Hydrophilic polyurethane acrylate and its physical property for efficient fabrication of organic photovoltaic cells via stamping transfer

Recently, stamping transfer process using by soft mold or film has been considered by promising technology to solve the drawbacks of spin coating such as deposition of large area and specific region, reducing the material loss, and multi-staking device structures. For the previous researches, polyurethane acrylate (PUA) stamp was essentially treated the 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-Perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) for self-assembled monolayer (SAM) onto the Si wafer to modify surface energy. Because the FOTS is known as corrosive material, it is necessary to develop the intrinsic property of PUA with environment friendly. In this research, we investigates non-FOTS based PUA stamping transfer and the different surface energy properties that result in various physical phenomena when used for organic photovoltaics. To transfer the material, the energy release rate (G) between the PUA and the coated material should be smaller than the G between the coated material and the substrate. As a result, hydrophilic PUA was used to reduce the interaction between the PUA and the organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) layer to transfer the BHJ layer from the PUA stamp to a PEDOT:PSS-coated ITO-substrate. 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is included as the reactive diluent to reduce the PUA viscosity, and the contact angle was measured to compare the surface property between the reference PUA and the HEMA-PUA. The stamping-transferred BHJ device exhibits a 95% relative efficiency (2.9%) when compared to that obtained when using a spin-coating process, which is considered as a good alternative to fabricate optoelectronic devices. More importantly, we have found a decrease in the fill factor (64%–58%) and a comparable performance (3.0%–2.9%) derived from the increase in the charge recombination and resistance during the stamping transfer.     

Switchgrass growth and morphological changes under established pine-grass agroforestry systems in the lower coastal plain of North Carolina,United States

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) intercropped with Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has been proposed as a potential biomass feedstock for biofuel production in the southeastern United States. This study investigated effects of treatments (intercropping vs. grass only) on biomass increment processes and morphological properties of switchgrass at two experimental plots (Lenoir1) located in the coastal plain of North Carolina. We also evaluated effects of trimming lower tree branches of pine trees on switchgrass growth at another watershed-scale site (Carteret7) in the same region. Results showed that biomass yield of intercropped switchgrass was reduced by adjacent trees and negatively affected by relative position of grass to trees at the 6th year after planting at Lenoir1. Relative grass-to-tree position was also found to be a significant (p < 0.001) factor affecting grass growth at Carteret7 site with tree age of 5 years old, which is irrespective to the trimming practice. Trimming lower tree branches did not significantly (p = 0.57) improve biomass yield of switchgrass at Carteret7. We also observed intercropped switchgrass typically had higher specific leaf area and grew taller compared to grass-only plots. Stem-to-leaf ratios of switchgrass were significantly (p = 0.02) affected by trees at Lenoir1, but not by trimming lower branches in Carteret7 and relative position of grass to trees at both study sites. Findings from this study are important for evaluating the viability of producing biofuel feedstocks using this proposed intercropping system in the southeastern United States.     

Study on the real-time size distribution of smoke particles for each fire stage by using a steady-state tube furnace method

For the analysis of the adverse effects of smoke on health, it is essential to determine the amount and location of smoke particles deposited in the respiratory tract. However, the deposition characteristics of the particles are influenced by their morphology and size distribution. Moreover, the real-time particle size distribution during inhalation is important for determining smoke particle deposition in the lungs. Smoke particles generated under different fire conditions differ in their physical and chemical characteristics. Thus, there is a need to adopt international standard methods for characterizing the particles generated in fire. In the present study, the size distributions together with morphology of smoke particles were measured for each fire stage by using the steady-state tube furnace method given in ISO/TS 19700. The size distributions of smoke particles from wood and polypropylene (PP) were measured in real time by using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI⁺), and their morphologies were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

土地利用规划的范式转变——基于生态伦理的横断面规划思想的引介

横断面规划的思想源于广阔的区域性议题及可持续发展理念,是应对生态环境问题的一种综合性的规划方法。横断面规划的基础是地理景观,地理景观反映了人与自然的关系,城乡横断面表现了人与自然关系的梯度。基于横断面的形态分类体现了人地关系的刻度,将发展目标转译为某一种形态实质是规定某一种具体的人地关系,是生态伦理价值的具体表现。以横断面分区取代功能分区,把规划调查、分析、设计和开发控制有效地整合在一起,实现了土地利用规划的范式转变。     

An insight into the inhibitory activity of dihydromyricetin against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The objective of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of dihydromyricetin (DMY) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The dilution method indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DMY against V. parahaemolyticus was at 0.625 mg/mL. The inhibitory effects of DMY against V. parahaemolyticus was further studied by analyzing cell morphology, cell injury, cell permeability, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and antibacterial rate. The results showed bacterium cells are completely inactivated in a higher concentration (10 MIC). DMY treatment also lead to an increase in cell membrane permeability, cell injury as well as CSH. A good correlation between antibacterial rate and CSH was also observed. These findings indicated DMY could be used as a new alternative natural antibacterial agent for control pathogen growth in aquatic food.     

Realization of 1 μm thick,crack-free and smooth PMN-PT film in the MPB through PLD: A comprehensive study

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the various hurdles and solutions in the realization of phase pure, pinhole-free and crack-free, 0.65PMN-0.35PT/LSCO/Pt/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si heterostructures using pulsed laser deposition. A few major inquiries were i) effect of excess PbO in the target, ii) modulation of deposition and annealing temperatures for the growth of LSCO buffer layer, iii) thickness of the buffer layer iv) effect of the flow of oxygen in the chamber during and after deposition and v) the annealing conditions; on the phase formation, morphology and leakage response demonstrated by the films. Ferroelectric response parameters viz. P_sat = 47.7 μC/cm², P_r = 20.03 μC/cm², E_C = 62.03 kV/cm and absolute area = 21460 units attest the quality of the grown film.     

The effect of TiO2 nanotube morphological engineering and ZnS quantum dots on the water splitting reaction: A theoretical and experimental study

Ordered arrays of TiO₂ nanotubes with smooth and rippled morphologies were prepared by one-step titanium oxidation in NH₄F and ethylene glycol solution. The samples were then decorated with ZnS using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The experiments under constant or pulsed applied voltage resulted in smooth and rippled TiO₂material morphologies, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, incident photon-to-current efficiency, linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the TiO₂ nanotubes, along with their photoelectrochemical activity in the water splitting reaction. An envelope function was proposed to correlate the anisotropic morphologies and broad distribution of mobility due to the random nature of charge carrier transport. The smooth and rippled morphologies were evaluated using the transmission line model. First-principles quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory at the B3LYP level are conducted to obtain a better understanding of optical properties of TiO₂.     

Transparent with wide band gap InZnO nano thin film: Preparation and characterizations

Novel indium zinc oxide (InZnO) thin film of 100 nm thickness was prepared onto pre-cleaned glass plate by thermal evaporation technique from InZnO nanoparticles. The metal oxide (In–O and Zn–O) bond and In, Zn and O elements present in the films were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the mixed phase of cubic In₂O₃ and wurzite-hexagonal ZnO structure. SEM images showed smooth surface with uniform distribution of grains (201–240 nm) over the entire film surface. High transparency and low absorption obtained from optical study. The band gap energy was evaluated to be about 3.46–3.55 eV by Tauc’s plot. The structure, smooth surface and high transparency with wide band gap energy lead the thermally evaporated InZnO nano thin film to be used for transparent layer in optoelectronic devices in the future.     

Improved dielectric constant of thermoplastic blend as a function of alumina loading

Polycarbonate (PC) and Poly (methyl methacrylate) blends were prepared by incorporating Al₂O₃ into the polymer matrix using solution blending. The modified blends were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline to amorphous phase variation was confirmed by XRD with increase in the interplanar distance (d). TGA results indicate that the thermal stability of the modified blend was significantly improved as a function of alumina loading which may be due to interfacial interaction between the alumina particles and the polymers. Scanning electron microscopy studies reveal the presence of alumina particles resulting in plane surface morphology. The modified blends show very high dielectric constant value (10⁵–10⁷) as a function of frequency (in the range 50 Hz–35 MHz) and temperature in the range (40–150 °C). The modified polymer blend demonstrate consistent polarization across the frequency band 50 Hz–10 kHz. The neutral aggregates formation due to higher concentration of alumina loading demonstrated an influence on AC conductivity. This investigation can be feasible for electronic and electrical engineering application as the dielectric medium.     

Effect of friction stir welding parameters on morphology and strength of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plate welds

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of main friction stir welding (FSW) parameters on the quality of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plate welds. Welds were carried out in a FSW machine, using a tool with a stationary shoulder and no external heating system. The welding parameters studied were the tool rotational speed which varied between 1000 and 1500 (rpm); the traverse speed which varied between 50 and 200 (mm/min), and the axial force ranging from 0.75 to 4 (kN). The major novelty is to study the influence of the parameter axial force on FSW of polymers. Produced welds have always a tensile strength below the base material, reaching the maximum efficiencies of above 60 (%) for welds made with higher rotational speed and axial force. Good quality welds are achieved without using external heating, when the tool rotational speed and axial force are above a certain threshold. Above that threshold the formation of cavities and porosity in the retreating side of the stir zone is avoided and the weld region is very uniform and smooth. For low rotational speed and axial force welds have poor material mixing at the retreating side and voids at the nugget. For this reason the strain at break of these welded plates is low when compared with that of base material.