work, for the first time, we report the synthesis of metallic Li-embedded carbon nanocomposites for easy and safe handling by a scalable ion beam-based method. We found that vertically standing conical Li-C nanocomposite (Li-C NC), sometimes with a nanofiber on top, can be grown on a graphite foil commonly used for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. Metallic Li embedded inside the carbon matrix was found to be highly stable under ambient conditions, making transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization possible without any sophisticated inert gas-based sample fabrication apparatus. The developed ion beam-based fabrication technique was also extendable to the synthesis of stable Li-C NC films under ambient conditions. In fact, no significant loss of crystallinity or change in morphology of the Li-C film was observed when subjected to heating at 300 °C for 10 min. Thus, these ion-induced Li-C nanocomposites are concluded to be interesting as electrode materials for future Li-air batteries.

Natural zeolite is widely used in removing ammonia via adsorption process because of its superior ion-exchange properties. Ceramic particle size affects the adsorptivity of particles toward ammonia. In this study, hollow fiber ceramic membrane (HFCM) was fabricated from natural zeolite via phase inversion. The effect of natural zeolite particle size toward the properties and performance of HFCM was evaluated. The results show that the HFCM with smaller particle sizes exhibited a more compact morphological structure with better mechanical strength. The adsorption performance of HFCM was significantly improved with smaller particle sizes because of longer residence time, as proven by the lower water permeability. A high adsorption performance of 96.67% was achieved for HFCM with the smallest particle size (36 μm). These findings provide a new perspective on the promising properties of the natural zeolite-derived HFCM for ammonia removal.

Many nanofabrication methods based on scanning probe microscopy have been developed during the last decades. Local anodic oxidation (LAO) is one of such methods: Upon application of an electric field between tip and surface under ambient conditions, oxide patterning with nanometer-scale resolution can be performed with good control of dimensions and placement. LAO through the non-contact mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has proven to yield a better resolution and tip preservation than the contact mode and it can be effectively performed in the dynamic mode of AFM. The tip plays a crucial role for the LAO-AFM, because it regulates the minimum feature size and the electric field. For instance, the feasibility of carbon nanotube (CNT)-functionalized tips showed great promise for LAO-AFM, yet, the fabrication of CNT tips presents difficulties. Here, we explore the use of a carbon nanofiber (CNF) as the tip apex of AFM probes for the application of LAO on silicon substrates in the AFM amplitude modulation dynamic mode of operation. We show the good performance of CNF-AFM probes in terms of resolution and reproducibility, as well as demonstration that the CNF apex provides enhanced conditions in terms of field-induced, chemical process efficiency.

This paper demonstrates a carbon-copper (C-Cu) composite nanostructure directly fabricated on a copper (Cu) substrate using the Ar+ ion irradiation method at room temperature. The morphology of C-Cu composite was controlled by a simultaneous carbon supply during ion irradiation. Conical protrusions formed on the surface of the Cu substrate with the low carbon supply rate (RC), whereas high RC area prominently produced nanoneedle structures. The field electron emission (FEE) tests demonstrated significant improvement between conical protrusions and nanoneedle structures, where the emission current increase from 5.70 μAcm−2 to 4.37 mAcm-2, while the turn-on field reduced from 5.90 to 2.00 Vμm−1.

We demonstrated a field emission lamp by employing a KMgF3 thin film as a solid-state vacuum ultraviolet phosphor. The output power of the lamp was 2 μW at an extraction voltage of 800 V and acceleration voltage of 1800 V, and it operated at wavelengths 140–220 nm, which is the shortest wavelength reported for solid-state phosphor lamps. The thin film was grown on MgF2 substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Its conversion efficiency was almost equivalent to a single KMgF3 crystal, and it had emission peaks of 155 and 180 nm in wavelength. These peaks are attributed to transitions from the valence anion band to the outermost core cation band and correspond well with emission peaks previously reported from the crystal. Additionally, we obtained a thermal-free and low-power consumption lamp by employing carbon nanofibres (CNFs) as a field emitter. A CNF emitter was easily grown at room temperature and can be grown on flexible materials.

A vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) field emission lamp was developed by using a neodymium ion doped lutetium fluoride (Nd3+ : LuF3) thin film as solid-state phosphor and carbon nanofiber field electron emitters. The thin film was synthesized by pulsed laser deposition and incorporated into the lamp. The cathodoluminescence spectra of the lamp showed multiple emission peaks at 180, 225, and 255 nm. These emission spectra were in good agreement with the spectra reported for the Nd3+ : LuF3 crystal. Moreover, application of an acceleration voltage effectively increased the emission intensity. These results contribute to the performance enhancement of the lamp operating in the VUV region.

Bamboo has become a new trend or focus point as a source of biomass energy in which its proper application is believed to generate the electricity with near-zero waste. ASEAN countries especially have an abundant amount of bamboo that has been use for decades in various applications through their civilization. This study aims to determine the feasibility of bamboo as a renewable energy resource in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan. This paper reviews general biomass bamboo, availability, and methods of technology in the respective countries based on the review of publication papers and country reports. This fast-growing crop is identical for biomass production as it rapidly self-propagates. Bamboo requires minimum maintenance to grow and is always accessible to be harvested. The woody nature of the tropical bamboo stem contributes to its high calorific value in the form of energy. It was found that Indonesia had become a leading country in generating renewable energy via biomass bamboo through a power plant with a capacity of 700 kW off-grid in Mentawai, Japan with a power generation capacity of 995 kW and Malaysia with 4 MW, will be commercialised by 2023 and 2022. In conclusion, biomass bamboo has great potential for renewable energy generation within these countries. This has consequently contributed to increase in the value of bamboos while positively impacting the socioeconomic stance of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of two dimensional graphene and semi-conducting molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is of great interest for various electronic device applications. Here, we demonstrate fabrication of a hybridized structure with the chemical vapor deposited graphene and MoS2 crystals to configure a memory device. Elongated hexagonal and rhombus shaped MoS2 crystals are synthesized by sulfurization of thermally evaporated molybdenum oxide (MoO3) thin film. Scanning transmission electron microscope studies reveal atomic level structure of the synthesized high quality MoS2 crystals. In the prospect of a memory device fabrication, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is used as an insulating dielectric material as well as a supporting layer to transfer the MoS2 crystals. In the fabricated device, PMMA-MoS2 and graphene layers act as the functional and electrode materials, respectively. Distinctive bistable electrical switching and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect is observed in the fabricated PMMA-MoS2/graphene heterostructure. The developed material system and demonstrated memory device fabrication can be significant for next generation data storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article summarizes briefly some important achievements of our recent reserach on anatase and/or rutile TiO2 thin films, fabricated by helicon RF magnetron sputtering, with good crystal quality and high density, and gives the-state-of-the-art of the knowledge on systematic interrelationship for fabrication conditions, crystal structure, composition, optical properties, and bactericidal abilities, and on the effective surface treatment to improve the optical reactivity of the obtained films.

Understanding the charge carrier transport characteristics at the graphene-GaN interface is of significant importance for the fabrication of efficient photoresponsive devices. Here, we report on the temperature dependent diode and photovoltaic characteristics of a graphene/n-GaN heterostructure based Schottky junction. The graphene/n-GaN heterojunction showed rectifying diode characteristics and photovoltaic action with photoresponsivity in the ultra-violet wavelength. The current-voltage characteristics of the graphene/n-GaN heterojunction device were investigated under dark and light illumination with changes in temperature. Under dark conditions, an increase in the forward bias current as well as saturation current was observed, and a decrease in the device ideality factor was obtained with an increase in temperature. Under illumination of light, a decrease in the open circuit voltage (Voc) and an increase in the short circuit current density (Jsc) was obtained with an increase in temperature. The increase in saturation current and carrier recombination with the increase in temperature leads to a reduction in Voc, while the photo-generated carrier increases in the heterojunction interface at higher temperatures contributing to the increase in Jsc. The observed temperature dependent device characteristics of the graphene/n-GaN heterojunction can be significant to understand the junction behavior and photovoltaic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-dimensional (2D) inorganic analogues of graphene such as MoS2 and WS2 present interesting opportunities for field emission technology due to their high aspect ratio and good electrical conductivity. However, research on 2D MoS2 and WS2 as potential field emitters remains largely undeveloped compared to graphene. Herein, we present an approach to directly fabricate ultrathin MoS2 and WS2 onto Ag nano-tips using pulsed laser deposition at low temperatures of 450-500 °C. In addition to providing a layer of chemical and mechanical protection for the Ag nano-tips, the growth of ultrathin MoS2 and WS2 layers on Ag led to enhanced emission properties over that of pristine nano-tips due to a reduction of the effective barrier height arising from charge injection from Ag to the overlying MoS2 or WS2. For WS2 on Ag nano-tips, the phasic mixture was also an important factor influencing the field emission performance. The presence of 1T-WS2 at the metal-WS2 interface in a hybrid film of 2H/1T-WS2 leads to improvement in the field emission capabilities as compared to pure 2H-WS2 on Ag nano-tips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates a carbon-copper (C-Cu) composite nanostructure directly fabricated on a copper (Cu) substrate using the Ar+ ion irradiation method at room temperature. The morphology of C-Cu composite was controlled by a simultaneous carbon supply during ion irradiation. Conical protrusions formed on the surface of the Cu substrate with the low carbon supply rate (RC), whereas high RC area prominently produced nanoneedle structures. The field electron emission (FEE) tests demonstrated significant improvement between conical protrusions and nanoneedle structures, where the emission current increase from 5.70 μAcm-2 to 4.37 mAcm-2, while the turn-on field reduced from 5.90 to 2.00 Vμm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established an optimized biofilm observation method using a hydrophilic ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]). In the present study, a biofilm was formed by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Using field emission (FE) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the colonization of assemblages formed by microbial cells was observed as a function of the cultivation time. FE-TEM analysis revealed that the fibril comprises three types of protein. In addition, the ultrastructure of each protein monomer was visualized. It was expected that the curly-structured protein plays an important role in extension during fibril formation. Compared to the conventional sample preparation method for electron microscopy, a fine structure was easily obtained by the present method using IL. This observation technique can provide valuable information to characterize the ultrastructure of the fibril and biofilm that has not been revealed till date. Furthermore, these findings of the molecular architecture of the fibril and the colonization behavior of microbial cells during biofilm formation are useful for the development of antibacterial drugs and microbial utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control synthesis of high quality large-area graphene on transition metals (TMs) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the most fascinating approach for practical device applications. Interaction of carbon atoms and TMs is quite critical to obtain graphene with precise layer number, crystal size and structure. Here, we reveal a solid phase reaction process to achieve Cu assisted graphene growth in nanoscale by in-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM). Significant structural transformation of amorphous carbon nanofiber (CNF) coated with Cu is observed with an applied potential in a two probe system. The coated Cu particle recrystallize and agglomerate toward the cathode with applied potential due to joule heating and large thermal gradient. Consequently, the amorphous carbon start crystallizing and forming sp2 hybridized carbon to form graphene sheet from the tip of Cu surface. We observed structural deformation and breaking of the graphene nanoribbon with a higher applied potential, attributing to saturated current flow and induced Joule heating. The observed graphene formation in nanoscale by the in-situ TEM process can be significant to understand carbon atoms and Cu interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated a field emission lamp by employing a KMgF3 thin film as a solid-state vacuum ultraviolet phosphor. The output power of the lamp was 2 µW at an extraction voltage of 800 V and acceleration voltage of 1800 V, and it operated at wavelengths 140-220 nm, which is the shortest wavelength reported for solid-state phosphor lamps. The thin film was grown on MgF2 substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Its conversion efficiency was almost equivalent to a single KMgF3 crystal, and it had emission peaks of 155 and 180 nm in wavelength. These peaks are attributed to transitions from the valence anion band to the outermost core cation band and correspond well with emission peaks previously reported from the crystal. Additionally, we obtained a thermal-free and low-power consumption lamp by employing carbon nanofibres (CNFs) as a field emitter. A CNF emitter was easily grown at room temperature and can be grown on flexible materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report field emission (FE) properties of a chemical vapor deposited individual graphene investigated by in-situ transmission electron microscopy. Free-standing bilayer graphene is mounted on a cathode microprobe and FE processes are investigated varying the vacuum gap of cathode and anode. The threshold field for 10 nA current were found to be 515, 610, and 870 V/μm for vacuum gap of 400, 300, and 200 nm, respectively. It is observed that the structural stability of a high quality bilayer graphene is considerably stable during emission process. By contacting the nanoprobe with graphene and applying a bias voltage, structural deformation and buckling are observed with significant rise in temperature owing to Joule heating effect. The finding can be significant for practical application of graphene related materials in emitter based devices as well as understanding the contact resistance influence and heating effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct growth of aligned metal composite carbon nanofibers (MCNFs) was achieved by a highly reproducible room temperature growth process on cost effective electrically conductive copper (Cu) substrate without any catalyst. The direct fabrication of MCNFs on electrically conductive substrate might offer new perspectives in the field of field emission displays (FEDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]