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Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with top dielectric and bottom pipe-gallium nitride (GaN) distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) were demonstrated. Pipe-GaN DBR structure consisted of a lateral wet-etched pipe-GaN layer and a GaN layer in the 20 pair stack structure as an embedded reflector. The optical birefringence behavior of the anisotropic pipe-GaN structure induced the polarization properties in the reflectance and electroluminescence (EL) spectra. Polarization EL emission peaks with narrow line-widths were measured at 430.8 nm (perpendicular to pipe-GaN) and 432.5 nm (along with pipe-GaN), respectively. The EL emission peaks with high polarization ratios were observed due to the short resonance cavity effect with the birefringence pipe-GaN DBR structure.

Lithium electrochromic performance of organo-tungsten oxynitride (WOz1Cz2Nz3) films enhanced by additions of organo-iron oxynitride (FeOz1Cz2Nz3) or organo-tantalum oxynitride (TaOz1Cz2Nz3) with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) by a rapid deposition onto 60 Ω/square flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate at a short exposed duration of 54 s has been investigated. Flexible organo-tungsten-iron-tantalum oxynitride (WFexTayOz1Cz2Nz3) film possesses the significant Li+ ionic electrochromic performance, even though after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1000 times and tested for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte respectively by the potential sweep switching from the potential 2 V to − 1 V at a scan rate of − 40 mV/s and from the potential − 1 V to 2 V at a scan rate of 40 mV/s and by the potential step altering at the potential − 1 V for 20 s and the potential 2 V for 30 s, respectively. Li+ ionic intercalated charge of up to 13.2 mC/cm2 and optical modulation of up to 64.8% at a wavelength of 850 nm are proven for WFexTayOz1Cz2Nz3 film, respectively.

An enhancement of lithium ionic intercalation and conduction performance of lithiated-organo-iron-tantalum oxide (LiαFeTaxOyCz) films has been accomplished by the addition of organo-lithium oxides (LiOyCz) into organo-iron-tantalum oxide (FeTaxOyCz) films using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of lithium tert-butoxide [(CH3)3COLi] and tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OC2O5)5] precursors. The rapid deposition of LiαFeTaxOyCz films onto polished stainless steel substrates at short exposed durations of 38–41 s with an APPJ has been investigated. The APPJ-polymerized LiαFeTaxOyCz films have noticeable Li+ ionic intercalation/deintercalation performance at 200 reversible cycles in a 1-M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte as analyzed by both potential sweep and potential step in situ Li+ ionic intercalation. The Li+ ion intercalated and deintercalated charges are significantly improved from 5.70 and 5.20 mC/cm2 for FeTaxOyCz film to 8.11 and 7.51 mC/cm2 for LiαFeTaxOyCz films, respectively. The Li+ ionic conduction performance of FeTaxOyCz film is slightly enhanced from 107 × 10−10 to 118 × 10−10 S/cm for LiαFeTaxOyCzfilm, as verified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the devices of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx/FeTaxOyCz/NiOx/ITO and PET/ITO/NiOx/LiαFeTaxOyCz/NiOx/ITO.

ZnO/ZnS core-shell structures were hydrothermally grown on SiO2 substrates functioning as hydrogen gas sensing chips. Results indicate that a core-shell structure with an appropriate sulfurization period of 10 min had better H2 sensing performance than those of all other growth conditions. Furthermore, multiple material characterizations revealed that ZnS with a growth time of 10 min could form high-quality and good-adherent ZnS powders with moderate thickness attached to the ZnO nanorods. Because of their small size, portability, simple fabrication and high sensitivity, ZnO/ZnS core-shell based H2 gas sensors show promise for future H2 detecting applications.

In this study, zinc oxide nanostructures integrated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were fabricated on foldable indium tin oxide substrates. To study the influence of RGO on the material, antibacterial, and piezoelectric properties on the nanostructures, multiple material, antibacterial, and electrical measurements were performed. Results indicate that inserting a RGO layer on the foldable substrate could form nanocylinder ZnO structures, which induced hydrophobicity and better antibacterial properties. Moreover, addition of appropriate RGO into ZnO seed layer may cause the growth of finer ZnO nanorods (NRs) and enhance piezoelectric effects. With stable electrical pulse generative piezoelectric effects and antibacterial properties, ZnO nanostructures with addition of RGO on foldable substrates have potential for future flexible biomedical and electronics applications.

Flexible electrochromic organo-tungsten-iron oxide (WFexOyCz) films are rapidly deposited onto flexible (60 Ω/□ polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide; PET/ITO) substrates by a low temperature-atmospheric pressure-plasma polymerization method with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) for a short exposed duration of 48 s. The precursor vapors of tungsten hexacarbonyl [W(CO)6] and biscyclopentadienyl iron [ferrocene; Fe(C5H5)2] are mixed with O2 gases at various gas flow rates, injected into air plasma jet and sprayed onto PET/ITO substrates at room temperature (~23 °C) and at atmospheric pressure (1.013 × 105 Pa). Flexible electrochromic WFexOyCz films are synthesized with a specific addition of oxygen gases with superior lithium electrochromic properties as demonstrated by a potential sweep alternating between −1 V and 2 V at a scan rate of 40 mV/s in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte. With amorphous WFexOyCz films produced with an APPJ by adding oxygen gases at a specific flow rate of 0.5 sccm, a high value in oxygen deficiency up to 0.189 allows more Li+ ions to intercalate into and deintercalate out of the film. Significant coloration and bleaching are proven by the high values in optical transmittance modulation (ΔT) of up to 70.3%, optical density (ΔOD) up to 0.77 and color efficiency (η) up to 61.3 cm2/C, at a wavelength of 800 nm, respectively.

Organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructures-based dual light-detecting/gas-sensing devices were fabricated. In this research, polycrystalline perylene diimide (PDI) membrane was coated on ZnO nanorods (NRs), functioning as sensing nanocomposites. Multiple material analyses including scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicate that organic perylene diimide was successfully deposited on ZnO NRs, forming organic/inorganic membrane on the sensing device. To examine the influence of organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructure on photo-sensing and gas-sensing behaviors, UV light detection and CO gas sensing impulse response were measured. Results reveal that organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructure can effectively enhance UV light and CO gas dual-sensing properties with addition of PDI. The coating of organic PDI on the ZnO NRs not only improves the gas interaction capability and gas-sensing stability but also enhances the UV absorption efficiency. Owing to advantages of low cost, simple fabrication, compact size, and device stability, hybrid PDI/ZnO organic/inorganic light/gas dual-sensing devices are promising for future portable hazardous light and gas sensing applications.

Lithium ionic intercalation and conduction performance of tantalum oxides films improved by adding with iron oxides using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is investigated. Precursors [tantalum ethoxide, Ta(OC2H5)5]2] and ferrocene [Fe(C5H5)2] vapors are carried by argon gas, mixed by oxygen gas and injected into air plasma torch for rapid synthesis of organo-tantalum-iron oxides (TaFexOyCz) films onto the polished stainless steel substrate at a short exposed-duration of 35 s. The APPJ-synthesized TaFexOyCz films possess the prominent Li+ ionic intercalation performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ionic intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 mol/L LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte by switching measurements with a potential sweep from − 1.25 to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 40 mV/s. After 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ionic intercalation and deintercalation, the Li+ ions intercalated and deintercalated charges are respectively increased from 2.41 and 1.91mC/cm2 for TaOyCz film to 5.69 and 5.23 mC/cm2 for TaFexOyCz film. The Li+ ionic conduction performance of TaOyCz film is highly enhanced from 5.76 × 10−11 to 1070 × 10−11 S/cm for TaFexOyCz film, while proven by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the devices of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx/TaOyCz/NiOx/ITO and PET/ITO/NiOx/TaFexOyCz/NiOx/ITO.

In this study, ZnO nanorods (NRs) were grown using solgel/hydrothermal methods on SiO2, carbon nanotube (CNT)/SiO2, and graphene/SiO2 substrates to form hydrogen gas sensing chips. Results indicate that ZnO NRs/CNT/SiO2 structures exhibited better H2 sensing performance than the other two types of ZnO NRs-based structures. Furthermore, multiple electrical and material characterizations show that ZnO NRs/CNT/SiO2 structures had a stronger (002) crystalline phase, with nanorod fusion near the bottom, and more oxygen-related defects. Owing to their small size, simple fabrication, and low cost, the ZnO NRs/CNT/SiO2based H2 gas sensors are promising for future industrial H2 sensing applications.

The lithium ionic intercalation and conduction performance of flexible-organo-lithiated iron oxide (LixFeOyCz) films enhanced by addition of organo-lithium oxides (LiOyCz) into organo-iron oxide (FeOyCz) films by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of ferrocene [Fe(C5H5)2] and lithium tert-butoxide [(CH3)3COLi] precursors are investigated. A rapid deposition of LixFeOyCz films onto 40 Ω/square flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates at short exposed durations of 37–38 s with an APPJ has been reported. The APPJ-polymerized LixFeOyCz films possess outstanding Li+ ionic intercalation performance in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte as characterized both by potential sweep and potential step in situ Li+ ionic intercalation. The Li+ ionic intercalated (deintercalated) charge of 7.73 (6.28) mC/cm2 for FeOyCz films is advanced to 11.59 (11.22) mC/cm2 for LixFeOyCz films. The superior Li+ ionic conduction performance of LixFeOyCz films has been demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the device of PET/ITO/NiOx/LixFeOyCz/NiOx/ITO, while the Li+ ionic conductivity of up to 793.0 × 10−10 S/cm at 10% of lithium tert-butoxide precursor addition is accomplished.

An investigation has been taken on enhancing lithium electrochromic performances of mixed organotungsten oxide (WOyCz)/organotitanium oxide (TiOyCz) films, co-synthesized onto 60 Ω/square flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by a low temperature plasma polymerization method at various mixed concentrations of precursors tungsten hexacarbonyl W(CO)6 and titanium n-butoxide Ti(C4H9O)4. The plasma polymerized-organo‑tungsten‑titanium oxides (WTixOyCz) films possess notable electrochromic performances while switch tested by a potential sweep from −1 V to 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and from 1 V to −1 V at a scan rate of −50 mV/s for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-PC electrolyte, still after bended 360o around a 2.5 cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. Optical modulation (ΔT) of 74.8% for WOyCz films at a wavelength of 850 nm is appreciably progressed of up to 82.7% for WTixOyCz films as co-deposited by a low temperature plasma polymerization method.

Purpose An investigation has been performed on the improved solder wettability of oxidized aluminum (Al) with lead-free solder (96.5Sn-3.5Ag) using Ar-H2 plasmas. The lead-free solder wettability was raised from 62.2 per cent wetting for Al oxidized in air at 250 C for 4 h to 98.4 per cent wetting of oxidized Al modified by Ar-H2 plasmas at a certain H2 flow rate. This study aims to gain insight on the surface characteristics of Al affecting the solder wettability with a liquid lead-free solder. Design/methodology/approach Ar-H2 plasmas at certain H2 flow rates are intended to reduce Al oxides on the surfaces of oxidized Al substrates both by physical bombardments via Ar plasmas and chemical reductions with H2 plasmas, while Al substrates are exposed in Ar-H2 plasmas to improve the solder wettability with a liquid lead-free solder. Findings Surface characteristics of oxidized Al substrates have been identified to play key roles for enhanced lead-free solder wettability using Ar-H2 plasmas. A decrease in polar surface free energy and an increase in dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of oxidized Al substrates are exploited to advance the lead-free solder wettability. Decreased composition ratios of O to Al, detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for oxidized Al substrates, are crucial for improved lead-free solder wettability. Originality/value XPS is typically used to analyze the surface compositions of Al oxides. To provide a rapid and non-expansive method to identify the surfaces of Al substrates prior to soldering to assure lead-free solder wettability, this study proposes a measurable skill, a so-called sessile drop test method, to investigate surface free energies such as total, polar and dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of Al substrates, to illuminate how the lead-free solder wettability of oxidized Al is improved by Ar-H2 plasmas.

Enhancement on lithium ionic intercalation and conduction performance of flexible-organo-iron oxide (FeO y C z ) films, via a rapid co-synthesis with lithium oxides (LiO y C z ) onto 40 ohm/square flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at a short exposed duration of 35 s, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) by mixed ferrocene [Fe(C5H5)2] and lithium tert-butoxide [(CH3)3COLi] precursors, was investigated. APPJ-synthesized-lithiated iron oxide (Li x FeO y C z ) films exhibit the prominent Li+ ionic intercalation performance in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte potential analyzed both by potential sweep and potential step in situ Li+ ionic intercalation. The important Li+ ionic conduction performance of APPJ-synthesized Li x FeO y C z films is proven by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the device of PET/ITO/NiO x /Li x FeO y C z /NiO x /ITO. The Li+ ionic diffusion coefficient and conductivity of 1.16 × 10−10 cm2/s and 9.7 × 10−10 S/cm for FeO y C z films are, respectively, improved to 3.89 × 10−10 cm2/s and 838.0 × 10−10 S/cm for Li x FeO y C z films even after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm-diameter rod for 1000 cycles.

Flexible-transparent-lithiated-lithium tantalum oxide (Li x TaO y C z ) films deposited onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates by low temperature plasma polymerization with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various flow rates oxygen gases are investigated. Precursors [lithium tert -butoxide, (CH 3 ) 3 COLi] and [tantalum ethoxide, Ta(OC 2 H 5 ) 5 ] 2 ] vapors are carried by argon gas, mixed by oxygen gas and injected into air plasma torch for fast synthesis of Li x TaO y C z films by short durations of the substrates, 33–37 s, exposed in the plasmas. The flexible-transparent Li x TaO y C z films possess the notable Li + ion intercalation and conduction performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li + ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte by switching measurements with a potential sweep from − 1.25 V to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s, even after being bent 360° around a 2.5 cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. The Li + ionic diffusion coefficient and conductivity are respectively of up to 1.2 × 10 − 10 cm 2 /s and 1 × 10 − 8 S/cm for Li x TaO y C z films synthesized using an APPJ with a certain O 2 gases addition of 9 sccm.

An investigation was conducted into the prominent lithium electrochromic performance of flexible organo-tungsten-iron oxide (WFe x O y C z ) films deposited onto flexible (60 Ω/□ polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide) substrates. The simple one-step low temperature (∼23 °C) plasma polymerization method was used to inject the precursors tungsten hexacarbonyl [W(CO) 6 ] and biscyclopentadienyl iron [Fe(C 5 H 5 ) 2 ] into the plasma chamber, whilst being mixed with O 2 gases at various gas flow rates. The plasma-polymerized WFe x O y C z films at a certain addition of oxygen gases achieved outstanding lithium electrochemical reversibility of Li + ion intercalation and de-intercalation proven by a potential sweep switching between −1 V and 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte. High values for optical transmittance modulation (Δ T ) of up to 83.2%, optical density (Δ OD ) of up to 1.08 and color efficiency (η) of up to 62.3 cm 2 /C at a wavelength of 854.9 nm were obtained for the amorphous WFe x O y C z films synthesized by the addition of oxygen gases at a flow rate of 17 sccm. The results verified that the proper addition of oxygen gas provides a suitable routine to enhance the electrochromic properties of plasma-polymerized WFe x O y C z films.

ZnO nanorods (NRs) incorporating a graphene layer were fabricated on silicon substrates. The graphene layer was placed on top and bottom of ZnO to form graphene/ZnO NRs/Si and ZnO NRs/graphene/Si nanocomposites. To characterize these nanocomposites, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used, as well as contact angle measurements to study hydrophilic properties. Finally, OD600 bacterial growth tests were performed to investigate the bacterial suppression capabilities. Results indicate that the ZnO NRs/graphene/Si nanocomposite exhibits the strongest bacterial suppression capability among the studied nanostructures.

An indium gallium nitride (InGaN) light-emitting diode (LED) with an embedded porous GaN reflector and a current confined aperture is presented in this study. Eight pairs of n+-GaN:Si/GaN in stacked structure are transformed into a conductive, porous GaN/GaN reflector through an electrochemical wet-etching process. Porous GaN layers surrounding the mesa region were transformed into insulating GaOx layers in a reflector structure through a lateral photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation process. The electroluminescence emission intensity was localized at the central mesa region by forming the insulating GaOx layers in a reflector structure as a current confinement aperture structure. The PEC-LED structure with a porous GaN reflector and a current-confined aperture surrounded by insulating GaOx layers has the potential for nitride-based resonance cavity light source applications.

Enhanced scratch resistance of flexible carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FCFRPCs) by low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma-polymerized organo-silicon oxynitride (SiOxCyNz) films with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has been investigated. SiOxCyNz thin films deposited onto FCFRPCs by mixing precursor tetramethyldisiloxan (TMDSO) vapors with air gases, injecting into air plasma jet and spraying onto FCFRPCs using an APPJ at room temperature (~23 °C) and atmospheric pressure can prominently improve the scratch resistance of FCFRPCs. Scratch resistance of FCFRPCs is significantly enhanced from an overwhelming presence of scratching (100%) on as-received FCFRPC to a complete lack of scratching (0%) on the SiOxCyNz film deposited FCFRPC using a scratch test with a steel wool of up to 54 cycles at 100 g loading. The augmented scratch resistance of FCFRPCs by atmospheric pressure plasma-polymerized SiOxCyNz films is strongly dependent on their surface characteristics such as surface hardness, surface morphology, surface compositions and chemical bonds.Enhanced scratch resistance of flexible carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FCFRPCs) by low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma-polymerized organo-silicon oxynitride (SiOxCyNz) films with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has been investigated. SiOxCyNz thin films deposited onto FCFRPCs by mixing precursor tetramethyldisiloxan (TMDSO) vapors with air gases, injecting into air plasma jet and spraying onto FCFRPCs using an APPJ at room temperature (~23 °C) and atmospheric pressure can prominently improve the scratch resistance of FCFRPCs. Scratch resistance of FCFRPCs is significantly enhanced from an overwhelming presence of scratching (100%) on as-received FCFRPC to a complete lack of scratching (0%) on the SiOxCyNz film deposited FCFRPC using a scratch test with a steel wool of up to 54 cycles at 100 g loading. The augmented scratch resistance of FCFRPCs by atmospheric pressure plasma-polymerized SiOxCyNz films is strongly dependent on their surface characteristics such as surface har...

An investigation is conducted on enhancing lithium-ion intercalation and conduction performance of transparent organo tantalum oxide (TaO y C z ) films, by addition of lithium via a fast co-synthesis onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at the short exposed durations of 33–34 s, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OC2H5)5] and lithium tert-butoxide [(CH3)3COLi] precursors. Transparent organo-lithiated tantalum oxide (Li x TaO y C z ) films expose noteworthy Li+ ion intercalation and conduction performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte, by switching measurements with a potential sweep from −1.25 to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and a potential step at −1.25 and 1.25 V, even after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. The Li+ ionic diffusion coefficient and conductivity of 6.2 × 10−10 cm2/s and 6.0 × 10−11 S/cm for TaO y C z films are greatly progressed of up to 9.6 × 10−10 cm2/s and 7.8 × 10−9 S/cm for Li x TaO y C z films by co-synthesis with an APPJ.

An investigation has been undertaken into the improved lithium electrochromic performance of flexible tungsten oxide films by the addition of iron oxides via one step synthesis onto flexible 60 Ω/square polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates using a low temperature plasma polymerization method. The flexible organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite WOyCz, WFexOyCz and FeOyCz films are synthesized by injecting the precursors tungsten carbonyl [W(CO)6] and/or ferrocence [Fe(C5H5)2] into the plasma chamber. The capable fractions of the nano-grain boundaries between the nano-grains produced in the WOyCz and WFexOyCz films assure the reversible Li+ intercalation and deintercalation properties. The addition of iron oxides into tungsten oxide films at a certain Fe gas flow ratio enhances the optical modulation (ΔT) from 74.4 to 80.7 %, increases the optical density (ΔOD) from 0.71 to 0.92, and raises the color efficiency (η) from 48.8 to 56.6 cm2/C, respectively, at a wavelength of 721 nm, even after 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation/de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte.

Lithium electrochromic performance of flexible organo-nickel oxide (NiO y C z ) films enhanced by a rapid co-deposition with organo-iron oxide (FeO y C z ) onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at a short exposed duration of 32 s using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various gas flow ratios of ferrocence [Fe(C5H5)2] precursors added onto nickelocence [Ni(C5H5)2] precursors is investigated. The APPJ-synthesized organo-nickel-iron oxide (NiFe x O y C z ) films possess notable electrochromic performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte by the switching measurements of potential sweep from −1.25 to 1.25 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and the potential step at −1.25 and 1.25 V. The optical modulation (∆T) of 27.6 % for NiO y C z films with a thickness of 299 nm at a wavelength of 463.6 nm is highly improved up to of 46.8 % for NiFe x O y C z films with a thickness of 313 nm as synthesized with an APPJ at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (~23 °C).

A series of Sr-substituted lanthanum manganite perovskites, La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3), with mesoporous structures were prepared and coated onto a three-dimensional Ni metal foam (MF) as composite catalysts. The catalytic performances of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/MF and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/MF were found to be superior to those of La0.9Sr0.1MnO3/MF, LaMnO3/MF, and LaMnO3 powder in terms of catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide with air. Under the reaction conditions (1.5 vol.% CO and air balance at a weight hourly space velocity of 90,000 hr–1), La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/MF reached 100% catalytic oxidation of CO, which is 27% higher than that of LaMnO3 powder. Sr substitution induced an increase of Mn4+ and adsorbed surface oxygen species (O–, O2–, or O22–), which increased the number of active centers for oxidation and thus enhanced the oxidizing ability of the catalyst. The high activity and excellent stability of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/MF catalyst can be ascribed to a synergistic effect between the mesoporous structure and the high number of adsorbed oxygen species of the catalyst as well as the interconnected three-dimensional reticular configuration of the nickel metal support, which increases the number of active sites and enhances mass transfer for CO and O2. La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/MF composite can potentially be used in catalytic converters for CO removal of automotive exhaust gases.

Lithium electrochemical and electrochromic (EC) performances of flexible tungsten/molybdenum mixed oxide (WMo x O y C z ) films, deposited onto 40-Ω/square flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at room temperature (~23°C) and at the short exposed durations of 19-26 s using an atmospheric-pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various precursor injection angles, are investigated. The flexible organo-tungsten-molybdenum oxide (WMo x O y C z ) films have been identified for the remarkable EC performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li + ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1-M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte by a potential sweep switching measurement between -1 and 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s, even after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1000 cycles. The optical modulation (AT) is up to of 75.6% at a wavelength of 691.9 nm for WMo x O y C z films cosynthesized with an APPJ.

Enhanced lithium electrochromic performance of flexible tungsten oxide films by the addition of tantalum with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet in a rapid synthesis onto flexible 40 Ω/□ polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates was investigated. The flexible organic–inorganic hybrid composites WO y C z , WTa x O y C z and TaO y C z films were synthesized by injecting the precursors tungsten carbonyl [W(CO) 6 ] and/or tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OC 2 H 5 )] into an air plasma jet under an atmospheric pressure and the ambient temperature (~23 °C). The addition of tantalum into tungsten oxide films improves the optical modulation (Δ T ) from 62.3% to 74.8% (at a wavelength of 800 nm, even after 200 cycles of reversible Li + ion intercalation/de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte), reduces the coloration time from 13 s to 8 s, and increases the diffusion coefficient of the lithium ion from 0.4×10 −10 cm 2 /s to 1.2×10 −10 cm 2 /s.

An investigation is conducted into the enhanced lithium electrochromic performance of flexible tungsten/molybdenum-mixed oxide (WMo x O y C z ) films deposited onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates, using a low temperature (~23 °C) atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet at various substrate distances. The rapid synthesis of flexible WMo x O y C z films is performed by injecting the mixed hexacarbonyl and precursors W(CO)6 and Mo(CO)6 into an air plasma jet and exposing the substrate in the plasmas for short exposure durations (19–34 s) at various substrate distances. The flexible WMo x O y C z films possess the remarkable Li+ ion electrochromic performance, even though after being bent 360° around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1,000 cycles and tested for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1-M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte, respectively, by a potential sweep switching at the scan rates of ±50 mV/s from the potential of −1 to 1 V and a potential step switching at the potentials of −1 and 1 V. Significant optical modulation and optical density change of up to 71.2 % and 0.73 at a wavelength of 622 nm are respectively achieved.

A noteworthy enhancement on the scratch resistance of flexible carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FCFRPCs), by a rapid deposition (a short exposure duration of 150 s) of organosilicon oxide (SiOxCy) films, with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), via the addition of air gases at various flow rates, has been investigated. The precursor tetramethyldisiloxane vapors are mingled with air gases, injected into an air plasma jet and sprayed onto FCFRPCs using an APPJ at room temperature (~23 °C) and atmospheric pressure for the synthesis of SiOxCy thin films onto FCFRPCs to improve the scratch resistance. A scratch test with steel wool at a 100 g load, demonstrates that the scratch resistance of FCFRPCs is obviously increased from an overwhelming presence of scratching (100%) on as-received FCFRPC to a complete lack of scratching (0%) on the SiOxCy film deposited FCFRPC for up to 92 cycles. The surface characteristics, such as surface hardness, surface morphology, surface compositions and chemical bonds of atmospheric pressure plasma-polymerized SiOxCy films, are examined to find how to progress in the scratch resistance of FCFRPCs with an APPJ by air gas addition.

An investigation was conducted on the lithium electrochromic performance of flexible organo-tungsten-tantalum oxide (WTa x O y C z ) films enhanced by the addition of oxygen gases into an atmospheric pressure plasma jet at various flow rates for a short exposure duration of 33 s. The deposition of flexible WTa x O y C z films onto flexible 40 Ω/□ polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates using a certain addition of oxygen gas into plasma jet offers notable electrochromic performance after 200 cycles of reversible Li + ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte tested by potential sweep switching between − 1 V and 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and the potential step switching at − 1 V for 20 s and 1 V for 13 s. The optical modulation (Δ T ) of amorphous WTa x O y C z at a wavelength of 803.4 nm was significantly improved from 29.8% without the addition of oxygen gas to 61.2% with the addition of oxygen gas at a flow rate of 0.75 sccm into a plasma jet.

Deposition of electrochromic organonickel oxide (NiO x C y ) films onto glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates using atmospheric-pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet under various precursor injection angles is investigated. A precursor [nickelocene, Ni(C 5 H 5 ) 2 ] vapor, carried by argon gas and mixed with oxygen gas, is injected into an air plasma torch for the deposition of NiO x C y films by a short exposure of the substrate, 20 s, in the plasma. Uniform light modulation on glass/ITO/NiO x C y is produced while the moving glass/ITO substrate is exposed to the plasma torch at room temperature (~ 23 °C) and under atmospheric pressure. Light modulation with up to a 40.9% transmittance variation at a wavelength of 513.9 nm under Li + intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 –propylene carbonate electrolyte is achieved.

An investigation is conducted into fast synthesis of electrochromic organomolybdenum oxide (MoO x C y ) thin films onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates via atmospheric pressure plasma jet. A precursor [molybdenum carbonyl, Mo(CO) 6 ] vapor, carried by argon gas, is injected into air plasma torch to synthesize MoO x C y films for offering extraordinary electrochromic performance. Only low driving voltages from − 1 V to 1 V are needed to offer reversible Li + ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte. Light modulation with transmittance variation of up to 61%, optical density change of 0.54 and coloration efficiency of 37.5 cm 2 /C at a wavelength of 550 nm after 200 cycles of cyclic voltammetry switching measurements is achieved.

Enhanced lithium electrochromic performances of mixed organo-tungsten oxide (WxOyCz)/organo-molybdenum oxide (MoxOyCz) films by a rapid codeposition onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates at a short exposed duration of 23 s using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various mixed concentrations of hexacarbonyl precursors [W(CO)6 and Mo(CO)6] are investigated. The flexible organo-tungsten–molybdenum oxide (WMoxOyCz) films demonstrated noteworthy electrochromic performance for 200 cycles of reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO4–propylene carbonate electrolyte by the switching measurements of potential sweep from −1 to 1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV/s and the potential step at −1 and 1 V, even after being bent 360o around a 2.5-cm diameter rod for 1,000 cycles. The optical modulation (ΔT) of 61.3 % for MoOyCz films at a wavelength of 795.6 nm was significantly improved up to 72.5 % for WMoxOyCz films cosynthesized with an APPJ.

The voids at the interface of anisotropic conductive film (ACF) to glass are typically formed during bonding process for Chip-On-Glass (COG) packages. The low temperature (∼23 °C) Ar H 2 plasma pretreatment on glasses are investigated to enhance the void-free bonding of ACF to glass for COG packages. The void fraction of glass with ACF is significantly reduced from 52% of untreated-glass to 0% of Ar H 2 plasma-pretreated glass. The improved void-free ACF bonding is found to be highly dependent on the surface characteristics of glass. The surface energies, surface morphologies and surface compositions of glasses are discussed how to affect the enhanced void-free bonding of ACF to glass by low temperature Ar H 2 plasmas. The surface energies, such as total surface energies, polar surface energies and dispersive surface energies of glasses are obtained by calculating the basis of the measured contact angles of three various surface tensions of liquids. The surface morphologies of glasses are observed by field emitted scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The surface compositions, such as atomic compositions and chemical bond compositions of glasses are analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

This work aims to study the removal of phospholipids from Jatropha oil through a conventional degumming process combined with ultrafiltration membrane separation in a small-scale batch system. The effect of temperature, amount of acid solution added, and speed of centrifugation during the conventional degumming process were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum operating condition was determined to be at 65 °C, with 4 wt% acid solution added and a centrifugation speed of 1600 rpm. After the degumming process, the phospholipid content of Jatropha oil was reduced from 1200 ppm to 60 ppm. This was further reduced to less than 20 ppm by subjecting the oil to ultrafiltration membrane separation. It was found that the entire process not only decreased the phospholipid content of the oil but also improved its fuel properties, especially its kinematic viscosity and carbon residue. The kinematic viscosity was decreased from 30.02 cSt (mm 2 /s) to 27.20 cSt, while the carbon residue was decreased from 7.8% to 4.0%. Aside from the phospholipid content, the other two properties mentioned above were also considered to be important in the use of pure plant oil as a fuel in diesel engines. Future research could investigate the integration and optimization of the conventional degumming process combined with a membrane separation process.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of H2 flow rate on improving the solder wettability of oxidized‐copper with liquid lead‐free solder (96.5Sn‐3Ag‐0.5Cu) by Ar‐H2 plasmas. The aim was to improve the solder wettability of oxidized copper from 0 per cent wetting of copper oxidized in air at 260oC for 1 hour to 100 per cent wetting of oxidized‐copper modified by Ar‐H2 plasmas at certain H2 flow rates and to find correlations between the surface characteristics of copper and the solder wettability with liquid lead‐free solder.Design/methodology/approachTo reduce the copper oxides on the surfaces of oxidized‐copper for improving solder wettability with liquid lead‐free solder, this study attempted to apply Ar‐H2 plasmas to ablate the copper oxides from the surfaces of oxidized‐copper by the physical bombardment of the Ar plasmas and to reduce the surfaces of oxidized‐copper by the chemical reaction of H2 plasmas with the surfaces of oxidized‐copper.FindingsThe solder wettability of oxidized‐copper was found to be highly dependent on the surface characteristics of the copper. The values of polar surface free energy and dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of oxidized‐copper modified by Ar‐H2 plasmas were close to those values of solid lead‐free solder, which resulted in improved solder wettability with liquid lead‐free solder. Auger spectra indicated that the Ar‐H2 plasma modification was used to remove the copper oxides from the surfaces of oxidized‐copper.Originality/valueThe surface characterization of copper surfaces is typically determined by expensive surface analysis tool such as Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). This paper reports the results of a study of a promising technique called the sessile drop test method, for examining the surface free energies such as total surface free energy, polar surface free energy and dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of copper to clarify how the solder wettability of oxidized‐copper with liquid lead‐free solder was enhanced by Ar‐H2 plasmas.

Reversible lithium intercalation and deintercalation behavior of atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ)-synthesized organonickel oxide (NiO x C y ) thin films under various substrate distances is testified in an electrolyte (1 M LiClO4–propylene carbonate solution) at low driving voltages from −0.5 to 1.5 V. Fast responses of 2 s bleaching at −0.5 V and 6 s coloration at +1.5 V are accomplished for the nano-porous NiO x C y thin films. This study reveals that a rapid synthesis of electrochromic NiO x C y thin films in a single process via APPJ by 21 s is investigated. This study presents a noteworthy electrochromic performance in a light modulation with up to 43% of transmittance variation and a coloration efficiency of 36.3 cm2/C at a wavelength of 830 nm after 200 cycles of cyclic voltammetry measurements.

Silver vanadate (SVO) containing SBA-15 visible-light-driven photocatalyst was synthesized using the incipient wetness impregnation procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the SVO/SBA-15 powders consisted of three kinds of phase: pure Ag4V2O7 or pure α-Ag3VO4 or mixed phases of Ag4V2O7 and α-Ag3VO4. The mass spectra indicate that the main oxidation intermediate of toluene is benzaldehyde. The sample loaded with 51 wt% SVO (51SVO/SBA-15) exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. The results of two consecutive cyclic runs and regeneration indicate that the accumulation of benzaldehyde causes an irreversible deactivation of P25, but no deactivation of 51SVO/SBA-15. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of 51SVO/SBA-15 is attributed to mixed crystalline phases of Ag4V2O7 and α-Ag3VO4, where α-Ag3VO4 is the major component. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) confirms the presence of Bronsted and Lewis acids on the SVO/SBA-15 composites. A favorable crystalline phase combined with high intensities of Bronsted and Lewis acids is considered the main cause of the enhanced adsorption capacity, outstanding photoactivity, and long term stability of the SVO/SBA-15 composites.

Electrochromic organomolybdenum oxide (MoO x C y ) films are deposited onto 60 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates by low temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using a precursor of molybdenum carbonyl vapor, which is carried by argon gas, mixed with oxygen gas and synthesized by radio frequency power at room temperature (23 °C). The MoO x C y films with modified surface morphology and compositions of varying oxygen contents are proven to offer noteworthy electrochromic performance. Porous surface of the MoO x C y film (398 nm thick) provides Li + ion diffusion coefficient value of 1.7 × 10 − 10 cm 2 /s for Li + de-intercalation at a potential scan rate of 2 mV/s. High x / y value at high surface composition of oxygen to carbon in the MoO x C y film offers light modulation with transmittance variation of up to 63% and coloration efficiency of 36 cm 2 /C at a wavelength of 800 nm for 200 cycles of Li + intercalation and de-intercalation. PECVD-synthesized MoO x C y thin films show promising electrochromic properties for applications in flexible electrochromic devices.

An investigation was conducted in electrochromic performance of organotungsten oxide WOxCy films deposited onto 40 Ω/square flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/ITO (indium tin oxide) substrates using atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various precursor injection angles. A precursor [tungsten carbonyl, W(CO)6;TC] vapor, carried by argon gas, was injected into air plasma torch. The APPJ-synthesized WOxCy films were proven to offer extraordinary electrochromic performance. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) switching measurements indicated that only low driving voltages from −1 to +1 V are needed to offer reversible Li+ ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 1 M LiClO4–propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte. Light modulation with up to 72.5% transmittance variation, optical density change of 0.84 and coloration efficiency of 49.6 cm2/mC at a wavelength of 797.6 nm after 200 cycles of Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation were obtained.

Electrochromic properties of NiO x (nickel oxide) thin films sputtered on 40 Ω/□ flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/ITO (indium tin oxide) substrates were investigated. Metallic Ni target, sputtered by radio frequency (r.f.) power with argon gases and reacted with oxygen gases at room temperature (23 °C), was proven to provide significant electrochromic properties. Cyclic voltammetry switching measurements found that only low driving voltages from −0.6 V to 1 V were needed to provide reversible Li + ion intercalation and deintercalation. Light modulation with up to 40% of transmittance variation, optical density change of 0.354 and color efficiency of 67 cm 2 /C at a wavelength of 550 nm were obtained for 1100 cycles of Li + intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -PC (propylene carbonate) electrolyte.

In gasohol, the concentration of aqueous ethanol should be further increased from 95.6 % (by mass) to 99.5 % (by mass) by dehydration. In industrial processes. zeolite 3A is usually applied for alcohol-water separation. However, it adsorbs ethanol and water at a similar level (uptake of water/uptake of ethanol = 2.01), resulting in inefficient separation. In this study, potato starch was chosen as an adsorption material because of its very high selectivity and greater capacity for water (uptake of water/uptake of ethanol = 64.18). Conversely, the adsorption capacity of potato starch after regeneration will be substantially reduced, requiring further modification of the material. After regeneration. the unmodified starch decreased its adsorption capacity by 19.70 %. while the immobilized starch had a slight decrease of only 0.56 %. The sol-gel process was used to immobilize the starch, and the equilibrium adsorption isotherm was obtained to describe the immobilized sorbent. The selectivity of the immobilized starch sorbent had a ratio of 4.39 (water to ethanol). Compared to the zeolite 3A in the industrial dehydration process, this selectivity of immobilized starch is almost double that of zeolite 3A. The Langmuir model best describes the experimental isotherm curve of the selected sorbents.

An investigation was conducted on the electrochromic properties of plasma sputtered-nickel–vanadium oxide thin films on 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates. Metallic Ni 0.93 V 0.07 target, sputtered by radio frequency power with argon gases and reacted with oxygen gases at room temperature (23 °C), was proven to provide extraordinary electrochromic performance. Cyclic voltammetry switching measurements found that only low driving voltages from − 1 V to 1 V were needed to provide reversible Li + ion intercalation and deintercalation. The light modulation with up to 52% of transmittance variation, optical density change of 0.446 and color efficiency of 63.8 cm 2 /C at a wavelength of 550 nm was obtained for 200 cycles of Li + intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO 4 -propylene carbonate electrolyte.

An investigation was conducted into the electrochromic properties of organotungsten oxide WOxCy films synthesized onto 60 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates using low temperature, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at varying oxygen concentrations. The PECVD-synthesized WOxCy films were proven to offer remarkable electrochromic performance. Cyclic voltammetry switching measurements revealed that only low driving voltages from −1 to 1 V are needed to provide reversible Li+ ion intercalation and de-intercalation in a 0.1 M LiClO4–PC electrolyte. Light modulation with transmittance variation of up to 72.9% and coloration efficiency of 62.5 cm2/C at a wavelength of 650 nm was obtained.

Electrochromic performance of WOxCy films deposited onto 60 Ω/□ flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/ITO (indium tin oxide) substrates by low temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was investigated. It was proven that extraordinary electrochromic performance was provided when the precursor [tungsten carbonyl, W(CO)6; TC] vapor, carried by argon gas, was mixed with air gas and synthesized by radio frequency (r.f.) power at room temperature (23 °C). Cyclic voltammetry switching measurements found that only low driving voltages from − 1 V to 1 V were needed to provide reversible Li+ ion intercalation and de-intercalation. The light modulation with up to 63.6% of transmittance variation at a wavelength of 650 nm was obtained for 150 cycles of Li+ intercalation and de-intercalation in a 0.1 M LiClO4-PC (propylene carbonate) electrolyte.

A study was conducted into enhancing scratch resistance of flexible polycarbonate (PC) substrates by low temperature plasma-polymerized organosilica (SiO x C y ) with various O 2 flow rates. Low temperature plasma-polymerized SiO x C y by tetramethylsilane (TMS) and O 2 plasmas at room temperature (23 °C) was proven to highly improve scratch resistance of flexible PC substrates. Scratch resistance of PC substrates was greatly enhanced from 75% scratching of un-treated PC substrates to no scratching of plasma-polymerized SiO x C y on PC substrates using steel wool of 300 cycles at 200 g loading. Scratch resistance of PC substrates was strongly dependent on their surface characteristics. Surface hardness of PC substrates was determined by the pencil test. Surface morphology of PC substrate was monitored by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emitted scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The atomic compositions and chemical bondings of TMS-oxygen plasma-polymerized SiO x C y were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

An investigation was conducted on enhanced scratch resistance of polycarbonate (PC) substrates by low temperature plasma-polymerized organo-silicon oxynitride (SiO x C y N z ) with various N 2 flow rates. It was found that the low temperature plasma-polymerized SiO x C y N z with tetramethylsilane (TMS)–O 2 –N 2 plasmas in room temperature (23 °C) can be used for improving the scratch resistance of PC substrates. Scratch test demonstrates this improvement. The scratch resistance of PC substrates was greatly enhanced from the overwhelming presence of scratching (90%) on un-treated PC substrates to a complete lack of scratching (0%) on TMS–O 2 –N 2 plasma-polymerized PC substrates with steel wool for 200 cycles at 300 g loading. The results of this study indicate the performance of scratch resistance on PC substrates was highly dependent on the surface characteristics of PC substrates. The hardness of PC substrates was determined by the pencil test. The surface morphology of PC substrate was monitored by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emitted scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The atomic compositions and chemical bondings of TMS–O 2 –N 2 plasma-polymerized SiO x C y N z were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

An investigation was conducted into plasma polymerization of transparent organosilica (SiOxCy) onto flexible transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates for improving wear resistance. The plasma-polymerized SiOxCy with tetramethylsilane (TMS) and oxygen (O2) gases in room temperature (23°C) was proven to highly enhance the wear resistance from the completely worn of untreated PET substrates to no worn of TMS-oxygen plasma-polymerized PET substrates at higher discharge powers, while the wear test of 300 cycles at 300 g loading with a steel wool was applied. The performance of wear resistance on PET substrates was found to be strongly dependent on the surface characteristics of PET substrates. The surface hardness of PET substrates was determined by the pencil test. The surface morphology of PET substrate was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The atomic compositions and chemical bondings of TMS-oxygen plasma-polymerized organosilicas were analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008